Henkel Expands Sustainability Roadmap with Focus on Emissions Reduction, Equity and Responsible Sourcing

DÜSSELDORF

(IN BRIEF) Henkel has announced new sustainability targets for 2030, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, advancing circular economy practices, promoting gender equity, and strengthening sustainable supply chains. The company aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42 percent and Scope 3 emissions by 30 percent while working toward net-zero by 2045. It also plans to increase recycled plastic use in packaging to at least 35 percent and ensure full recyclability. Social goals include achieving balanced gender representation in management and global pay equity, while supply chain targets aim for 85 percent of suppliers to meet sustainability standards. These initiatives build on Henkel’s existing progress and reinforce its commitment to integrating sustainability across its global operations.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 14-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Henkel has introduced a new set of sustainability targets for 2030, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to responsible business practices while accelerating progress across its global operations. The updated goals form part of the company’s broader strategy to integrate sustainability more deeply into its value chain, aligning environmental, social, and governance priorities with long-term growth.

The company has outlined ambitious climate objectives, targeting a 42 percent reduction in absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions and a 30 percent reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, based on 2021 levels. These milestones contribute to Henkel’s long-term ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. The company is pursuing this pathway through increased energy efficiency, expanded use of renewable energy, and closer collaboration with suppliers and partners. Recent progress includes a significant reduction in emissions and the adoption of carbon-neutral production at multiple global sites, alongside a substantial increase in renewable electricity usage.

Carsten Knobel emphasized that sustainability and business performance remain closely linked, highlighting the importance of maintaining a clear and consistent approach to environmental and social responsibility in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Sylvie Nicol noted that the updated targets are designed to provide a practical and measurable framework for embedding sustainability into everyday business decisions, while fostering collaboration across teams and markets.

Henkel is also strengthening its focus on circular economy principles. By 2030, the company aims to increase the proportion of recycled plastic in consumer packaging to at least 35 percent and ensure that all packaging is designed for recyclability. Significant progress has already been made, with a large share of packaging currently meeting recyclable design criteria. The company continues to support these efforts through innovations in adhesive technologies and dedicated testing facilities that advance packaging sustainability.

In addition to environmental goals, Henkel is advancing its commitment to social responsibility. The company is working toward achieving a balanced gender representation of at least 45 percent for both men and women across management levels by 2030, while also aiming to ensure global pay equity. Progress toward these objectives has already been demonstrated, with a growing share of women in leadership roles across the organization.

Supply chain sustainability remains another key priority. Henkel is intensifying collaboration with its suppliers to improve standards related to environmental protection, social responsibility, and ethical business practices. By 2030, the company aims for 85 percent of its suppliers to meet defined sustainability criteria, supported by industry initiatives such as Together for Sustainability and targeted programs for smaller partners.

Henkel’s ongoing efforts have been recognized through leading sustainability assessments, including improved ratings in global benchmarks such as CDP and EcoVadis. These achievements reflect the company’s continued commitment to driving measurable impact while maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability.

By setting these new targets, Henkel is reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable business practices, combining innovation, operational excellence, and responsible governance to create long-term value for both society and the environment.

The full set of the new sustainability targets can be found here.

Media Contacts:

Sina Pfanschilling
Henkel
Corporate Media Relations
Headquarters: Düsseldorf/Germany
+49-211-797-9904
press@henkel.com

Kathrin Brokmeier
Henkel
Corporate Media Relations
Headquarters: Düsseldorf/Germany
+49-211-797-8605
press@henkel.com

SOURCE: Henkel