Henkel Publishes 2009 Sustainability Report

DUESSELDORF, Germany and ROCKY HILL, Conn., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ --

• 25 percent cut in carbon dioxide emissions*
• 26 percent lower energy consumption*
• 37 percent lower water consumption*
• 12 percent less waste*

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

At Henkel, sustainability is a core business factor. This is why Henkel is publishing its Sustainability Report 2009 today simultaneously with its Annual Report. The Sustainability Report provides an overview of the main ecological and social developments in fiscal 2009.

"Sustainability is one of Henkel's outstanding attributes -- and an important success factor," said Kasper Rorsted, Chairman of the Management Board of Henkel at the press conference on fiscal 2009. "Our ambition is to combine the best possible product quality with effective environmental protection and social responsibility." The 40-page Sustainability Report 2009 reflects how firmly these principles are anchored throughout the entire value chain -- in purchasing and supplier management, production and logistics, sustainable brands and technologies just as much as in employee relations and social engagement.

Strong sustainability performance

Henkel works continuously to make its own processes as energy-efficient and resource-conserving as possible. To do this, the company has set itself ambitious targets for saving water, energy and waste, and avoiding occupational accidents. The 2005-2009 sustainability performance figures show the success achieved: For example, carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 25 percent, water consumption by 37 percent and the volume of waste by 12 percent -- per metric ton of output in each case. Over the same period, the number of occupational accidents fell by 57 percent.

Sustainability: a task for all of the global team -- not just the specialists

At Henkel, sustainable development depends vitally on the strong commitment of all employees. They are the people who establish the basis for sustainability around the world -- for example in research and development, purchasing, manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution. Therefore, Henkel constantly invests in the training and continuing education of its staff. This is how the company ensures that its global team will be able to meet the challenges ahead, working with its industrial and retail partners all over the world.

Every innovation contributes to sustainability

Sustainability drives innovation. Henkel's declared commitment is that all new brands and technologies contribute to sustainable development in at least one of its focal areas: energy and climate; water and wastewater; materials and waste; health and safety; and social progress. Since 2008, these focal areas have been systematically anchored in the company-wide standardized innovation process.

One such innovation is Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets, an ultra-concentrate which combines detergent, softener and anti-static effect into one product. Other examples include Diadermine skin creams which the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation (ECARF) awarded the ECARF Quality Seal and the halogen-free Loctite line of adhesives for mobile electronic equipment.

Promoting sustainable consumption

Henkel strives to foster sustainable consumption. This is because the ecological footprint of many consumer goods depends not only on production factors but also, and to a very large extent, on their efficient use by consumers. Henkel's brands and technologies are used daily in millions of households and industrial processes. They enable customers and consumers to make more efficient use of valuable resources such as energy and water. Henkel also promotes this idea through targeted communication.

The Sustainability Report, wide-ranging information on Henkel's sustainable and socially responsible business practices, as well as all rankings and ratings can be found on the Internet at www.henkel.com/sustainability.

* from 2005-2009, per metric ton of output

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 and Germany's most admired company according to a recent Fortune survey, 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 in 125 countries 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