Henkel released its sustainability report for the fiscal year 2023 today, outlining advancements in its global sustainability strategy. Notable progress was made in renewable energy usage, circular economy initiatives, product portfolio sustainability, and employee engagement efforts.
According to Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel, “Sustainability is a central pillar of our Purposeful Growth Agenda. We are therefore working continuously on the implementation of our sustainability goals, and I am proud that we made very good progress again in the course of 2023.”
Sylvie Nicol, member of the Henkel Management Board responsible for Human Resources, Infrastructure, and Sustainability, emphasized the company’s focus on sustainable sourcing, circular economy efforts, and promoting social equity. Nicol highlighted the introduction of gender-neutral parental leave as a significant step toward equity.
In terms of sustainability performance, Henkel reported a 61 percent reduction in CO2 emissions per metric ton of product compared to 2010 levels, along with an increase in the proportion of renewable electricity purchased to 89 percent. Additionally, 14 sites were converted to carbon-neutral production in 2023.
Henkel also increased the share of recycled plastic in its consumer goods packaging to 19 percent globally, with specific initiatives such as doubling the recycled content level to 50 percent for its universal liquid detergents portfolio in Europe.
The company continued its efforts to protect natural resources, achieving sustainably certified palm (kernel) oil coverage for 96 percent of its global demand by the end of 2023. Henkel celebrated a decade of collaboration with Solidaridad, benefitting over 39,000 smallholder farmers.
In the realm of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Henkel aims for gender parity across all management levels by 2025. The proportion of women in management positions increased to 39.5 percent in 2023, and a gender-neutral parental leave program was introduced.
Henkel’s commitment to sustainability garnered recognition from rating agencies like EcoVadis and Sustainalytics, placing the company in the top 1 percent of assessed firms.
Expanding its “Sustainability at Heart” program, Henkel offered training opportunities to over 10,000 employees in 2023, including a Sustainability Incubator Lab for developing sustainability ideas.