Henkel has production sites in 52 countries. By improving existing plants, processes and structures and developing new ones, we continuously increase the safety and efficiency of these sites while reducing their resource consumption and their impact on the environment. We also foster our employees’ development. Computer-aided simulation programs help with the efficient configuration and control of individual plants and extensive production and logistics structures. Additionally, we contribute to technical and social progress through the worldwide transfer of knowledge and technology between the sites.

To ensure the Company-wide implementation of our standards for safety, health and the environment (SHE standards), we carry out regular audits at all production sites. In 2006, the internal audit program covered 22 sites around the world, with special emphasis on India and China. Over the past three years, there has been a significant improvement in the audit results. The auditors found a far higher level of SHE-compliance at the individual sites, and concluded that no urgent action was needed at any of the audited sites.

For the first time, we asked all production sites to carry out an additional self-assessment in regard to safety, environmental protection, and occupational health. The response rate was more than 98 percent. To achieve continuous improvements, we define ambitious objectives and binding measures at all levels on the basis of the audit results. Furthermore, we have our management systems externally certified, if this yields competitive advantages. At the end of 2006, about 55 percent of the production volume came from sites certified to the international ISO 14001 environmental management standard.

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our age. This is why Henkel has been taking action for many years to reduce carbon dioxide emissions that arise from energy consumption at its sites and from the use of its products. At its sites, Henkel has been working toward reducing direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions by improving energy efficiency and switching to other fuels. This has helped Henkel to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions per metric ton of production by 21 percent between 2002 and 2006.