Henkel has announced its new sustainability targets for 2030, including reducing Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by up to 42%.
The company outlined several targets and measures for 2030. It aims to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, covering direct and indirect emissions from its operations, by 42% by 2030 compared with 2021, and to cut absolute Scope 3 emissions, which originate in the upstream and downstream value chain, by 30%.
Progress to date indicates that Henkel is on the right track. By 2025, the company had achieved a 29% reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions compared with the 2021 base year and implemented carbon-neutral production at 37 sites worldwide.
In this context, Henkel has significantly increased its share of renewable electricity to 89% globally. These reductions reflect both operational improvements and intensified collaboration with suppliers and partners.
Another key element of Henkel’s environmental strategy is its commitment to supporting a circular economy. The company has set clear targets for both the share of recycled materials used in its consumer goods packaging and the proportion of packaging designed for recycling. By 2030, the share of recycled materials is expected to reach at least 35%, up from the current level of 28%. In addition, Henkel aims for 100% of its packaging to be designed for recycling by 2030, having already reached 88%.
Henkel also contributes to the development of recyclable packaging through specialised adhesive solutions developed by its Adhesive Technologies business unit. These solutions are tested in the company’s dedicated “Packaging Recyclabs”, which form part of Henkel’s customer centres in Düsseldorf and Shanghai.
“In line with our purposeful growth agenda, we are now taking the next step with new and ambitious, yet tangible sustainability goals. We are focusing on three key priorities where we believe we can make a meaningful impact and further drive sustainable value,” said Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel.
Additionally, the company aims to achieve global gender balance in management, with each gender represented at more than 45% across all management levels. By the end of 2025, the share of women in management had already exceeded 43%.
Henkel also aims to achieve global pay equity by 2030. Both targets will be implemented in compliance with local laws and through regionally tailored approaches.
Looking ahead, the company expects 85% of its suppliers to meet its sustainability criteria by 2030. Cross-industry initiatives such as “Together for Sustainability (TfS)”, alongside targeted support programmes for small and medium-sized suppliers, are key enablers of this ambition.
