Henkel 2024 Sustainability Report: Climate Action, Recycled Packaging, and Gender Equality Progress
Henkel has released its 2024 sustainability report, showcasing progress across various areas, particularly in climate protection, circular economy, and social issues. The company has voluntarily aligned its reporting with the European Union's new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) for the first time this year.
Carsten Knobel, Henkel's CEO, commented on the company’s advancements: "We’ve made significant strides and tangible improvements in sustainability across all areas of our strategy. Even during tough times, we remain committed to our core values. Through our products, processes, and societal contributions, we aim for a more sustainable world, as demonstrated by our net-zero roadmap, targeting a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2045."
Sylvie Nicol, Executive Vice President for Human Resources, Infrastructure, and Sustainability, also highlighted key achievements, such as increasing the proportion of recycled plastic in consumer goods packaging to 25% and launching gender-neutral parental leave with full pay for at least eight weeks globally.
Henkel has made notable progress in its climate protection efforts, reducing CO2 emissions in production by 64% per ton of product since 2017. The company has also increased its use of renewable energy to 47% and set new, more ambitious Net-Zero targets. By 2045, it aims to cut its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. Short-term targets for 2030 include a 42% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 30% cut in scope 3 emissions compared to 2021. These targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). As of the end of 2024, Henkel has already reduced its scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 20% compared to 2021.
On packaging, Henkel has increased the share of recycled plastic in consumer packaging to 25% and expects to reach 30% by the end of the year. Noteworthy examples include the use of 50% post-consumer recyclate in liquid detergent and hair care packaging in Europe, and a new 100% recycled plastic packaging for Dial liquid hand soap in North America. The company aims for all consumer packaging to be recyclable, with 89% of packaging meeting this criterion by the end of 2024.
Henkel's commitment to diversity and equality is evident through its gender-neutral parental leave program, which guarantees at least eight weeks of paid leave for all employees globally, including those in diverse family situations. This program has been well-received, with 30% more employees taking parental leave compared to the previous year. The proportion of women in management has also increased to 42%.
The company has been recognized for its sustainability efforts by independent rating agencies. Henkel earned the Gold Medal from EcoVadis, placing it in the top 5% of evaluated companies, and was recognized by Morningstar Sustainalytics and Corporate Knights for its performance. Additionally, Henkel received the Sustainable Future Award 2024 for its long-standing commitment to transparent sustainability communication.
Carsten Knobel, Henkel's CEO, commented on the company’s advancements: "We’ve made significant strides and tangible improvements in sustainability across all areas of our strategy. Even during tough times, we remain committed to our core values. Through our products, processes, and societal contributions, we aim for a more sustainable world, as demonstrated by our net-zero roadmap, targeting a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2045."
Sylvie Nicol, Executive Vice President for Human Resources, Infrastructure, and Sustainability, also highlighted key achievements, such as increasing the proportion of recycled plastic in consumer goods packaging to 25% and launching gender-neutral parental leave with full pay for at least eight weeks globally.
Henkel has made notable progress in its climate protection efforts, reducing CO2 emissions in production by 64% per ton of product since 2017. The company has also increased its use of renewable energy to 47% and set new, more ambitious Net-Zero targets. By 2045, it aims to cut its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. Short-term targets for 2030 include a 42% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 30% cut in scope 3 emissions compared to 2021. These targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). As of the end of 2024, Henkel has already reduced its scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 20% compared to 2021.
On packaging, Henkel has increased the share of recycled plastic in consumer packaging to 25% and expects to reach 30% by the end of the year. Noteworthy examples include the use of 50% post-consumer recyclate in liquid detergent and hair care packaging in Europe, and a new 100% recycled plastic packaging for Dial liquid hand soap in North America. The company aims for all consumer packaging to be recyclable, with 89% of packaging meeting this criterion by the end of 2024.
Henkel's commitment to diversity and equality is evident through its gender-neutral parental leave program, which guarantees at least eight weeks of paid leave for all employees globally, including those in diverse family situations. This program has been well-received, with 30% more employees taking parental leave compared to the previous year. The proportion of women in management has also increased to 42%.
The company has been recognized for its sustainability efforts by independent rating agencies. Henkel earned the Gold Medal from EcoVadis, placing it in the top 5% of evaluated companies, and was recognized by Morningstar Sustainalytics and Corporate Knights for its performance. Additionally, Henkel received the Sustainable Future Award 2024 for its long-standing commitment to transparent sustainability communication.
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