Based on preliminary figures, the CHT Group 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. The broad positioning of the customer base, which operates in sectors such as textiles, paints and varnishes, construction, automotive, electronics and consumer care, contributed significantly to this success. Growth came primarily from the APAC region (+13.7%), while the markets in EMEA (-2.5%) and the Americas (+0.4%) remained stable. Textiles accounted for 60% of turnover.

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 digitalisation, 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:

1. People – social responsibility, safe working conditions and human rights in the supply chain.

2. Planet – environmental and climate protection, resource conservation, circular economy.

3. Performance – sustainable products, innovation and economic stability.

"Sustainability is not an option - it is the prerequisite for our competitiveness of tomorrow," emphasises Dr. Christian Rink, CFO of the CHT Group. "Our investments in sustainable solutions pay off ecologically and economically." 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.

In future, the CHT Group intends to focus more on promising niche markets such as technical textiles, textile membranes and hydrophilic plasticisers.

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. 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,” emphasises Eva Baumann.