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