Henkel has announced a new set of sustainability targets for 2030, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to responsible business practices and sustainable development. Building on a legacy that spans 150 years, the company is entering a new phase focused on accelerating impact across its global value chain through an integrated approach encompassing climate action, circular economy, equity, and responsible sourcing.
Carsten Knobel, Chief Executive Officer of Henkel, emphasized the importance of sustainability in today’s evolving global landscape. “For 150 years, Henkel has demonstrated that responsible business practices and strong performance go hand in hand. In a complex and volatile environment, taking a clear stance on sustainability is more critical than ever. Our new targets reflect our commitment to purposeful growth, with a focus on areas where we can create meaningful and lasting value,” he said.
Echoing this vision, Sylvie Nicol, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainability, highlighted the company’s strategic direction. “Our heritage is defined by responsibility and innovation. These new targets provide a clear framework to embed sustainability into everyday decision-making across our global operations. Achieving lasting impact requires commitment across teams, markets, and partners worldwide,” she noted.
A central pillar of Henkel’s strategy is its pathway to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. Supported by a comprehensive roadmap validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the company is scaling efforts to reduce emissions across its operations and value chain. By 2030, Henkel aims to cut absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42 percent, alongside a 30 percent reduction in Scope 3 emissions, using 2021 as the baseline year.
The company has already made significant progress. By 2025, Henkel achieved a 29 percent reduction in combined Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, while implementing carbon-neutral production at 37 sites globally. Additionally, renewable electricity now accounts for 97 percent of its global energy consumption. These achievements are driven by enhanced operational efficiencies and closer collaboration with suppliers and partners.
Henkel is also strengthening its commitment to a circular economy. By 2030, the company aims to increase the share of recycled materials in its consumer goods packaging to at least 35 percent, up from the current 28 percent. Furthermore, it plans to ensure that 100 percent of its packaging is designed for recycling, building on the current level of 88 percent. The company’s Adhesive Technologies business unit continues to support this goal through advanced adhesive solutions tested in dedicated Packaging Recyclabs in Düsseldorf and Shanghai.
On the social front, Henkel is advancing its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company aims to achieve global gender balance in management roles by 2030, ensuring that each gender represents more than 45 percent across all management levels. As of the end of 2025, women already hold over 43 percent of management positions. Henkel is also working toward achieving global pay equity, with implementation tailored to regional regulatory frameworks.
Strengthening sustainable supply chains remains another key focus. Henkel is working closely with suppliers to improve standards in safety, environmental performance, and ethical business practices. By 2030, the company expects 85 percent of its suppliers to meet its sustainability criteria. Initiatives such as “Together for Sustainability” and targeted support for small and medium enterprises are helping drive this effort.
Henkel’s progress continues to be recognized globally. In 2025, the company achieved an “A” rating in the CDP climate assessment for the first time and retained its Gold rating from EcoVadis, underscoring its leadership in sustainability performance.
With a portfolio of leading brands including Loctite, Persil, and Schwarzkopf, Henkel operates across industrial and consumer markets worldwide. In fiscal 2025, the company reported sales of approximately €20.5 billion and an adjusted operating profit of around €3.0 billion. Listed on Germany’s DAX index, Henkel employs around 47,000 people globally, united by a shared purpose of driving sustainable progress for future generations.
