Global leader in consumer goods and adhesives technologies, Henkel, partnered with Nordic Sustainability to pursue ambitious decarbonisation goals and advance its leadership in climate action.
The brief
The 3-year collaboration with Henkel focused on three main deliverables: logistics decarbonisation, achieving net-zero readiness, and securing validation for the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for both near-term and net-zero targets.
As an impact-driven consultancy and with Henkel’s longstanding commitment to sustainability, our joint efforts were poised for success. Their dedication to transitioning towards a lower-carbon company has been evidenced in every interaction. Together, we have transformed complex sustainability challenges into actionable strategies, anchoring Henkel’s position as a leader in climate action.
Our approach
To meet Henkel’s sustainability objectives, we implemented a data-driven approach, structured into three phases:
- Logistics decarbonisation
- Net-zero readiness roadmap
- SBTi submission and support
Our Dynamic Baseline Tool modelled decarbonisation pathways across 18 markets.
In the initial phase of our partnership, we aligned Henkel’s logistics operations globally with science-based targets for emissions reduction and modelled decarbonisation pathways across 18 markets. The pathways outlined the available decarbonisation options and the level of feasibility these different options present. As such, a Dynamic Baseline Tool was developed to simulate decarbonisation tailored to each market.
Further, we conducted an analysis to identify the most cost-effective routes to achieving the 2030 SBTi and, finally, delivered a strategic report outlining three scenarios that balanced emissions reduction potential with logistics cost implications.
Following the logistics decarbonisation, we charted a comprehensive roadmap to achieve net-zero, along with an assessment of Henkel’s readiness for SBTi submission and global implementation. As part of this process, we first created a database comprising initiatives with their projected impact on emissions. We then evaluated external decarbonisation trends and provided an executive-level report to guide the net-zero decision.
These tools prompted our final phase, during which we reviewed Henkel’s greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, ensuring alignment with SBTi requirements. We also supported the submission process for target validation, including facilitating Q&A. The outcome was a consensus on near-term and net-zero targets, and a secured SBTi validation for these targets.
Result
Through these engagements, Henkel yielded significant accomplishments:
We secured
SBTi validation for both Henkel’s near-term and net-zero targets, cementing the company’s leadership in climate action.
- A clear decarbonisation strategy for logistics, minimising costs while maximising impact.
- A well-defined roadmap to net-zero readiness with board-level buy-in.
- Successful SBTi target validation, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability leadership.
We have also derived several key lessons from this journey to net-zero:
- Centralising data across logistics, operations, and supply chains was essential for accurate decarbonisation modelling and readiness assessments. Fragmented data can delay and complicate decision-making.
- Presenting multiple pathways with clear cost implications enabled management to make informed decisions, balancing ambition with practicality.
- Aligning stakeholders across business units as well as across departments was key to developing realistic, actionable strategies and achieving target validation.
- Factoring in external market and regulatory trends ensured that strategies remained robust and future-proofed against evolving supply chain challenges.
- Preparing comprehensive documentation and engaging in proactive Q&A with SBTi reviewers reduced the time to secure approvals and minimised delays.
- Henkel’s employees demonstrated unparalleled dedication to sustainability, reinforcing the company’s position as a global sustainability leader.
This collaboration demonstrates how a structured, data-driven approach, coupled with strategic foresight can drive actionable sustainability outcomes and prepare global leaders for a decarbonised future.