October 1, 2024

Use of on-site solar installations and external renewable sources at Nairobi site 

Henkel reaches 100% renewable electricity milestone in Kenya

Nairobi, Kenya – Henkel has achieved a groundbreaking sustainability milestone, with its Nairobi, Kenya manufacturing site now fully powered by 100% renewable electricity. This accomplishment marks a significant step forward for Henkel's sustainability efforts in the region, highlighting Kenya’s leadership in the transition to clean energy.

Henkel Kenya is among eight manufacturing sites of the Adhesive Technologies business unit in the Middle East and Africa, that have successfully transitioned to renewable electricity sources, eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from their electricity usage, also known as Scope 2 emissions. This shift includes on-site solar installations and external renewable sources such as hydroelectric and wind energy. 

Speaking on this landmark achievement, Nancy Mwathi, Plant Manager for Henkel's Nairobi Adhesives Factory, shared her excitement: “This is a tremendous milestone for our team and a key part of Henkel's broader vision. Seeing this project, which began in 2021, come to fruition in 2024 has been both exciting and transformative. By aligning our goals with Henkel’s 2030+ Sustainability Ambition Framework, we are not only contributing to global ambitions but also making a tangible impact on the ground here in Kenya.”

Henkel’s Nairobi factory has transitioned to renewable electricity sources, including on-site solar installations, helping eliminate Scope 2 emissions and significantly reducing its carbon footprint. This shift to renewable energy is expected to avoid around 3.5 tons of CO2 emissions annually, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the country.

Currently, the solar installation at Henkel’s Nairobi site provides about 95% of daily electricity needs on optimal days, while the remaining 5% runs on external renewable sources. The plant is exploring ways to further expand this capacity, reinforcing Henkel's environmental responsibility.

Through its initiatives, Henkel has eliminated approximately 10,471 tons of CO2 emissions per year from its Scope 2 activities, equivalent to removing the carbon footprint of around 2,500 gasoline-powered cars driven for one year or ca. 2,700 flights from New York to Singapore. By drastically reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, Henkel is making a substantial environmental impact and setting a benchmark for the industry.

Mwathi further emphasized the long-term vision for the plant: “The journey towards setting a net-zero pathway is well underway. We are looking into increasing our solar capacity and integrating more renewable electricity sources at all our sites worldwide. Our focus now is on achieving greater sustainability through initiatives like water and waste circularity, which will play a crucial role in our future plans.”

Aligned with Henkel's 2030+ Sustainability Ambition Framework, this achievement is part of Henkel’s broader goal to create value through purposeful growth and responsible business development. “Our transition to renewable energy is about much more than just reducing emissions. It’s about setting a standard in Kenya and across the region. We are committed to fostering a future where sustainability and business success go hand in hand,” concluded Mwathi.

With this milestone, Henkel continues to lead by example, showcasing that sustainable practices can drive positive environmental impact while achieving operational excellence.

About Henkel
With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2023, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.5 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 2.6 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 48,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com 

About Henkel Kenya
Henkel in the Kenya was established in 1959. Henkel operates one plant for Adhesive Technology products in Nairobi along with an office. Henkel Kenya covers both global business units: Consumer Brands and Adhesive Technologies. In line with the company’s focus on innovation and customization, Henkel Kenya offers locally relevant leading products that cater to the country’s specific needs and position Henkel as a key player, particularly with top brands in consumer segment such as Persil, Schwarzkopf, Fa, Taft. In the Adhesive industry, consumer adhesive brands such as Pritt, Ponal, Tangit and Pattex are most popular as well as customized Adhesive products for Industrial applications. 

Photo material is available at www.henkel.com/press

For more information, please contact:
Meropa Communications
Prinella Pillay
prinellap@meopa.co.za
071 673 6552

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Henkel reaches 100% renewable electricity milestone at Nairobi site in Kenya.