Challenges and Responsibility

The Henkel Group's sustainability performance from 2000 to 2004 confirms the high level of attention to environmental protection and occupational safety. This is clearly illustrated by the Henkel Sustainability Report 2004. In the past five years, operating profit (EBIT) increased by 27 percent and sales by 18 percent, while carbon dioxide emissions per metric ton of output, for example, were reduced by 12 percent over the same period. The Company's occupational health performance is also good; since 2000 the occupational accident rate has been cut by 56 percent. Henkel's long-term objective remains zero accidents.

We assume responsibility wherever Henkel operates.

Dialogue for sustainable and socially responsible solutions

A unilateral commitment to sustainability is not enough. Progress is only possible in cooperation with our customers, suppliers, and all social groups. It is essential to show due respect for the different values, customs, expectations and needs of people in different countries and markets. Recognizing this, Henkel asked five sustainability experts to contribute to the current report by describing the challenges they see in their countries and regions, and those facing a company like Henkel.

Accepting national challenges

One of the five sustainability experts is Mikhail Kozeltsev, Executive Director of the Regional Environmental Centre in Moscow, Russia. In his statement he said "Only if companies accept national challenges can they gain public confidence. Poverty may be considered as the major challenge for Russian society. Companies should provide job security and ensure the well being of their employees. A well-developed policy of corporate social responsibility targeted at the needy, and especially children, in the different Russian regions will gain public recognition." According to Kozeltsev, there is a lack of investment in his country. Technology transfer is vital for Russia's continued economic growth. Appropriate geographical location of companies in all regions of Russia is also of crucial importance to social cohesion in the country.