Nothing can replace direct contact. It serves as a basis for exchanges and mutual understanding and offers us an opportunity to explain our activities. In 2007, we therefore again participated in a number of different events to promote direct exchanges. These ranged from open house days and discussion round tables with interest groups to participation in international initiatives.

Our dialogue with customers and consumers generates important feedback for product development and marketing. An increasingly important communications theme is information about the resource conserving use of our products. As in previous years, for example, we produced brochures and had consumer information stands to accompany the nationwide “Sustainable Washing” day in Germany.

In 2007, consumers and retailers showed a growing desire to know more about product-related carbon dioxide emissions. We therefore strive to promote understanding of the carbon dioxide footprints of products and the methods used to determine them.

In 2007, Henkel again engaged in an exchange of views in many countries with experts from the fields of politics, business and science. In Brazil, for example, Henkel representatives participated in talks with the German Chamber of Foreign Trade, including a discussion with German President Prof. Dr. Horst Köhler about our understanding of social responsibility. In 2007, Henkel again engaged in an exchange of views in many countries with experts from the fields of politics, business and science. In Brazil, for example, Henkel representatives participated in talks with the German Chamber of Foreign Trade, including a discussion with German President Prof. Dr. Horst Köhler about our understanding of social responsibility. In the USA, our subsidiary Dial participated in the annual Thought Leadership Conference. Product developers from various companies and countries gathered here to discuss the theme “Innovate through sustainable technologies.” In November 2007, Schwarzkopf & Henkel’s production site in Viersen-Dülken, Germany, welcomed European, national and local policy experts to an exchange of experience on the legal framework for cosmetics. At roadshows and other events in Frankfurt am Main, London and Paris, and in telephone conferences, we conducted lively discussions with sustainability investors and analysts.

Henkel engages in discussions with public and industry stakeholders on national and international levels with the aim of accessing new ideas for our Company and sharing our experience with others. In 2007, we participated in events to promote dialogue organized by the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (A. I. S. E.), the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing (EPAA) and the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). To help formulate pragmatic implementation guidelines for the chemicals policy of the European Union (REACH), we actively participated in developing appropriate proposals. Henkel is also a member of the strategic steering committee of the German Environment Ministry’s Nano Commission, in which representatives from the scientific and business communities, government authorities, consumer organizations, and environmental groups exchange views on the opportunities and risks of nanotechnology. Also the concept of cause-related marketing (linking marketing and sales of products to donations for a good cause) was widely discussed due to its increasing presence in marketing activities.

Henkel encourages scientific debate on sustainability throughout the world. Workshops and university seminars provide insights into the application of the principles of sustainability in practice. In Germany, for example, environmental science students of the Distance Learning University of Hagen and of Lüneburg University were invited to a workshop dealing with case studies on the use of renewable raw materials and balanced scorecards. With students of the University of Düsseldorf, we have discussed the influence of non-governmental organizations and their significance for Henkel. In India, together with the Institute of Management Technology (IMT), we have established a Centre for Excellence in Environment Management. This will provide a platform for cooperation between the business and scientific communities to promote awareness and acceptance of environmentally compatible business practices.

Henkel’s policy of active and open communication with its employees centers around a free exchange of information and constructive discussions. Issues such as environmental protection, occupational health and safety, and the Company’s social responsibility are also regular topics in the dialogue with the employee representatives and other internal bodies. Moreover, Henkel has established a range of instruments for communication regarding sustainability. Articles in the employee newsletter, Henkel-Life, and the Sustainability portal on the intranet play a major role. They are supplemented by specific technical information for the employees responsible for sustainability matters. For example, the bimonthly Sustainability Newsletter, which is distributed by e-mail, provides information about current issues in the Henkel world. Henkel companies worldwide also initiate activities appropriate to their specific needs to anchor sustainability themes in the minds of their employees. Such activities may include annual health and safety weeks, special courses for trainees, and contests on subjects such as environmental protection and occupational safety.

Dedicated employees are one key factor determining the long-term success of a company. This is why Henkel requested selected employees to provide a statement for the Sustainability Report 2001  explaining their views on the significance of Henkel`s corporate alignment to sustainability.

Shaping a viable future for our world cannot be accomplished through unilateral sustainability efforts. Cooperation is essential. Consistent customer-orientation is another key factor determining the long-term success of a company. This is why Henkel requested selected partners and customers to provide a statement for the Sustainability Reports 2002 and 2003 explaining their views on the significance of Henkel`s corporate alignment to sustainability.