Henkel Adhesive Technologies Achieves First Carbon Neutral Manufacturing Sites, Powered by 100% Renewable Energy

The aerospace manufacturing plant in Montornès, Spain, has been a lighthouse project for Adhesive Technologies.

(IN BRIEF) Henkel Adhesive Technologies, a leader in sustainability, has achieved a major milestone by making its manufacturing sites carbon neutral and sourcing 100% renewable energy. As part of its 2030+ Sustainability Ambition Framework, the company has invested in various sustainability projects worldwide. The initiatives include using renewable electricity, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and promoting circularity in water and production waste. By transitioning to renewable energy sources and adopting energy-efficient solutions, Henkel has already achieved carbon neutrality in its aerospace manufacturing plant in Spain and three additional adhesive production sites. The company aims to further increase the use of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency across its global operations. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is committed to driving progress towards its sustainability goals and creating value for its stakeholders.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 21-Jun-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  Henkel (ETR: HEN3), a German chemical and consumer goods company as well as a global leader in sustainability, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its journey towards climate-positive operations. As part of its 2030+ Sustainability Ambition Framework, Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies business unit has successfully transformed its manufacturing sites into carbon neutral facilities, sourcing 100% renewable energy. This achievement reflects Henkel’s commitment to driving positive change and creating value for stakeholders worldwide.

With 124 sites operating globally, Adhesive Technologies has taken proactive steps to invest in various sustainability projects aimed at optimizing operations. The focus areas include the increased utilization of electricity generated from renewable sources, the implementation of cutting-edge technologies for thermal energy production without fossil fuels, and the promotion of circularity in water and production material usage.

Dimitri Kozak, Head of Sustainability and Environmental Performance in Operations at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, emphasized the significance of this accomplishment, stating, “By setting the goal of becoming climate positive in operations by 2030, Henkel is leading the adhesive, sealants, and functional coatings industry in addressing the pressing issue of climate change. Our holistic actions across all manufacturing sites worldwide are a testament to our commitment. We are proud to have already achieved carbon neutrality in our aerospace manufacturing plant in Montornès del Valles, Spain, and this year, we have successfully transitioned three additional adhesive production sites to carbon neutrality, with more to come in the near future.”

To achieve carbon neutral production, Adhesive Technologies has made continuous investments in technologies that facilitate the local usage of 100% electric and thermal energy from renewable sources. By combining on-site renewable energy generation with green energy procurement, the aerospace manufacturing plant in Montornès has become a flagship project for the business unit. Similarly, the adhesives manufacturing sites in Chennai, India, Tuzla, Turkey, and Bileca, Bosnia and Herzegovina, have also achieved carbon neutrality. These sites have successfully transitioned to electricity sourced from on- and off-site renewable energy sources, while incorporating energy-efficient solutions such as LED lighting, smart motion sensors, and natural lighting. Furthermore, fossil fuel-based systems have been replaced with electrical alternatives for heating and hot water generation.

By the end of 2022, approximately 60% of all Adhesive Technologies sites will be powered by electricity generated from renewable sources. For instance, all manufacturing facilities in Mexico have been equipped with technologies enabling the exclusive use of 100% renewable electricity. In Australia, the business unit has invested in renewable energy infrastructure in Seven Hills, New South Wales, and Kilsyth, Victoria, ensuring that all adhesive manufacturing sites in the country operate on 100% renewable electricity. Furthermore, when constructing new sites, Henkel integrates sustainability considerations into the design phase. The Songdo plant in Korea, opened in 2022, exemplifies this approach with features such as solar panels, a rainwater recycling system, and energy-efficient equipment.

To significantly reduce the CO2 footprint in production, Adhesive Technologies has also invested in technologies that replace fossil fuels for thermal energy generation. The Cannon Falls plant in Minnesota, USA, has implemented regenerative thermal oxidizer technology, enhancing efficiency and reducing gas consumption. This technology thermally treats volatile organic compounds instead of releasing them into the atmosphere, resulting in reduced direct emissions and an annual gas savings of over 11,000 MWh.

Circularity is another key priority for Adhesive Technologies, with a focus on circular water usage and the sustainable management of production waste. By optimizing the hot water cleaning process in one of its adhesive production facilities in Düsseldorf, Germany, the business unit has achieved up to 50% freshwater savings per cleaning and disinfection cycle, along with a 50% reduction in energy consumption. The Cannon Falls site has introduced a facility chiller system, estimated to save 18,000 m3 of water annually, by replacing individual units with a centralized, continuous circulating system. The Warren facility in Michigan, USA, has implemented a reverse osmosis system that increases water reuse and reduces consumption by 40% annually.

Adhesive Technologies is also committed to improving waste management practices, with 85% of all adhesive manufacturing sites achieving zero waste to landfill status (ZWTL). The Chivilcoy plant in Argentina has implemented an innovative biological waste treatment process involving earthworms, transforming materials into organic matter. This process enables the reuse of approximately 2,500 m3 of wastewater annually, while generating 50 m3 of compost that is donated to local agricultural producers and used for environmental awareness events.

Through these comprehensive initiatives and projects, Henkel Adhesive Technologies is making significant strides towards achieving its sustainability ambitions in production.

About Henkel:
Henkel is a global market leader in the industrial and consumer businesses, known for its brands, innovations, and technologies. The Adhesive Technologies business unit holds the top position globally in the adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings market. Henkel’s Consumer Brands division is a leader in hair care and laundry & home care in many markets and categories worldwide. The company’s strongest brands include Loctite, Persil, and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2022, Henkel reported sales of over 22 billion euros and an adjusted operating profit of approximately 2.3 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed on the German stock index DAX. Sustainability is deeply embedded in Henkel’s heritage, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Established in 1876, Henkel employs a diverse team of more than 50,000 people worldwide, united by a strong corporate culture, shared values, and a common purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” For more information, visit www.henkel.com.

Media contacts:

Sebastian Hinz
Adhesive Technologies
Media Relations
Icon +49 211 797-8594
Icon press @henkel.com

SOURCE: HENKEL ADHESIVE TECHNOLOGIES