May 18, 2022
Schneider Electric’s ‘The Zero Carbon Project’ highlights Henkel program as model of sustainability 
Schneider Electric and Henkel collaborate to accelerate decarbonization across the supply chain

Düsseldorf, Germany – Long-time customer-supplier partners Henkel and Schneider Electric, both global leaders in sustainability, have worked together for many years to drive progress toward the shared goal of decarbonization. Schneider Electric has been leading decarbonization efforts, targeting an achievement of net zero CO2 emissions for 100% of its operations (scope1, 2) by 2030. Henkel has a similar corporate goal — to be climate-positive by 2030.

Last year, Schneider Electric launched ‘The Zero Carbon Project’ in which the company is partnering with its top 1,000 suppliers – representing 70% of Schneider’s carbon emissions –  to halve their operations’ CO2 emissions by 2025. Because Henkel is a key member of its supplier community and has demonstrated significant emission-reduction progress, Schneider Electric invited the company to share its best practices with the Zero Carbon Project participants at the recent Community Forum training series.

“The catastrophic challenge that climate change presents cannot be overcome by a company’s actions alone,” said Christophe Quiquempoix, Vice President, Sustainable Procurement & External Manufacturing for Schneider Electric. “A company’s supply chain accounts for a much larger proportion of emissions, so engaging supplier partners is a critical step towards climate action. Energy is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and while we recognize that decarbonization is not easy, it’s necessary. Many of our suppliers are at different points along their sustainability journey, and with so much to be gained by sharing our experiences, we appreciate Henkel sharing how they have mastered certain sustainability activities.”

As of 2021, Henkel’s CO2 emissions per ton of product have been reduced by 50% (vs. base year 2010), offering a model of success in sustainability. The company has presented its achievement to other Schneider Electric suppliers, outlining detailed actions that can be implemented as part of Henkel’s four pillar approach: 

•	Understand the focus area(s) and their objectives.  When it comes to the environmental footprint of its operations, Henkel focuses on CO2 emission reduction, waste reduction and lower water consumption. Other long-term targets aimed at advancing Henkel’s sustainability transformation are focused on Thriving Communities (Equity, Education and Wellbeing) and Trusted Partners (Performance, Transparency and Collaboration). 
•	Determine the baseline from which progress will be assessed.  Henkel helped suppliers understand the starting point assessment by presenting the example of its raw material carbon footprint baseline and analysis of its CO2 reduction potential. 
•	Set specific targets within scopes of control.  Based on Henkel’s 2030 targets, the company illustrated how it has set specific targets in certain areas, such as reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and sourcing of renewable energy.  
•	Implement activities and report progress.  As a case-in-point, Henkel showcased the deployment of a digital backbone in Henkel’s consumer goods business, which is based on AVEVA technology, resulting in improved energy efficiency and cost savings of €8M annually. 

“Decarbonization is a fundamental part of meeting our ambitious sustainability targets,” said Ulla Hüppe, Director of Sustainability for Henkel´s Adhesive Technologies business unit. “We are fully committed to the Schneider Electric program, and we’re honored to have been asked to share our expertise to help other suppliers get started. Together, we can advance our positive environmental impact.”

Overall feedback about the program was exceptionally positive, reveals Quiquempoix, who acknowledges there is still much work to be done. “No single organization has all of the answers,” he said. “Learning from each other is vital to driving active partnerships that can lead to impactful carbon footprint reductions. We are grateful for Henkel for its ongoing sustainability collaboration and leadership, and for our participating supplier partners for their engagement in the Zero Carbon Project.”

For more information about Henkel’s and Schneider Electric’s sustainability initiatives, visit:

Henkel: https://www.henkel.com/sustainability  
Schneider Electric: https://www.se.com/ww/en/about-us/sustainability/ 

About Henkel
Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world. Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2021, Henkel reported sales of more than 20 billion euros. The company employs about 53,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

About Schneider Electric
Schneider’s purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency. 
We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, endpoint to cloud connecting products, controls, software, and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries. We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values. www.se.com 

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

Contact	Bojan Adler	
Phone	+49 211 797 2721	
Email	bojan.adler@henkel.com	

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Schneider Electric and Henkel collaborate to accelerate decarbonization across the supply chain.

Schneider Electric and Henkel collaborate to accelerate decarbonization across the supply chain.