Henkel has set a goal for 2025, where 100% of its packaging will be recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable.
During this same time period, Henkel aims to use 35% recycled plastic for its consumer products in Europe.
Reflecting the three key phases of a circular value chain, Henkel's new strategy represents a holistic approach. “ It is more important than ever for businesses, consumers, governments and other organizations to drive progress towards a circular economy. Only by reusing and recycling as much material as possible will we be able to live within the limited resources of our planet. This concept is at the heart of our approach to sustainable packaging ,” says Kathrin Menges, Executive Vice President Human Resources at Henkel and Chair of Henkel's Sustainability Council. “ Together with our partners and throughout the value chain, we want to incorporate sustainably sourced materials into smart designs to close the loop – for the benefit of people and the planet.”
Henkel is committed to including an increasing percentage of sustainable materials in its product packaging, which relates both to the use of recyclable materials, especially recycled plastic, and renewable materials such as paper and cardboard.
Given that recyclable or renewable packaging materials often come with different properties, for example, regarding stability or appearance, intelligent designs are a prerequisite for replacing virgin material in Henkel product packaging. This is why the company will focus even more on design principles that enable a circular economy from the outset.
Intelligent design is also about rethinking packaging concepts. Henkel will explore innovative solutions throughout the entire value chain, for example, in the field of packaging transportation and all related logistics.
Furthermore, Henkel will continue its efforts to reduce the amount of material in each package and ensure that the package uses only the necessary material.
The German multinational is also committed to ensuring that its product packaging can be recycled after the products have been consumed, for example, by establishing partnerships that promote appropriate recycling systems. The company will further explore solutions such as refill systems that allow consumers to reuse the packaging.
Henkel is also looking for materials that allow packaging to be returned to nature, such as biodegradable materials that meet international compostability standards.
The company is participating in the New Plastics Economy, an initiative led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation that brings together stakeholders to rethink and redesign the future of plastics and create momentum for a circular economy. Henkel has also partnered with Plastic Bank, a social enterprise that aims to reduce plastic in the oceans and offer people in poverty the opportunity to earn money or services by removing plastic waste from their local environment. The collected plastic is made available for recycling.
Through a more concentrated formula and redesigned packaging for its liquid detergents, such as Persil, Henkel achieved an immediate reduction of 3.500 tons of plastic per year in packaging material. The packaging is 100% recycled. The packaging for the new Nature Box hair and personal care product brand contains 25% recycled plastic. The lid also contains 25% recycled material from post-consumer waste. The PET packaging for the Pro Nature line of the biff, Sidolin and Pril brands is 100% made from recycled plastic. The refill packs allow consumers to reuse the original packaging. The packaging used for Pattex Made at Home all-purpose glue – and also the adjustable applicator for filigree and wide-area gluing – is made from 100% recycled material.
