Henkel converts 14 more plants to carbon-neutral production

The "2030+ Sustainability Target Framework" defines clear targets and goals for Henkel's global sustainability path in the areas of environment, social matters and governance. Last year, Henkel recorded significant progress in climate by reducing total carbon dioxide emissions in production by 61 percent per metric ton of product (compared to 2010 baseline), while increasing the share of electricity purchased from renewable sources to 89 percent. In 2023, an additional 14 facilities were converted to carbon-neutral production. Henkel reduced carbon dioxide emissions from raw materials and packaging (per ton of product compared to 2017 baseline) by 17 percent, bringing it closer to its net-zero target across all emission categories.

Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel shared his views on the matter:

"Sustainability is one of the core elements of our 'Purpose-Led Growth Agenda'. Especially during challenging times like these, sustainable action is more important than ever. For this reason, we are working tirelessly to implement our sustainability targets. I am very proud of the progress we achieved in 2023. Our top-tier results in leading external ESG ratings, such as our repeated EcoVadis Platinum achievement, show that we are on the right track and our progress is being recognized." One of Henkel's important targets is to promote the circular economy. Henkel increased the share of recycled plastic used in consumer product packaging to 19 percent globally. As exemplified by Persil, doubling the recycled content level to 50 percent in the entire liquid detergent portfolio in Europe represents an important example in this regard. In the areas of diversity, equality and inclusion, Henkel pursues, among other things, the goal of achieving gender equality at all management levels by 2025. Last year, the proportion of women in management positions rose to 39.5 percent. In its path to becoming a more equal and family-friendly company, Henkel launched a gender-neutral parental leave program. The new policy guarantees eight weeks of 100 percent paid parental leave for all employees worldwide.

Scope of global commitment program expanded

As part of the "Sustainability at Heart" program it launched globally in 2022, Henkel aims to further encourage employee commitment to sustainability. To this end, the company expanded the scope of training offered in 2023. More than 10,000 employees have already participated in e-learning in multiple languages and basic training in a newly developed format for production employees. In addition to detailed training programs, there is also a new Sustainability Incubator Laboratory that gives employees the opportunity to work on their own sustainability ideas.   About Henkel With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading positions in industrial and consumer business units in markets worldwide. The Adhesive Technologies business unit is a global leader in the adhesives, insulation materials and functional coatings markets. Through its consumer brands, the company is a leader in many markets and categories worldwide, particularly in laundry and home care as well as hair care. Henkel's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In the 2023 financial year, Henkel reported sales of over EUR 21.5 billion and adjusted operating profit of approximately EUR 2.6 billion.