Further progress on the agenda for holistic growth: climate protection goals expanded
In line with the sustainability ambitions of its growth agenda, Henkel has established a “Net Zero Plan”. This goes hand in hand with significantly expanded targets for reducing emissions along the value chain. To achieve Net Zero, the company has defined the following goals:
- Reduction of absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42 percent by 2030 (base year: 2021)
- Reduction of absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030 (base year: 2021)
- Reduction of absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2045 (base year: 2021)
These new goals were also validated by the “Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)”.a climate protection organization that helps companies set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets that are consistent with the Paris Climate Agreement.
“We all have to take responsibility and help limit global warming to 1.5°C, as set out in the Paris Climate Agreement – and we are already too close to this threshold,” said Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel. “We have therefore expanded our climate protection goals in order to achieve net zero in our greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. We will implement concrete measures along our entire value chain to achieve this.”
New net zero targets cover emissions along the value chain
Compared to Henkel’s previous climate protection targets, the new Net Zero targets cover a larger part of the value chain. In addition to emissions from production processes, the targets for Scope 1 and 2 emissions now include all factory processes, including emissions generated in office buildings, warehouses, research and development or from the fleet.
The reduction targets for Scope 3 cover the indirect emissions of the upstream and downstream value chain. In addition to emissions caused by raw materials and packaging, the new science-based targets also include emissions from logistics or final recycling. In addition, the goals no longer only include the reduction of CO2 emissions, but of all seven greenhouse gases defined under the United Nations Kyoto Protocol.
“Net-zero” means that all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are offset by removing them from the atmosphere. According to the SBTi’s “Net-Zero Standard”, in order to achieve the Net-Zero corporate goal, at least 90 percent of the absolute emissions across the entire value chain (Scope 1, 2, 3) must be reduced through direct reduction measures before residual emissions are neutralized, for example innovative carbon capture methods.
Maximum reduction of emissions
In order to reduce direct emissions at its own locations, Henkel will continue to increase its energy efficiency and increasingly cover its remaining energy needs with renewable energy sources. The proportion of purchased electricity that Henkel obtains from renewable sources is already 89 percent worldwide. The company recently reached an important milestone and was able to completely convert its production processes for the Consumer Brands division within Europe to renewable energy.
In order to be able to better assess CO2 emissions in the upstream supply chain, Henkel has a comprehensive Engagement program for its global suppliers called “Climate Connect” was launched. The program aims to drive decarbonization along the value chain of both business areas through the collection of emissions data. This is achieved through jointly defined measures to reduce emissions and continuous training for suppliers.
Henkel is also working to further increase the proportion of ingredients based on low-emission, renewable or recycled raw materials in its consumer goods and adhesive technologies.
With its sustainable packaging strategy, Henkel contributes to reducing emissions by minimizing the amount of packaging material and increasing the proportion of low-emission, recycled and renewable packaging alternatives. The new packaging concept for cartridges from Henkel’s consumer adhesives, for example, helps to significantly reduce the use of virgin plastic by using up to 95 percent recycled plastic from post-consumer recyclate (PCR). The initiative will be rolled out across Europe.
Since the majority of Scope 3 emissions arise in the application phase, Henkel would like to encourage consumers to behave more responsibly through targeted communication. Even if these emissions cannot be influenced directly and are therefore not part of the target, Henkel will continue to place a strong focus on educating consumers, for example through the initiative “Because it makes a difference“. This campaign from Henkel Consumer Brands offers recommendations for more resource-efficient product use in everyday life.
Further information about the company’s climate protection goals can be found in Henkel’s “Climate Transition Plan”.
henkel-climate-transition-plan.pdf
About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading global market positions in the industrial and consumer businesses. With its Adhesive Technologies division, Henkel is the global market leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With consumer brands, the company is a global leader in many markets and categories, particularly with detergents and cleaning products as well as in the hair sector. The company’s three largest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In the 2023 financial year, Henkel achieved sales of more than 21.5 billion euros and an adjusted operating result of around 2.6 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the DAX. Sustainable action has a long tradition at Henkel and the company pursues a clear sustainability strategy with specific goals. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of around 48,000 people worldwide – connected by a strong corporate culture, shared values and the corporate purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations”. Further information at www.henkel.de
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