Focus Areas

Strategic Sustainability Focus Areas

Bayer is dedicated to sustainable procurement, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting responsible sourcing of raw materials, and respecting human rights across our supply chain. In close collaboration with business partners, we enhance transparency and uphold ethical standards to drive meaningful environmental and social impact throughout all stages of the value chain. Join us in our journey towards sustainability. Learn more about our initiatives and how you can contribute.

Climate Protection and Decarbonization in the Supply Chain

Climate protection is a key element of Bayer’s strategy and is embedded in our Supplier Code of Conduct. In 2020, Bayer set significant absolute reduction targets for own operations (Scope 1 and 2) as well as for value chain emissions (Scope 3), in line with the criteria set by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), all to be achieved by the end of 2029. In 2024 we revalidated our targets with the SBTi and thereby raised the bar for our Scope 3 reduction from 12.3% to 25%. Our efforts are driven by a cross-functional Supply Decarbonization program. The program is centered around four Outcome Areas:

Supplier collaboration: Engage with suppliers to find ‘low carbon’ options and to create reduction pathways
Procurement empowerment: Equip the procurement organization with effective tools and streamlined processes to progress supplier decarbonization
Value chain engagement: Leverage industry initiatives and internal ecosystems to co-develop and accelerate and increase renewable electricity use
Performance management: Strengthen Bayer’s GHG accounting to capture emission reductions and collect Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) from suppliers

Sustainable Palm Oil

Bayer’s net-zero deforestation and human rights commitments extend to sourcing sustainable palm (kernel) oil and soy derivatives. We promote transparent, traceable, and certified value chains aligned with the Accountability Framework. Working closely with partners and suppliers, we aim to reduce our environmental footprint and uphold social and ethical standards.

To conserve renewable resources and cut CO₂ emissions, suppliers are expected to apply widely recognized sustainability standards and certifications. Bayer disclosed its palm and soy oil activities in the CDP Questionnaire and contributed to the WWF Palm Oil Scorecard.

Bayer supports certified sustainable palm oil production, particularly in Southeast Asia and other key regions.

Sustainable Soy Supply Chains

Bayer supports certified sustainable soy production, notably in South America and other key regions. As a member of the Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS), we covered 100% of our soy purchases with RTRS credits in 2025. These credits reward farmers who demonstrate compliance with environmental, social, and economic sustainability standards through audited certification. Bayer’s Crop Science division collaborates with RTRS to help Brazilian soybean producers meet these criteria. Further details on our Crop Science food chain partnerships and certification efforts are available here.

Other Plant-Based Materials

In our Pharmaceuticals division, hormones are synthesized based on sterols derived from soy and wood processing byproducts.

Promoting Human Rights in the Supply Chain

We unequivocally promote the realization of human rights. We firmly believe that respect for people is essential to achieving lasting business excellence. Bayer is committed to upholding human rights as a foundation for sustainable business excellence.

We focus on key areas including: 'Child labor Avoidance', 'Free chosen Employment’, 'Freedom of association and collective bargaining’, ‘Freedom of association and collective bargaining', 'Working time, wages & benefits’, ‘Non-discrimination and Fair Treatment', ‘Local communities and vulnerable groups’, ‘Use of security forces in compliance with human and employee rights’ and 'Health and safety'. Further information on Bayer’s human rights approach is available on our Human Rights Website.

Bayer continuously trains procurement employees and suppliers on human rights in the supply chain. We are embedding responsible purchasing practices in our category strategies and aligning procurement processes with the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (SCDDA). In agriculture, we pay particular attention to potential human rights risks among seed producers and implement preventive and mitigating measures. These efforts will continue to expand through 2026.

Meeting Due Diligence Obligations related to Conflict Materials

Bayer ensures that minerals sourced from conflict-affected regions are procured responsibly to prevent financing of conflicts and human rights violations. We apply the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template to survey relevant suppliers and identify the use and origin of minerals in our supply chain. Insights from regular industry exchanges guide process improvements and support our customers in meeting their own due diligence obligations.

Suppliers are expected to comply with Bayer’s Supplier Code of Conduct and confirm that products do not contain metals sourced from conflict regions that fund or support armed groups. Non-compliant suppliers are notified, and suitable measures are initiated immediately.

Diversity in Our Supply Base

Bayer is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion across its supply base. Through the Responsible Procurement Program, we promote economic development by advocating for small and diverse suppliers and supporting their growth and participation in Bayer’s value chain. The Supplier Code of Conduct encourages engagement with diverse-owned businesses and supports Bayer’s broader Diversity and Inclusion aspirations.