Originally published in the Henkel 2023 Sustainability Report

At Henkel, we consistently and successfully implemented our sustainability strategy in 2023. Here are some examples from different fields of action:

Move to Matter
In May 2023, Henkel employees attended an internal Global Sustainability Forum in Düsseldorf. Around 140 participants attended this event under the slogan “Move to Matter.” They came away inspired by the discussions and key information. The event was a great source of enthusiasm and helped to bring the attendees closer together.

Expanding Renewable Energies
We have moved another step closer to our aim of achieving climate-positive production by 2030 – with the continued expansion of renewable energies, among other initiatives. Henkel converted a further 14 sites to carbon-neutral production in 2023. We also increased the share of our purchased electricity derived from renewable sources to 89 percent.

One of the World's Best Employers
Henkel has been named one of the best employers in the world by business magazine Forbes. The “World’s Best Employers” were chosen based on a survey of more than 170,000 employees from multinational companies.

Local Networks for a Circular Economy
Henkel partnered with the Circular Valley Foundation to help advance the circular economy. The aim is to develop the Rhine-Ruhr region into an attractive location for young companies and researchers interested in the circular economy. The cooperation gives Henkel the opportunity to engage with startups and scientists from around the world, while also expanding its local network.

"It Starts With Us"
Through targeted communication, we strive to encourage responsible-minded behavior while using our products. In our Consumer Brands business unit, we have launched the initiative “It starts with us.” Simple changes to everyday behavior can help consumers to use our products in a more resource-efficient and sustainable way, for example by using the ECO program on their washing machine.

Transparency in the Product Portfolio
In 2023, the Adhesive Technologies business unit published an assessment of the sustainability of its product portfolio. An external audit confirmed the share of sales from products that contribute to sustainability in line with criteria defined by Henkel.

Paid Parental Leave for Everyone
In 2023, Henkel issued global guidelines on paid parental leave – irrespective of gender – which are set to come into force in 2024. This means that both parents will have the flexibility to take paid parental leave. With this new policy, Henkel is living up to its commitment to diversity by supporting consistent and equal access to offers such as parental leave and childcare services worldwide.

Award for New Sleeve Technology
To improve the recyclability of the PET bottle bodies used for its fabric softeners in Europe, Henkel is using a new technology called EcoFloat® for the packaging sleeve. This material is low in density and easier to separate from PET bottles at recycling facilities. The clean separation of bottle and sleeve materials is essential to enable high-quality PET to be recovered. Henkel was presented with the AWA Award for this innovation in 2023.

Learn more about Henkel's 2023 Sustainability Strategy and Successes in the 2023 Sustainability Report.

Henkel

Henkel

About Henkel in North America
In North America, Henkel operates across its three business units: Adhesive Technologies, Beauty Care, and Laundry & Home Care. Its portfolio of well-known consumer and industrial brands includes Schwarzkopf® hair care, Dial® soaps, Right Guard® antiperspirants, Persil®, Purex®, and all® laundry detergents, Snuggle® fabric softeners as well as Loctite®, Technomelt® and Bonderite® adhesives. With sales of around 6 billion US dollars (5 billion euros) in 2019, North America accounts for 26 percent of the company’s global sales. Henkel employs approximately 9,000 people across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.henkel-northamerica.com, and on Twitter @Henkel_NA.

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2019, Henkel reported sales of more than 20 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of more than 3.2 billion euros. Henkel employs more than 52,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose to create sustainable value, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

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