10/9/2025

For a sustainable future: Leipzig on it’s way to “Energy Plus”

Since its opening in 2023, our plant in Leipzig has been setting a benchmark in terms of sustainability: by using biogas, it already operates climate-neutrally – but that’s just the beginning. With the installation of a powerful photovoltaic (PV) system, the plant is now taking the next big step: with the idea to generate more energy on site than is needed for its ongoing operations, it aims to become an “Energy-Plus” site.

Dr. Lars Ratschow, Supply Chain Sustainability Manager, and Stephan Roelen, Plant Manager in Leipzig, share about the implementation of this project and explain how the new PV system contributes to Beiersdorf’s Sustainability Agenda and targets.

Stephan Roelen and Dr. Lars Ratschow connecting the photovoltaic system at the Leipzig plant – another step towards sustainable energy supply

What does “Energy Plus” mean and what role does it play for Beiersdorf?

Lars: “Energy Plus” generally means that more energy is generated than consumed – and not just occasionally, but consistently. Our plant in Leipzig is one of the first, if not the first production site within our industry to implement this concept in such a way. One reason for this is that our Leipzig plant was built “on a greenfield,” which provided the space needed for such a large photovoltaic system. Existing plants often lack the space to even think about such an option. For us, installing the PV system wasn’t just another project – it was quite close to our hearts. It strengthens our company’s resilience and helps to shape a more sustainable future.

Stephan: Sustainability is a priority for Beiersdorf and a part of our corporate strategy. Our long-term target is to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2045 and climate-neutral operations across all our sites by 2030. And that’s where our project contributes: it combines climate action with economic and financial value. In fact, the PV system is already saving us around half a million Euros annually.

What was the biggest challenge during implementation?

Stephan: One of the biggest challenges was coordinating the project framework for the PV system with all relevant external stakeholders. PV systems of this kind compete with agricultural or industrial use of the land. Only after it was clear that there are no alternative use-cases for the land next to our site, we could start with the implementation work. We then received fantastic support from the city of Leipzig.

Lars: The project was quite complex, and it wasn’t just about placing a PV system on a field of grass. We had to coordinate various earthworks and even conduct a so-called “unexploded ordnance” – so there were many alignments to take care of on the way. 

How was the project setup and what have you achieved?

Stephan: In the beginning, it was what we call a “submarine project” – meaning it was driven forward with very limited manpower. It was actually just one external colleague and myself. The rest of our plant staff was focused on the ramp-up our production volumes, which was the priority.

Lars: Later, we expanded the project team, and I joined too. As an interdisciplinary team, together with external partners, we then coordinated the setup of the PV system. Since December 2024, our first solar field has been generating electricity. It consists of 7,500 solar panels spread across more than two hectares, capable of producing around 5,000 MWh of electricity annually. This allows us to save as much CO₂ as approximately 300 people generate on average per year – about 3,000 tons.

How does the PV system work exactly?

Lars: Depending on the season and weather conditions, our solar system can fully supply the plant with its own electricity – up to 100%. During these times, we don’t need to purchase any external electricity at all. When there’s a surplus, meaning the PV system produces more electricity than we need for our operations, we feed it into the network. For 2026, we plan to use this surplus electricity for our sites in Berlin and Hamburg via an “internal green power network.”

The power produced by the photovoltaic systems is utilized to support all electronic operations within the facility.

What are you especially proud of?

Stephan: Our employees in Leipzig are very enthusiastic about the PV system and the future-orientation of our plant. The PV system is a visible sign that we are not just talking about sustainability – we are taking action. The feedback has been consistently positive, and everyone is proud to be part of a company that takes such steps.

Lars: The PV system is not only a milestone for the Leipzig plant, but also a strong testament to our overall commitment to sustainability. We are very proud that we are able to further advance our already very modern and sustainable production site in Leipzig towards an “Energy Plus” site. Leipzig is now a true flagship – not just for us, but for the entire industry. And of course, it’s a great feeling that we as Beiersdorf are actively shaping the energy transition. 

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About the editor: Katrin Selzer

Katrin has been working at Beiersdorf since 2003. After various positions in marketing, strategy, digital and PR, she is since September 2018 Senior Communication Manager and responsible for the topic of sustainability. For Katrin, sustainability has a high personal relevance, since it changes the world for the better – and she contributes by communicating about it. Her communication is very passionate and she tries to also push the topic forward. In her private life, she is constantly seeking new ways and means to live a more sustainable lifestyle and inspire others with it.

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