Climate Change Data

Henkel KGaA

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (1991, 1994, 1996, 2000)

Reporting Period: 1991

Environmental Metrics

Waste Generated:67,600 metric tons of residual material in 1991 at Düsseldorf parent plant; 50,400 tons reused, 17,200 tons waste.

ESG Focus Areas

  • Environmental Protection
  • Safety
  • Quality
  • Ecological Responsibility
  • Social Responsibility

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced specific energy requirement in detergent spray drying by 30 percent through energy recovery and exhaust air temperature reduction.
  • Halved energy consumption in zeolite production over 10 years.
  • Considerable reduction in wastewater pollution by organic contaminants.
  • Reduced dust emissions from water glass furnaces through electrofilters and exhaust gas coolers.
  • Reduced nitrogen oxide emissions from water glass furnaces by 50-60 percent.
  • Reduced solvent use in dispersion adhesives by 25 percent since 1985 and eliminated volatile aromatic solvents since April 1992.
  • Eliminated CFCs as propellants in aerosol products.
  • Replaced chlorinated hydrocarbons in many cleaning agents with aqueous systems.
  • Developed solvent-free alternatives for many adhesives.
  • Reduced packaging material use by 10 percent between 1984 and 1990, with a further 15 percent reduction targeted by 1995.
  • Successfully implemented the Herenox process for reducing nitrogen oxides in industrial boiler plants.
  • Achieved 92 percent efficiency in the Henkel power station through engineering measures.

Social Achievements

  • Established principles of environmental and consumer protection in 1981, mandating compatibility between production processes, products, and the environment.
  • Launched a training and motivation program on 'Environmental Protection in Production' in 1990.
  • Developed and marketed environmentally compatible lubricants based on renewable raw materials.
  • Introduced phosphate-free powdered detergents with zeolite A as a phosphate substitute.
  • Developed liquid heavy-duty detergents with significantly lower surfactant amounts.
  • Developed esterquats as ecologically superior substitutes for DTDMAC in fabric softeners.
  • Developed alkyl polyglycoside (APG) surfactant for dishwashing agents, reducing surfactant consumption.

Governance Achievements

  • Commitment to the principles of the Business Charter for Sustainable Development.
  • Conducted an Eco-Audit of more than 140 production sites in 53 countries in 1988.
  • Implemented an Eco-Program with projects costing DM 23 million in 1991 focusing on environmentally friendly R&D.

Climate Goals & Targets

Environmental Challenges

  • Reducing organic aerosols in waste gases from detergent production.
  • Finding suitable alternatives for propellants in aerosol products beyond hydrocarbons and dimethyl ether.
  • Developing water-based adhesives to replace solvent-based products in all applications.
  • Reducing the environmental impact of contact adhesives.
  • Managing the disposal of used lubricants.
  • Reducing the use of volatile organic components in cosmetics.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Ongoing research and development of new compounds to replace hazardous substances.
  • Development of new, low-waste technologies.
  • Research into methods of reducing energy consumption and conserving resources.
  • Development of solvent-free alternatives and aqueous systems for adhesives and cleaning products.
  • Development of biodegradable lubricants based on renewable raw materials.
  • Development of concentrates and higher-yield products to reduce packaging material use.

Supply Chain Management

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: Business Charter for Sustainable Development

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Phosphate-free detergents with zeolite A
  • Environmentally compatible lubricants
  • Solvent-free adhesives
  • Aqueous cleaning agents

Reporting Period: 1994

Environmental Metrics

Waste Generated:61,191 metric tons of reusable residual materials produced in Düsseldorf in 1993

ESG Focus Areas

  • Environmental
  • Social
  • Governance

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 47% through eco-logistics initiatives (switching from road to rail transport).
  • Reduced hazardous substance emissions by approximately 7,600 metric tons annually through eco-logistics.
  • Developed phosphate-free detergents, significantly reducing phosphate loads in rivers.
  • Developed a process for purifying contaminated soils (TerraMet technology), removing lead pollution from a US military site.
  • Developed environmentally compatible processes for treating metal surfaces, eliminating chromium from pretreatment processes for architectural aluminum.
  • Developed solvent-free adhesives and aqueous systems for laminating purposes, reducing solvent emissions.
  • Reduced packaging waste by using lightweight packs, refillable paper pouches, and concentrates.
  • Developed a readily biodegradable drilling fluid component, replacing thousands of metric tons of mineral oil.

