positions

At Henkel, we are committed to entering in dialog with others who are just like us dedicated to respecting diversity of opinion and constructive exchange of ideas. This is what prompted us to take an active part in important socio-political debates, by taking a closer look at selected topical issues. What significance does the issue have for Henkel? How do we approach it as a company? Have we taken any action as a result? If yes, what? A multitude of questions. The following examples illustrate how we answer them.

Woman in Laboratory

environment

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Climate Strategy and Targets

In light of the need to reduce emissions and decarbonize the economy we aim for net-zero operations by 2030 and we will set a net-zero pathway for our Scope 3 emissions, in line with SBTI.

Engaging in Water Stewardship

Water is a precious resource essential for all life on Earth. It sustains ecosystems, regulates the planet’s climate, and supports biodiversity. Henkel aims to enable responsible and circular water use along the value chain as well as to contribute to watershed health. This Water Stewardship position complements Henkel’s Nature Policy by laying out Henkel’s Water Stewardship approach toward reaching this aim.

Responsible Biomass Utilization

Our responsibility on the way to the bioeconomy.

Sustainable Palm ‏(Kernel) Oil

Henkel drives progress toward sustainable palm oil and palm kernel oil – making a positive impact on both environment and people.

Microplastics

We are committed to ensuring that our consumer products do not cause any microplastics to enter the environment.

Creating Smarter Packaging

We drive progress towards a circular economy by creating smarter packaging for the benefit of people and the planet. Our mission is to include materials from sustainable sources into smart designs to close the loop.

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social

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Sustainable Development Goals ‏(SDGs)

The 17 UN goals represent a significant step forward in understanding the joint efforts that politics, business and society must make.

Human Rights and Social Standards

We are committed to respecting internationally acknowledged human rights along the entire value chain.

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governance

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMITMENT

Responsible Sourcing

Our responsible sourcing approach focuses on sustainability aspects along our supply chains for the benefit of people and our planet. We develop and maintain ethical and sustainable relationships.

How We Engage in the Political Debate

We are convinced that sharing expertise in the context of public policy debates and political decisions is important to best meet societal challenges and to ensure the legitimate interests of our shareholders at all levels in political and societal discussions.

Economic Contribution and Taxes

Our purpose is to create sustainable value with everything we do, which also means balancing the interests of all our stakeholders.

Responsible Consumer Communication

We communicate with our consumers in an open and transparent manner, guided by clear principles and rules.

Product Innovations

Our products help to decouple quality of life from resource use.

Product Safety

Our customers and consumers can be certain that our products are safe when used as intended.

Our Commitment: No Animal Testing for Our Products

Our products are developed and manufactured with the utmost care and are used millions of times every day. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our cosmetic products, our detergents and cleaning products, and our adhesives worldwide without animal testing.

Responsible Approach to Nanotechnology

Regarding the safe use of nanomaterials, Henkel applies the same principles as for all other raw materials.

White Biotechnology

Henkel deals very carefully and seriously with all ethical questions relating to biotechnology and genetic engineering.

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Our Sustainability Ambition Framework

Our 2030+ Sustainability Ambition Framework sets the frame for our global sustainability strategy and covers the three dimensions of ESG: Environment, Social and Governance.

Explore our Sustainability Strategy

Aerial view of a small natural pool surrounded by dense green vegetation, with three people floating in the clear, emerald water.

Environment

We are on a journey toward an environmental transformation of our business model. To achieve this ambition, we intend to transform our processes, products, and use of raw materials in the direction of a resource-efficient, net-zero future. We are focusing on climate change mitigation measures, a functional circular economy, and the protection of nature and biodiversity.

Several people working together outdoors to plant a young tree in a grassy, sunlit park area.

Social

We do everything we can to help people live better lives. Our social responsibility is to promote equity, strengthen diversity, and respect human rights. We offer our employees lifelong learning opportunities, and an attractive and healthy working environment. We advocate for social progress and access to education worldwide, and we provide assistance in emergency situations.

Close-up view of several people gathered around a large illuminated table, reviewing and marking technical blueprints with pens and digital devices.

Governance

We draw on our value-oriented corporate culture and our scientific and technological expertise to strengthen our performance while maintaining our integrity. We deliver safe and best-in-class product and technology solutions to our customers and consumers. We integrate sustainability into our portfolio and our business processes, and we provide transparent reporting about this to our stakeholders.