Henkel celebrates its 150th anniversary this year

The anniversary year 2026 will be celebrated under the motto “Future? We are ready!”, which underlines Henkel’s confidence in the future. Even in today’s challenging times – when geopolitical tensions, technological changes and increasing market challenges define the environment. The anniversary focuses on the values ​​that have shaped the company since its founding: the spirit of innovation, the power of innovation and responsibility.

“The 150th anniversary is an important milestone in Henkel’s history. It symbolizes continuity, pioneering spirit and the constant, courageous rethinking of the status quo. As a family-owned company, we have a responsibility to our employees, society and future generations. We are proud that our employees around the world bring Henkel’s shared spirit to life and uphold it every day. Our mission expresses exactly what we stand for: with our innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit, we create value and have a positive impact, while always keeping the well-being of present and future generations in mind. In other words: Pioneers at heart for the good of generations. With this in mind, I look to the future with confidence and self-assurance. “With this special anniversary, we want to reinforce our faith in our capabilities, our employees, our innovative strength and our corporate culture,” said Carsten Knobel, Chairman of the Henkel Board of Management. “The future? We are ready!” We entered the anniversary year with the motto “The future? We are ready!” – a year in which we look back with pride on our long history and at the same time look forward with confidence to the journey ahead. The focus of the anniversary is on our employees worldwide, who are the key to our success. That is why we actively involve them in the celebration with tangible benefits – such as discounts related to the employee share program, extra days off and events organized worldwide in connection with the company’s birthday in September.”

Henkel’s Hungarian subsidiary is an active participant in this year’s anniversary celebration, while already preparing for the next significant milestone. On May 12, 2027, the company will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its domestic operations – an occasion that frames the achievements and joint successes of the past decades. Over the nearly four decades, the company has had many defining milestones in its domestic career, of which it can be justifiably proud. Learn about Henkel’s 150-year international heritage and discover the most important chapters of the presence in Hungary.

An anniversary that connects: benefits for Henkel employees

With the 2026 employee share program, the company will match every employee investment by 41 percent, enabling even stronger participation in Henkel’s business success. This means that employees who purchase 100 euros worth of Henkel shares will receive shares worth 141 euros. In addition, during the anniversary year, every employee worldwide will be entitled to an additional day off in the month of their birthday.

In 2026, there will be special celebrations and activities at Henkel sites around the world that connect the company’s past with a look to the future. The highlight of the year is September 26th, the company’s founding day.

Tradition meets future: Henkel looks back on 150 years of company history

Founded in Aachen in 1876, Henkel has developed from a small detergent manufacturing company into a global company with market-leading brands such as Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. Today, Henkel generates annual sales of more than 21 billion euros and employs 47,000 people worldwide.

Henkel’s past has also been documented in a comprehensive, independent scientific study. The study “Henkel – From Detergent Manufacturer to Global Company” by Prof. Dr. Joachim Scholtyseck provides a detailed insight into the company’s development. The German edition was published on January 30, 2026, and the English version is expected in the spring.