Henkel is raising the bar on its sustainability agenda, unveiling new mid-term targets for 2030 as it seeks to accelerate climate action, expand circular economy solutions, and deepen sustainability across its global value chain.

 

Building on 150 years of operations and a long-standing sustainability legacy, the company says the new goals mark a more ambitious and structured phase in its environmental strategy—one designed to deliver faster, measurable impact across operations, suppliers, and products.

 

“For 150 years, Henkel has demonstrated that responsible practice and strong business performance go hand in hand. In today’s challenging and volatile environment, it is more important than ever to take a clear and consistent stance in shaping a sustainable future,” says Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel. 

 

“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.”

 

Henkel’s leadership says the new targets are intended to embed sustainability more deeply into day-to-day business decisions across all markets and operations, strengthening accountability across its global footprint.

 

“Our proud heritage is characterized by both responsibility and pioneering spirit, especially when it comes to building a more sustainable future. The new targets reflect a strategic decision to accelerate impact across our entire value chain, providing a clear and actionable framework to embed sustainability into everyday decisions across the business. 

 

"Creating a lasting and holistic impact takes courage and a shared commitment – across all teams, markets and sites worldwide,” adds Sylvie Nicol, Executive Vice President Human Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainability.

 

At the center of the plan is an accelerated push toward net-zero emissions by 2045, backed by a Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated roadmap. Henkel aims to cut absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030 (from 2021 levels), and reduce Scope 3 emissions by 30%.

 

The company reports it is already making progress, achieving a 29% reduction across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 compared to 2021, alongside 97% global renewable electricity usage and carbon-neutral production at 37 sites.

 

Alongside emissions cuts, Henkel is expanding its shift toward a circular economy. It targets at least 35% recycled content in consumer packaging by 2030, up from 28% today, and aims for 100% of packaging to be designed for recyclability—already at 88%.

 

Henkel is also leveraging its Adhesive Technologies division to advance recyclable packaging systems, tested in dedicated “Packaging Recyclabs” in Düsseldorf and Shanghai, where new solutions are developed in collaboration with customers.

 

The company says the strategy reflects a broader effort to align climate goals with product innovation and supply chain transformation—positioning sustainability not as a side initiative, but as a central driver of its future growth.