Progress on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) goals reflected in QIAGEN securing a „Prime“ rating and among the industry leaders with ISS-ESG rating // Environment: Net-zero target validated by Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), achieved 20% decrease in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, reduced plastic usage by 16.5% in 2022 // Social: Increasing workforce diversity with 35% women in leadership, delivered 16 million QuantiFERON-TB tuberculosis tests globally in 2022 // Governance: Enforcement of ethical supplier policy, secures 95% supplier compliance

QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA)  announced the release of its Sustainability Report 2022, emphasizing its unwavering focus on driving positive change for society through its goals for Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) metrics.

The report showcases QIAGEN’s strategic approach towards sustainable transformation, including its ambitious emissions reduction goals, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and efforts to expand global access to vital medical testing.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to driving positive change for the planet and its people. As a leading company in life science research and molecular diagnostics, our determination to advance science and improve healthcare access has never been stronger,” said Thierry Bernard, CEO of QIAGEN. “Our annual ESG report not only showcases our progress in environmental, social, and governance efforts but also serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication of our more than 6,000 QIAGENers worldwide, who work tirelessly to make improvements in life possible.”

Action for the environment

In early 2023, QIAGEN’s emissions reduction targets were validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), positioning it among the few companies in its sector with a verified net-zero science-based target. The company has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, using 2020 as the base year.

In 2022, QIAGEN made significant strides, reporting a 20% decrease in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 13% reduction in Scope 3 emissions compared to 2021. QIAGEN also surpassed its target for a 9% reduction in plastic usage, achieving a 16.5% decrease. Initiatives to reduce plastic include eco-friendly transport boxes in the EMEA region and replacing expandable polystyrene (EPS) coolers with environmentally friendly packaging at an initial US site.

Action for people and society

In 2022, QIAGEN continued to provide access to life-saving Sample to Insight solutions to communities worldwide. For example, more than 16 million QuantiFERON-TB tuberculosis tests were performed globally, with significant contributions to high-burden, low-resource countries such as Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Indonesia, India, and Brazil.

QIAGEN was listed in the Global Disability Equality Index for the first time in 2022 and will use the results to identify and implement specific actions to better promote equity in its workforce. The company also increased the participation of women in leadership roles from 28% in 2018 to 35% in 2022 and aims to achieve 36% or more by 2023.

Action for best practices in governance

QIAGEN strives to ensure that its suppliers and customers share the same values and continues to promote responsible and ethical business conduct combined with respect for human rights as a fundamental value.

QIAGEN introduced measures in 2022 to ensure that its products are used ethically in accordance with its Human Rights Policy. Additionally, the company launched a new supplier policy that requires suppliers to meet the expectations on environmental protection, labor rights, health and safety, and corruption. By the end of 2022, the top 95% of suppliers by expenditure had signed the policy, and all suppliers that accept purchase orders from 2023 need to agree to comply with the policy. In 2022, 95% of QIAGEN’s overall purchasing volume came from OECD countries.

ISS-ESG rating increased, QIAGEN continues among top industry leaders

QIAGEN has been recognized for its ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices with a recent ESG rating upgrade from ISS-ESG. The independent rating agency has elevated QIAGEN’s rating from C+ to B-, reaffirming its “Prime” status and placing it among the top 10% of all companies in the “Health Care Equipment & Supplies” industry. QIAGEN’s ESG performance has also been acknowledged by other independent rating agencies. MSCI ESG Research gave QIAGEN a grade A in its rating, and Sustainalytics ESG Risk Ratings placed the company in the low-risk group.