The German chemical and consumer goods giant sets ambitious science-based targets for emissions reduction across its entire value chain, promising a 90% cut in greenhouse gases by 2045 as part of its purposeful growth strategy.
Stepping up the fight against climate change, chemical and consumer goods manufacturer, Henkel, has laid out its most ambitious environmental commitment: eliminating 90% of its greenhouse gas emissions within two decades.
The Düsseldorf-based company unveiled its comprehensive net-zero roadmap last week, marking a decisive shift in how one of Europe’s largest chemical producers plans to tackle its environmental footprint.
The new strategy, announced on November 4, 2024, represents a marked strengthening of Henkel’s environmental commitments. The targets are now verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which ensures alignment with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
“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,” emphasised Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel, underlining the urgency of the company’s enhanced climate commitment.
The company’s roadmap outlines three primary targets: a 42% reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, a 30% cut in scope three emissions by the same year, and an overall decrease of 90% across all scopes by 2045, all measured against a 2021 baseline.
Notably, Henkel’s new targets are more comprehensive than their predecessors, encompassing emissions from the entire operational spectrum. The scope extends beyond production facilities, including office buildings, warehousing, research and development centres, and the company’s vehicle fleet.
Henkel has already made significant progress in pursuit of these ambitious goals. The company currently sources 89% of its electricity from renewable sources globally and recently achieved carbon-neutral energy usage across all European production processes within its Consumer Brands division.
Henkel has launched ‘Climate Connect’ to address upstream emissions, an innovative supplier engagement programme. This initiative aims to accelerate decarbonisation throughout the value chain by collecting emissions data, implementing reduction strategies, and providing continuous supplier training across its business units.
The company is also tackling packaging-related emissions through sustainable innovations. A prime example is their new packaging concept for consumer adhesive cartridges, which incorporates up to 95% post-consumer recyclate (PCR), significantly reducing virgin plastic usage across European operations.
Understanding that product use accounts for a substantial portion of scope three emissions, Henkel has intensified its consumer education efforts. The “It starts with us” campaign from Henkel Consumer Brands provides practical guidance for more resource-efficient product usage in daily life. However, these consumption-phase emissions fall outside the net-zero target parameters.
Following the SBTi’s ‘Corporate Net-Zero Standard’, Henkel’s approach prioritises direct emissions reduction over carbon offsetting. The company aims to achieve at least 90% absolute emission reductions across its value chain through direct abatement measures before considering innovative carbon capture methods for residual emissions.
The comprehensive strategy also includes increasing the proportion of low-emission, renewable and recycled raw materials in consumer goods and adhesive technologies, demonstrating Henkel’s commitment to sustainable innovation across its product portfolio.
Overall, this bold climate action plan reflects Henkel’s recognition of the urgent need for corporate leadership in environmental stewardship. As one of Germany’s largest chemical and consumer goods manufacturers, the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions could set a new standard for industrial sustainability and inspire similar ambitious targets across the sector.