Social Achievements

  • Implemented an Eco Audit, a worldwide systematic analysis of environmental situation.
  • Developed an Environment Manual based on DIN/ISO 9000 system for systematic environmental protection.
  • Implemented employee training programs on environmental protection.
  • Engaged in stakeholder communication and cooperation with eco groups and local initiatives.
  • Supported recycling initiatives in Vienna, Austria.

Governance Achievements

  • Established a coordination circle 'Eco Leadership' to integrate ecological aspects into company targets and projects.
  • Implemented purchasing guidelines prioritizing suppliers with strong environmental respect.
  • Developed a databank of manufacturing processes for raw materials, accessible to customers for their own eco-balances.

Climate Goals & Targets

Short-term Goals:
  • Further reductions in methanol emissions (30% reduction).

Environmental Challenges

  • High levels of water pollution in eastern Germany.
  • High levels of soil contamination from various sources.
  • High emissions of organic substances and dust from various production processes.
  • Noise pollution from production facilities.
  • Waste disposal costs.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Environmental monitoring of rivers in eastern Germany.
  • Development of soil decontamination technologies.
  • Installation of end-of-stack filters and other emission control equipment.
  • Noise reduction program with sound dampers and shielding walls.
  • Waste prevention and recycling initiatives.
  • Improved process technologies to reduce waste and emissions.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Purchasing guidelines prioritizing suppliers with strong environmental respect.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Phosphate-free detergents
  • Solvent-free adhesives
  • Biodegradable drilling fluid component
  • Environmentally compatible processes for metal surface treatment

Awards & Recognition

  • Second prize in the category for environmentally compatible products (Bundesverband der Deutschen Industrie)
  • Special Meritorious Award for Engineering Innovation (Petroleum Engineer)

Reporting Period: 1996

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

  • Environmental Protection
  • Occupational Safety
  • Product Stewardship
  • Responsible Care

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by 50% in water glass production.
  • Reduced sulfur dioxide emissions significantly at the Genthin plant.
  • Reduced dust emissions by more than 80% through electrofilters.
  • Reduced wastewater pollution through various improvements across multiple plants.
  • Developed and implemented Eco Logistics Concept, reducing truck journeys by up to 20,000 and pollutant emissions by 7,600 tons per year.
  • Introduced Megaperls detergents, reducing detergent dosage and wastewater pollution.
  • Developed new scale inhibitor with better environmental properties than conventional products.
  • Switched to more environmentally friendly laminated film refills for detergents.
  • Improved packaging for dishwasher cleaner tabs, reducing cardboard usage by 42%.
  • Developed new folding box for powdered detergents, reducing packaging material by 20%.

Social Achievements

  • Supported the Konrad Henkel School "Kanchana buti" in Thailand.
  • Implemented emergency drill program across multiple locations.
  • Established a partnership with the city of Düsseldorf for more effective wastewater monitoring.
  • Engaged with local schools and teachers to improve communication and understanding of environmental issues.
  • Planted 860 trees at the Jacarei (Brazil) factory to restore vegetation and support biodiversity.
  • Implemented employee training courses on environmental protection and safety.

Governance Achievements

  • Integrated environmental protection and safety principles into a single Group-wide program.
  • Undertook intensive preparations for EU Eco Audit certification.
  • Established a global environmental information network (SHE network) for improved communication and early warning system.
  • Implemented a comprehensive management system for environmental protection and safety across the Henkel Group.

Climate Goals & Targets

Medium-term Goals:
  • Reduce atmospheric emissions of organic substances by approximately 50% in Cincinnati by the end of 2000.
  • Reduce the amount of anionic surfactants in wastewater by about 80% in Hoboken by end of 1997.
  • Reduce atmospheric emissions of organic substances by more than 80% in Kankakee by end of 1997.
  • Reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by about 40%, nitrogen oxide emissions by about 25%, and carbon dioxide emissions by about 25% in Little Island by end of 1998.
  • Reduce waste by 10% in Mauldin despite a planned 30% increase in production by end of 1998.
Short-term Goals:
  • Reduce average daily wastewater volume in Düsseldorf to 11,000 cubic meters by end of 1997.
  • Reduce AOX load in Düsseldorf plant wastewater to less than 3.5 kilograms per day by end of 1997.
  • Complete construction of a new emergency management center in Düsseldorf by end of 1996.

