Henkel Sustainability Commitments
2045
Reach net-zero emissions
Henkel says it aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Net-zero means cutting emissions as much as possible and balancing any remaining emissions in other ways. The company says this target covers scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, which include direct emissions from its sites, emissions from purchased energy, and emissions across its wider supply chain. Henkel says the target has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, a group that checks whether company climate goals match climate science.
2030
Cut direct and supply-chain emissions
Henkel plans to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030, compared with 2021. It also plans to cut scope 3 emissions by 30% over the same period. Scope 1 and 2 cover emissions from its own operations and energy use, while scope 3 covers emissions from suppliers, transport, product use, and disposal. The company says it will use energy efficiency, renewable electricity, and more sustainable fuels to reach these goals.
2030
Make all packaging recyclable
Henkel says it wants 100% of its packaging to be designed for recycling by 2030. It also plans to raise the share of recycled plastics in consumer packaging to at least 35% by the same year. This means the company wants more of its packaging to fit recycling systems and to use more recycled material instead of new plastic. Henkel says it will also keep improving packaging design so it uses less material and supports reuse where possible.
2030
Improve gender balance and pay equity
Henkel says it wants women and men to each hold more than 45% of management roles by 2030, and it also aims to achieve global pay equity. Pay equity means people doing work of equal value should be paid fairly, without gender-based gaps. The company says these goals will be applied in line with local laws and regional conditions. It also says it will keep building an inclusive workplace and support equal opportunity across its business.
2030
Raise supplier sustainability standards
Henkel says it wants 85% of assessable spend to be covered by third-party sustainability assessments and audits by 2030. Assessable spend means the part of its purchasing that can be checked in this way. The company says it will use these checks to improve responsible sourcing and help suppliers meet its standards on safety, health, environment, social issues, and fair business practices. It also says it will work with established suppliers to improve their sustainability maturity.
2030
Protect water and forests
Henkel says it aims to cut net freshwater withdrawal in its own operations by 25% by 2030, compared with 2021. It also says it wants zero deforestation for raw materials linked to palm oil, palm kernel oil, and pulp and paper by 2030. Net freshwater withdrawal means the amount of water taken from the environment after reuse and recycling are counted. Zero deforestation means the company wants to avoid sourcing from land linked to forest loss.
