Henkel has participated in international sustainability initiatives for many years. As long ago as 1991, Henkel committed to the business Charter for Sustainable Development of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and began to align its business activities to sustainability.

By participating in the Global Compact, the Henkel Group publicly committed to uphold human rights and fundamental principles and rights at work, and to protect the environment. The spirit of the Global Compact is already embedded in Henkel`s vision and values. The associated corporate value reads: Henkel is dedicated to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The corporate ethics deriving from this sense of responsibility are anchored in Henkel''s corporate standards and Code of Conduct.

Henkel''s primary starting point for supporting sustainable development and the principles of the Global Compact is responsibly organizing its business process. In so doing, Henkel uses integrated management systems, which are based on global uniform standards on health, safety, environment, and quality. They will be expanded by the end of 2004 to include socially relevant requirements. The management systems are complemented by a Code of Conduct which is binding on all employees.

The Henkel Group''s alignment to sustainability thrives on a dialogue with all social groups. Henkel uses both new and traditional communication channels and actively seeks to exchange ideas with employees, customers, neighbors, ecological and industry associations, and the public at large. For example, Henkel''s global sustainability website offers up-to-date news and background information on safety, health, environmental protection and social responsibility at Henkel and the opportunity to download publications or engage in an online dialogue. The Sustainability Report 2003 provides detailed information on the dimensions of environment, product safety, occupational safety, employees and social commitment concerning Henkel''s management systems, brands and technologies, and production sites.

For example in the field of the environmental protection and technology transfer the report presents projects in countries such as Algeria or Mexico. On the social side, key examples are the integration of disabled employees at the Sabana Grande site in Puerto Rico, the activities of the "Family & Career" working group in Germany and the international Schwarzkopf Academy education and training system for the hairdressing sector.