Henkel to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 90% by 2045

Working towards "Leading for Good for Future Generations," Henkel continues to achieve success in climate protection and circular economy, as well as in social matters. The target at Henkel is to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% by 2045.
 
During the year, Henkel voluntarily reported in accordance with the requirements of the European Union's new 'Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive' (CSRD) and 'European Sustainability Reporting Standards' (ESRS). Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel shared his views on the subject as follows: "Last year we achieved successful results across all areas of our sustainability strategy.

We maintained our commitment to core values even in challenging times. Through our products, processes and contributions to society, we are working steadily towards a more sustainable world. This is reflected in our net zero roadmap, which aims to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2045."

New climate protection targets
By the end of last year, compared to the baseline year 2017, Henkel reduced carbon dioxide emissions per ton of product manufactured by 64% and increased the share of energy sourced from renewable sources to 47%.

Henkel also established 'Net Zero Targets' last year that cover a larger portion of the value chain compared to previous climate targets. Henkel aims to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% by 2045. In line with short-term climate targets, Henkel plans to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 42% by 2030 (compared to 2021) and absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30%.

The new targets were also approved by the 'Science Based Targets initiative' (SBTi), a climate change organization that supports companies in setting greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement. By the end of 2024, Henkel reduced Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20% compared to 2021.

Sustainable packaging solutions
Henkel increased the share of recycled plastic in the packaging of consumer products to 25%. The company aims to reach 30% by the end of this year. Henkel also targets designing all consumer product packaging to be recyclable. By the end of 2024, this ratio reached 89%.

Equal opportunities and fair working conditions
A milestone in the area of equality and equity was the gender-neutral parental leave program that the company implemented for all 47,000 employees worldwide. The program guarantees at least eight weeks of paid parental leave and applies to all family structures, including adopted or foster children and single parents. In addition to very positive feedback on the program, the number of employees using parental leave worldwide increased by approximately 30% compared to the previous year.

Additionally, Henkel succeeded in increasing the proportion of women in management positions to 42%.