Henkel Adhesives Technologies India Private Limited (Henkel India) has partnered with GreenSole Foundation to promote sustainability and improve access to education through a circular economy initiative. As part of the collaboration, the company distributed 500 upcycled school kits to students of the Government Girls Model Sanskriti Primary & Senior Secondary School in Kasan, Manesar. Each kit includes a school bag and a pair of footwear made from discarded and repurposed materials.
The initiative reflects Henkel India’s commitment to responsible business practices by combining environmental sustainability with community development. It also demonstrates how waste materials can be transformed into useful products that benefit society while encouraging responsible consumption and resource conservation.
Footwear waste continues to be a major environmental concern. India generates nearly 1.7 million tonnes of footwear waste every year, much of which ends up in landfills because footwear is made from multiple materials that are difficult to recycle. Globally, more than 350 million pairs of shoes are discarded annually, with a single pair of athletic shoes taking several decades to decompose.
Through this initiative, discarded materials have been given a second life, helping reduce waste and lower environmental impact. The project is expected to prevent nearly 3.25 tonnes of carbon emissions while creating awareness among young students about recycling, sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The partnership with GreenSole Foundation highlights the importance of collaboration between industry and social enterprises in addressing environmental challenges. GreenSole has been working to reduce footwear waste by converting discarded shoes into products that improve the lives of underserved communities. By supporting this initiative, Henkel India is contributing to a model that combines waste reduction with social impact.
The distribution of school kits is also aimed at encouraging education by providing students with useful essentials while introducing them to the importance of sustainable living. The initiative aligns with Henkel India’s broader sustainability strategy, which focuses on reducing environmental impact and creating long-term value for communities.
Henkel is a global leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings through its Adhesive Technologies business. Its Consumer Brands portfolio includes well-known names such as Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2025, the company reported sales of approximately €20.5 billion and adjusted operating profit of around €3.0 billion. Sustainability remains a key pillar of Henkel’s global strategy.
In India, Henkel operates through Henkel Adhesives Technologies India Private Limited and Henkel Anand India Private Limited. Headquartered in Navi Mumbai, the company has four manufacturing facilities, two innovation centres, a customer experience centre, a flexible packaging academy, three application centres and five Schwarzkopf Professional academies. Henkel also operates a Global Technology Center in India and employs more than 1,700 people across the country. Through initiatives such as this partnership with GreenSole Foundation, Henkel India continues to support sustainable development while creating positive social and environmental impact.
