Chemical Recycling
Henkel is deeply committed to sustainability, and the transition to a circular economy is a key element of our company’s approach to this commitment. In a circular economy, all materials re-enter the economic model via reuse or recycling and waste is minimized or eliminated. Recycling is at the heart of the push for circularity. Various models of recycling are available and chemical recycling is one of the methods that our experts take into consideration.
- Chemical recycling involves breaking down waste into chemical building blocks that can be reused to produce new materials or secondary raw materials.
- It offers potential to process challenging materials that are outside the scope of what is possible for mechanical recycling.
- Mechanical recycling remains the priority approach. However, chemical recycling can complement this approach whenever mechanical recycling is not feasible.
- We accept chemically recycled feedstocks under certain conditions as complementary to mechanically recycled materials, particularly for waste streams that are hard to recycle.
- We call on policymakers to ensure a political framework that diverts waste streams toward recycling processes and supports the development of recycling infrastructure.
This position paper outlines Henkel’s approach to exploring how chemical recycling can contribute to a circular economy. It provides relevant context, while also clearly stating our stance related to advocacy for chemical recycling. The paper aims to support colleagues across departments at Henkel with making responsible and sustainable decisions about the materials we purchase and include in our product formulas or packaging. The paper is relevant for Henkel worldwide - in all business units, industries, markets and product categories.
Our Sustainability Ambition Framework
Our 2030+ Sustainability Ambition Framework sets the frame for our global sustainability strategy and covers the three dimensions of ESG: Environment, Social and Governance.
