International recognition for Henkel

Henkel has been included in the list of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” for the third year in a row.

 The ranking prepared by the US Ethisphere Institute recognizes companies from around the globe for their exemplary ethical approach to corporate governance and their commitment to sustainable development. For Henkel, corporate social responsibility is more – much more – than just a string of fine words. Fact is, the company sets itself high ethical standards in all the domains associated with CSR – as confirmed by its inclusion once again in the list of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies”. The ranking names a total of 100 corporations, Henkel being the only Germany based one. Among thousands of applicants from over 100 countries, Henkel was able to convince the expert jury, comprising US scientists, academics, lawyers and government representatives, of the merits of its candidacy. The multistage assessment process was based on business conduct as demonstrated in a range of categories including social engagement, management style and innovation strength.

“We are delighted to have received this international accolade. The ranking confirms that, in Henkel’s case, corporate social responsibility and exemplary corporate governance are actually practiced virtues", said the company's CEO, Kasper Rorsted. “Our commitment to sustainable development also serves to motivate our employees, enhancing their identification with the company and – through this – further contributing to our commercial success.”

Henkel’s performance has repeatedly been adjudged as excellent, not just by numerous national and international ranking agencies but also by the company’s customers. At the last Davos economic forum, for example, “Corporate Knights” – a specialist magazine dedicated to corporate citizenship issues – presented a list of the 100 most sustainable companies in the world. This placed Henkel eleventh with only one German company ahead of it in the ranking. In 2009, Henkel was again included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) as the sector leader in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) category. And the company was also cited as one of those included in the index that had shown most progress in the sustainability field over the review period.

Henkel provides extensive information on sustainability and corporate social responsibility, plus all the relevant rankings and ratings, on its website www.henkel.com/sustainability.

And more information relating to the Ethisphere rankings can be found at: www.ethisphere.com.