Stahl's 2025 ESG Report presents further progress and sharpened strategic focus

Waalwijk, the Netherlands, 21 April 2026 – Stahl, a global provider of speciality coatings for flexible materials, has published its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. The report outlines Stahl's recent progress on its ESG Roadmap to 2030 and the steps the company is taking to live its purpose: Touching lives, for a better world.

Maarten Heijbroek, CEO of Stahl: "2025 marked the completion of a multi-year transformation for Stahl. We sharpened our strategy, enhanced our portfolio and strengthened the foundations of our business. This ESG report reflects that journey, not as a record of activities, but as a clear statement of focus: on impact, on accountability and on long-term value creation. Progress is only possible thanks to the commitment of our people. ESG lives in our everyday decisions, actions and behaviours. As we look ahead, our ESG Roadmap to 2030 remains our compass, keeping us focused on what truly matters.”

Focused on what matters
In recent years, Stahl has transitioned into a pure-play speciality coatings company for flexible materials, as well as further embedding sustainability into its strategy and reinforcing strong governance across the organisation. This focus allows Stahl to concentrate its efforts on reducing environmental impact, keeping people safe, acting with integrity and supporting customers and partners.

In February 2026, Stahl’s majority shareholder, Wendel, announced that it had entered into an agreement to be acquired by Henkel, after 20 years of ownership. The transaction is subject to customary approvals and reflects Stahl’s position as a focused, resilient company guided by a clear ESG roadmap.

ESG progress in 2025
From an environmental perspective, Stahl’s Scope 1 and 2 absolute emissions have declined by 34% since 2021, driven by the transition to green electricity and electrification, on track to achieve its science-based, SBTi-validated reduction targets by 2030. Significant progress was also made on reducing its Scope 3.1 footprint, through portfolio management and close collaboration with suppliers and value chain partners. During 2025 the scope 3.1 absolute emissions reduced by 19.4% since 2024.

In 2025 Stahl completed its transformation journey and entered a period of organisational evolution, focusing on the alignment of processes and embedding stable structures. Stahl made improvements to its safety performance in 2025, with a reduction in reportable injuries supported by a global 'Safety Cornerstones' training for all employees.

The company also launched its first Reverse Mentoring programme, pairing Gen Z mentors with senior leaders to strengthen cross-generational learning, accelerate cultural transformation, and equip leaders with fresh perspectives on digitalisation, innovation, inclusion and new ways of working.

The Fair Wage Network renewed Stahl’s Living Wage certification until 2027 in recognition of our commitment to fair and responsible employment.

Collaboration across the value chain has been essential in driving Stahl’s transformation and advancing progress towards its 2030 goals. Its supplier engagement programme includes EcoVadis supplier assessments and ongoing dialogue on key topics such as environmental impact, human rights, and health and safety, supporting the advancement of sustainable practices and consistent standards across the value chain. In addition, 88% of Stahl’s raw material expenditure now goes through EcoVadis-rated suppliers. In 2025, Stahl engaged with suppliers below the threshold to help improve their performance.

These efforts continue to be recognised externally, with Stahl maintaining its EcoVadis Platinum rating for the fourth consecutive year, placing the company among the top 1% of all assessed organisations.

Read Stahl’s 2025 ESG Report in full here.