CHT Group focuses on sustainable growth
Investments at record level
Based on preliminary figures, the CHT Group, a global supplier of specialty chemicals based in Tübingen, demonstrated its resilience and strategic foresight in the 2024 financial year. Despite volatile global conditions, the company recorded sales growth to EUR 614.3 million (+2%) and a significant increase in EBIT to EUR 21.1 million - an increase of EUR 13.4 million compared to the previous year. Growth came primarily from the APAC region (+13.7%), while the markets in EMEA (-2.5%) and the Americas (+0.4%) remained stable.
Significant increase in profit in the 2024 financial year - Sustainability as a key strategic lever - Investments at a record level
CHT Germany GmbH
The clear future course is also evident on the investment side: at 44.2 million euros, the CHT Group invested more than ever before - particularly in the further development of digitalization, expansion of the global production sites and increasing sustainability. In Germany alone, investments amounted to 9.2 million euros, which corresponds to an increase of 124%.
“The past year shows that we are on track with our strategic direction,” says Eva Baumann, CEO of the CHT Group. “We have proven that profitable growth and sustainability are not opposites, but mutually reinforcing. We will focus on this successful development in the long term and align our further growth accordingly.
Sustainability as a growth driver: Strategy 2030 and beyond
Sustainability is not a trend, but has been an integral part of our corporate strategy for many years. The company is currently developing its Strategy 2030+ and continues to systematically pursue the goal of anchoring sustainability along the entire value chain.
The key sustainability targets include:
- Reduction of specific water and energy consumption by 10% by 2025
- Introduction of an energy management system at all production sites
- Increase the proportion of sales accounted for by sustainable ECO Range products to 80%
- Over 90% of the relevant purchasing volume with sustainably-certified suppliers
- Climate neutrality by 2045, with scientifically validated interim targets of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi):
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions Scope 1+2 by 42 % by 2030,
- Scope 3 by 25 % - CHT is aiming for a reduction of 95 % in all areas by 2045.
The sustainability strategy is based on three central pillars:
- People – social responsibility, safe working conditions and human rights in the supply chain
- Planet – environmental and climate protection, resource conservation, circular economy
- Performance – sustainable products, innovation and economic stability
"Sustainability is not an option - it is the prerequisite for our competitiveness of tomorrow," emphasizes Dr. Christian Rink, CFO of the CHT Group. "Our investments in sustainable solutions pay off ecologically and economically."
The globally operating company focuses on sustainable specialty chemicals solutions in markets such as textiles, paints and coatings, construction, automotive, electronics and consumer care. As part of its strategic focus, the company has set itself ambitious targets in the area of sustainability - including reducing emissions in accordance with SBTi requirements, increasing the proportion of sustainable products to 80% and introducing energy management at all sites.
The CHT Group is a foundation company and part of the Reinhold Beitlich Foundation. Its values - responsibility, innovation and sustainability - are firmly anchored in the corporate culture.
Reinforcement of the management team underlines ambitions
With the appointment of Dr. Christian Rink as CFO in October 2024 and Dr. Lorenza Sartorelli as COO on April 1, 2025, the management team was expanded in a targeted manner. Dr. Christian Rink brings extensive experience from the international foundation company Bosch, while Dr. Lorenza Sartorelli has extensive experience from the international chemicals group Evonik. These are ideal prerequisites for driving forward operational excellence, financial strategy and sustainability transformation.
“I am delighted to be part of this dynamic corporate development,” says Dr. Lorenza Sartorelli, COO of the CHT Group. “My focus is on increasing efficiency, site development and operational implementation of the sustainability strategy - both globally and locally.”
A look ahead
“With clear goals, strong results and an expanded management team, our company is well positioned to further expand its role as a sustainable innovation leader in specialty chemicals,” emphasizes Eva Baumann.
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