How is Henkel Advancing the Sustainability Agenda?
Henkel has made significant strides in sustainability, strengthening its commitments to climate action, circular economy and social responsibility.
Henkel’s Sustainability report aligns with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), marking a step forward in transparent sustainability reporting.
Climate action: A clear path to net zero
Henkel is accelerating its efforts to decarbonise operations and its broader value chain.
The company’s 2024 Sustainability Report highlights key achievements including a 64% reduction in CO₂ emissions from production per ton of product compared to 2017, an increase in recycled plastic use to 25% and the implementation of gender-neutral parental leave.
By 2045, the company aims to achieve net zero emissions, targeting a 90% reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Short-term targets for 2030 include a 42% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions compared to 2021.
To drive these reductions, Henkel has increased its renewable energy share to 47% and expanded supplier engagement to better monitor and mitigate Scope 3 emissions.
“We have made great progress and delivered tangible improvements in sustainability over the past year – across all areas of our sustainability strategy,” says Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel.
Circular economy: Scaling recycled plastic
Henkel has increased the proportion of recycled plastic in its consumer goods packaging to 25%, with a goal of reaching 30% by the end of 2024.
In Europe, post-consumer recyclate now comprises at least 50% of liquid detergent and hair care packaging, while in North America, the company's Dial hand soap bottles are now made entirely from recycled plastic.
The company also aims for 100% recyclable consumer packaging – achieving an 89% recyclability rate by the end of 2024.
Additionally, Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies business has developed a bio-based hot melt adhesive, reducing reliance on fossil materials and cutting energy consumption during application.
Social responsibility
Henkel has taken steps to foster a more inclusive workplace, implementing a gender-neutral parental leave policy across its 47,000 employees.
This initiative guarantees at least eight weeks of fully paid parental leave for all family structures, including adoptive and LGBTQ+ parents.
The response has been positive, with a 30% increase in employees taking parental leave compared to the previous year.
The company has also advanced gender diversity in leadership, with women now making up 42% of management roles.
Additionally, Henkel introduced an annual assessment to ensure all employees receive a living wage aligned with local benchmarks, reinforcing its commitment to fair working conditions.
ESG transparency
Henkel’s 2024 Sustainability Report fully incorporates the content requirements of the ESRS, underscoring the company’s commitment to transparent and accountable sustainability practices.
“The transition to ESRS has provided us with valuable insights and strengthened our internal processes,” comments Sylvie Nicol, Executive Vice President Human Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainability.
Ulrike Sapiro, Henkel’s Chief Sustainability Officer has been recognised in Sustainability Magazine’s Top 250 Leaders and Top 250 Women.
With ambitious targets and a clear sustainability roadmap, Henkel continues to set a high standard for corporate sustainability, integrating environmental and social responsibility into its core business strategy.
Explore the latest edition of Sustainability Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Sustainability Magazine is a BizClik brand