Environmental Challenges

  • Wastewater purification in small, decentralized mills processing renewable raw materials.
  • Market acceptance of more environmentally friendly products with different characteristics.
  • High costs of sludge disposal in Italy.
  • Need to reduce emissions of organic substances from increased plant exploitation and formulation changes.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Improved processing of renewable raw materials to optimize efficiency and reduce pollution.
  • Developed and implemented new, more efficient and environmentally friendly products.
  • Selected cost-effective biological purification process for wastewater treatment in Italy.
  • Initiated measures to reduce emissions of organic substances.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Cooperation with suppliers to develop more environmentally friendly raw materials and products.

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: Responsible Care

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Megaperls detergents
  • New scale inhibitor
  • Oleochemical combing lubricants
  • Alkyl polyglycosides (APGs)

Awards & Recognition

  • Dynamit-Nobel Prize for Logistics and the Environment
  • Californian Waste Reduction Award
  • Environmental Champion Award from the American Environmental Protection Agency

Reporting Period: 2000

Environmental Metrics

ESG Focus Areas

  • Safety
  • Health
  • Environment
  • Quality
  • Social Responsibility
  • Sustainable Products
  • Employee Well-being

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced energy consumption by 10% in hand soap production
  • 10% reduction in detergent consumption and packaging materials (target)
  • Reduced wastewater pollution in customer plants in the food sector
  • Development of solvent-free wrapping system for PVC window profiles
  • Development of wastewater-free, closed-circuit procedure for feather washing
  • Reduced sulfur dioxide and dust emissions in Tianjin, China
  • Reduced water consumption by 10% in Europe despite production increase

Social Achievements

  • Launched “Make an Impact on Tomorrow” (MIT) initiative supporting employee volunteer projects
  • Improved employee health through ergonomic exercises in São Paulo, Brazil, reducing work-related arm and back problems by over 80%
  • First prize for “Environmentally Oriented Business Management” from the Federation of German Industry
  • EU Commission award for sustainable development

Governance Achievements

  • Implemented integrated management systems for safety, health, environmental protection, and quality across the Group
  • Established a Sustainability Council to oversee sustainability initiatives
  • Developed a Code of Conduct and Business Ethics

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Permanent revision and consistent optimization of the entire range of products in line with SHE considerations
Medium-term Goals:
  • 25% reduction in occupational accidents by 2005
Short-term Goals:
  • Achieve AISE targets by end of 2001 (5% reduction in energy consumption per wash cycle, 10% reduction in detergent and packaging per wash cycle)
  • Group-wide certification of environmental management systems to ISO 14001 standard

Environmental Challenges

  • Lower SHE standards at some sites in Africa/Middle East
  • Occupational accidents (two fatalities)
  • Inadequate fire-fighting water supply at one plant
  • Solvent use in unsuitable plant
  • Safety deficits in handling flammable liquids at one Asian production plant
Mitigation Strategies
  • Developed medium-term improvement programs for Africa/Middle East sites
  • Upgrading work commenced for inadequate fire-fighting water supply
  • Production halted and plant modified for solvent use in unsuitable plant
  • Corrective action initiated for safety deficits in handling flammable liquids
  • Implemented targeted improvement and training measures based on accident data analysis
  • Established a corporate accident database

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Preferential use of renewable raw materials

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: EMAS (EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 9000 ff

Certifications: ISO 14001, EMAS, OHSAS 18001, ISO 9002

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Solvent-free adhesives
  • Detergents in tablet form
  • APG-based hand soaps
  • Wastewater-free production methods

Awards & Recognition

  • First prize for “Environmentally Oriented Business Management” from the Federation of German Industry
  • EU Commission award for sustainable development
  • Other awards listed on page 40