Henkel Listed in 'World's Most Ethical Companies' for Third Time

DUESSELDORF, Germany and ROCKY HILL, Conn., March 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Henkel has been included in the list of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" for the third year in a row. The ranking prepared by the U.S. Ethisphere Institute recognizes companies from around the globe for their exemplary ethical approach to corporate governance and their commitment to sustainable development. In North America, Henkel manufactures Dial® soaps, Purex® laundry detergents, and Loctite® adhesives.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091111/HENKELLOGO )

The ranking names a total of 100 corporations, with Henkel being the only German-based one. Among thousands of applicants from over 100 countries, Henkel was selected by an expert jury comprised of U.S. scientists, academics, lawyers and government representatives. The multistage assessment process was based on business conduct as demonstrated in a range of categories including social engagement, management style and innovation strength.

"We are delighted to have received this international accolade. The ranking confirms that, in Henkel's case, corporate social responsibility and exemplary corporate governance are actually practiced virtues," said the company's CEO, Kasper Rorsted. "Our commitment to sustainable development also serves to motivate our employees, enhancing their identification with the company and - through this - further contributing to our commercial success."

Henkel's performance has repeatedly been judged as excellent, not just by numerous national and international ranking agencies but also by the company's customers. At the last Davos economic forum, for example, "Corporate Knights" - a specialist magazine dedicated to corporate citizenship issues - presented a list of the 100 most sustainable companies in the world.  Henkel placed eleventh with only one German company ahead of it in the ranking. In 2009, Henkel was again included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) as the sector leader in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) category. And the company was also cited as one of those included in the index that had shown most progress in the sustainability field over the review period.

Henkel provides extensive information on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, plus all the relevant rankings and ratings, on its website www.henkel.com/sustainability.

More information relating to the Ethisphere rankings can be found at www.ethisphere.com.

Henkel in North America

Henkel markets a wide range of well-known consumer and industrial brands in North America, including Dial® soaps, Purex® laundry detergents, Right Guard® antiperspirants, got2b® hair gels, and Loctite® adhesives.  Visit www.henkelna.com for more information.

Henkel has been committed to making people's lives easier, better and more beautiful for more than 130 years. A Fortune Global 500 company, Henkel offers strong brands and technologies in three areas of competence: Home Care, Personal Care and Adhesive Technologies. Each day, more than 50,000 employees worldwide are dedicated to fulfilling Henkel's claim "A Brand like a Friend". In fiscal 2009, Henkel generated sales of 13,573 million euros and adjusted operating profit of 1,364 million euros.

SOURCE Henkel