Henkel AG & Co. KGaA sustainability score: 38/100

Henkel reports Scope 1 (405,621 tCO2e) and Scope 2 market-based (55,988 tCO2e) for FY2024 with GHG Protocol methodology. Third-party verified annually since 2010+. CDP A rating for Climate (2025) confirms data quality. Multi-year tracking shows consistent methodology and declining operational emissions.

Henkel reports 37.7 million tCO2e Scope 3 covering purchased goods, packaging, logistics, product use and end-of-life. Climate Connect programme launched April 2024 with Manufacture 2030 for supplier emissions data collection. Raw materials and packaging account for ~25% of value-chain emissions. Scope 3 data quality still evolving.

By end 2024, Henkel achieved 20% absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG reduction vs 2021 baseline. Real absolute decarbonisation documented. Public communications historically emphasised 64% intensity reduction (2017 baseline), risking overstating progress. 2024 upgrade from intensity-based to absolute SBTi targets is positive.

Henkel sourced 89% purchased electricity from renewables (2023) and 47% total energy from renewables (end 2024). Active VPPAs: Ørsted wind farm covering 100% US operations; Spanish solar covering 40+ European sites. Target 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Thermal fossil fuel consumption remains substantial.

Zero net deforestation commitment; 97% palm oil RSPO mass-balance certified (FY2024). SBTN Corporate Engagement member (2023+). Published Nature Policy. CDP B rating for Forests (2025). No TNFD-aligned disclosure, no quantified nature footprint. Supply chain biodiversity risks (palm, surfactants, chemicals) managed but not fully mitigated.

25% recycled plastic in consumer packaging achieved by end 2024 (targeting 30% by 2025). 89% of consumer packaging designed for recyclability. Production waste reduced 38% per ton vs 2010 baseline. Bio-based hot melt adhesives (49% bio-content). Solid measurable progress; not yet closed-loop circularity.

Henkel targets 35% water reduction per ton by 2025 (vs 2010), achieving 23% globally by end 2024 and 33% in North America. UN CEO Water Mandate member (2021). Closed-loop systems deployed (Cannon Falls achieved 95% discharge reduction). CDP B for Water Security. Targets are intensity-based, not absolute. Downstream use-phase impacts acknowledged but difficult to quantify.

SBTi near-term absolute targets: 42% Scope 1&2 reduction and 30% Scope 3 reduction by 2030 (2021 base). SBTi net-zero target: 90% absolute reduction by 2045 across all scopes. Covers seven Kyoto Protocol GHGs. Reduction-first with max 10% permanent carbon removal for residuals. Executive compensation linked to SBTi targets.

Annual Sustainability Report aligned with ESRS. Chief Sustainability Officer Ulrike Sapiro; Sustainability Council chaired by EVP Sylvie Nicol. Board oversight evidenced. Executive compensation linked to Scope 1&2 targets. CDP A Climate (2025). EcoVadis Gold (top 5%). MSCI ESG AAA, FTSE4Good, Morningstar Sustainalytics Top-Rated. No B Corp certification.

French antitrust fine (2016) for price-fixing on hygiene products, resolved. Whistleblower in 2011 EU washing powder cartel (no fine). No greenwashing lawsuits. Member of CEFIC and likely BDI, both identified by InfluenceMap as oppositional to ambitious climate policy. No direct evidence of Henkel climate lobbying. Business Ambition for 1.5°C signatory.