Press Kit

Sep 22, 2026 Düsseldorf

Henkel celebrates 150 years with employees around the world

150 years of Henkel

150 years ago, on September 26, 1876, Fritz Henkel founded a small detergent factory in Aachen. Today, Henkel employs around 50,000 people in more than 70 countries. The company is celebrating this special anniversary with events and other highlights for employees around the world.

Here you can find press releases and image material related to Henkel’s 150th anniversary available for download.

Kathrin Brokmeier Henkel Corporate Media Relations Headquarters, Düsseldorf/Germany +49-211-797-8605 press@henkel.com Download Business Card Add to my collection

Press Releases

Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, Chairwoman of Henkel’s Supervisory Board and Shareholders’ Committee, and Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel, standing next to a large red

Sep 22, 2026,

Düsseldorf / Germany

Henkel celebrates 150 years with employees around the world

Henkel marks its 150th anniversary on September 26, 2026
Anniversary events for employees take place around the world
Around 18,000 guests expected at an employee festival at the headquarters in Germany
Additional day of vacation for all employees and attractive benefits through Henkel’s employee share program
Henkel expands its global “Researchers’ World” education initiative and plans additional STEM learning opportunities

Three children wearing lab coats and safety glasses conduct an experiment with colored liquids.

Sep 21, 2026,

Düsseldorf / Germany

Henkel to significantly expand its global STEM initiative Researchers’ World

Henkel will invest a double-digit million-euro amount by 2030 to establish five new permanent Researchers’ World locations worldwide, including a new STEM center in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Researchers’ World is Henkel’s global education initiative that gives children hands-on access to science and STEM education
The initiative builds on 15 years of experience, activities in over 20 countries and the participation of more than 130,000 children worldwide
The expansion aims to lower barriers and strengthen equal access to STEM education for children around the world

Three people at a book presentation event, with the person in the center holding a copy of a book on Henkel’s corporate history.

Jul 9, 2026,

Düsseldorf / Germany

Henkel: From laundry detergent manufacturer to global player

150 Years of Henkel’s History Presented in New Book

Henkel was founded in 1876 and celebrates its 150th anniversary this year – a special milestone that draws attention to the company’s long and multifaceted history. In the run-up to this anniversary, Prof. Dr. Joachim Scholtyseck, Professor of Modern and Contemporary History at the University of Bonn, has conducted a comprehensive academic study of Henkel’s development over several years. In his independent research, he traces the company’s evolution from a local laundry detergent manufacturer to a publicly listed global company.

Black-and-white portrait of Fritz Henkel.

Jan 19, 2026,

Düsseldorf / Germany

Henkel celebrates 150^th company anniversary under the motto “Future? Ready!”

Henkel kicks off its anniversary year 2026

Henkel is celebrating its 150th anniversary under the motto “Future? Ready!”, highlighting its pioneering spirit, innovation, and commitment to responsibility
Recognition and benefits for employees during the anniversary year, as well as initiatives and events worldwide

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150 years of Henkel – Travelling through time with Fritz Henkel

YouTube Thumbnail Fritz Henkel (Thumbnail)

Images

Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, Chairwoman of Henkel’s Supervisory Board and Shareholders’ Committee, and Carsten Knobel, CEO of Henkel, standing next to a large red

Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, Chairwoman of Henkel’s Supervisory Board and Shareholders’ Committee and Carsten Knobel, Henkel CEO

A group of employees poses in front of a large red “150 Years” anniversary installation on the festival grounds.

The anniversary celebrations brought employees together to celebrate 150 years of Henkel.

Many adults and children gathered outdoors at a festival site with tents and event activities.

In North America, employees celebrated the anniversary at festivals across different sites, creating a unique employee experience.

A selection of anniversary cards featuring the messages “Celebrating 150 Years” and “Happy Birthday Henkel.”

26 September 2026 marks Henkel’s 150th anniversary that is celebrated with highlight activities around the world.

Five people gathered in front of a stage backdrop featuring anniversary branding and a large red

Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel ‏(left), Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, Chairwoman of Henkel’s Supervisory Board and Shareholders’ Committee ‏(middle) and Henkel CFO Marco Swoboda during anniversary festivities in China.

Group of people standing around a large anniversary cake during a celebration event.

Sylvie Nicol, Henkel CHRO, ‏(second from left) together with colleagues during the anniversary celebration in Poland.

Employees gather on stage and in front of a large anniversary backdrop during Henkel Korea’s 150th anniversary celebration.

Henkel Korea celebrated the company’s 150th anniversary with a large employee event bringing colleagues together.

People take part in a ceremony on stage in front of a large screen displaying Henkel’s 150th anniversary branding.

In the Baltics, employees celebrated the anniversary with a concert amongst other activities.

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An employee uses a vintage-style telephone as part of an interactive exhibit showcasing Henkel’s 150-year history.

Employees in North America explored 150 years of Henkel history through an interactive anniversary installation.

Employees take part in a table football activity at an outdoor Henkel anniversary event.

The anniversary celebrations featured a variety of games and interactive experiences for colleagues.

Employees view an outdoor exhibition highlighting milestones from Henkel’s history in North America.

Employees in North America explored key milestones from Henkel’s 150-year history.

Employees gather around a table football game during a Henkel anniversary event in Türkiye.

Anniversary celebrations in Türkiye brought colleagues together for interactive experiences.

Several employees play a giant Jenga game outdoors, carefully removing wooden blocks from a tall tower.

At the anniversary celebration in Türkiye, employees took part in team challenges and interactive games together.

A Henkel employee demonstrates a Loctite technology exhibit while a visitor observes the application and equipment.

Visitors explored adhesive technologies and industrial applications at the Loctite experience area.

A got2b styling station offers visitors a hair styling experience during a Henkel anniversary event.

Hair styling sessions added a special touch to the anniversary celebrations.

Children and employees take part in an interactive activity booth at a Henkel anniversary event.

Young visitors explored science and innovation through hands-on activities during the anniversary celebrations.

Children participating in a hands-on science activity at a workshop table.

As part of its 150th anniversary, Henkel expands its global “Researchers’ World” education initiative.

An outdoor festival area features interactive anniversary attractions, sports activities and a large Loctite installation.

Festival grounds across North America featured interactive experiences, sports activities and anniversary exhibits.

An employee holds several ice cream cones in front of an ice cream truck during a Henkel anniversary celebration.

Ice cream trucks were among the attractions at the anniversary festivals.

Performers take part in a stage show in front of a large “150 Years of Henkel” anniversary display.

A dance performance was among the highlights of Henkel Korea’s 150th anniversary celebration.

Employees of Henkel Türkiye came together to celebrate the company’s 150th anniversary.

Guests gather at an outdoor evening reception during Henkel’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

A festive evening reception in Greece marked another highlight of Henkel’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

A custom anniversary cake made for Henkel’s 150-year milestone.

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Further Information

150 Years

Anniversary Facts & Figures

Explore Henkel’s 150-year journey through curated stories, anniversary images, and press materials in our dedicated press and media section.

Green text reading ‘150 YEARS’ over a modern cityscape with tall glass buildings and autumn trees, symbolizing the 150th anniversary celebration.

150 Years of Henkel

Pioneering spirit means shaping progress with purpose. Explore how we turn change into opportunity, driving innovation, sustainability & responsibility to build a better future. Together.

150 Years of Henkel

Collage of vintage Henkel products, detergent bottles, lab workers, and historical advertisements in blue tones.

Henkel's History

The overview shows the most important milestones from the founding of the German family company to today's global corporation.