DVFA, the German association of investment professionals, and the Wirtschaftswoche business magazine award a prize annually to German companies for the best environment, social and governance (ESG) performance. The ESG Award recognizes companies that proactively combine optimization of return on sales, environmental policy and social approaches with investor-oriented corporate governance. The 1st prize in the category for DAX-listed companies went to Henkel KGaA in March 2008.

Innovation plus energy saving – these are performance criteria that sealant specialist Henkel fulfills with its Teroson brand. For its WINTeQ systems, Henkel was chosen as the “Energie Genie 2007” (Energy Genius 2007) at the energy saving show in Wels, Austria. WINTeQ stands for “Windows Technology Quality” and is a system for sealing joints on doors and windows, helping to achieve dramatic reductions in energy losses from buildings.

Further recognition of Henkel’s family-conscious human resources policy. In Germany, we were presented with the “audit beruf und familie” (family and career audit) certificate of the non-profit Hertie Foundation. The audit – under the patronage of Federal Family Minister Dr. Ursula von der Leyen – is a management tool designed to promote and continuously improve a family-conscious corporate culture. It has come to be regarded as the seal of quality for family-friendly human resources policies.

In Austria, the new Henkel portal – i@pply – was rated the best electronic recruiting program of the 150 largest companies. All potential applicants – for positions as fulltime employees, part-time employees, interns or trainees – can contact Henkel directly in their own language in more than 50 countries through this new Internet portal.

With tailor-made high-tech adhesives and sealants, Henkel made it possible for its partner company Solar Integrated to manufacture flexible and extremely lightweight solar roofs. In November 2006, the successful collaboration was honored with the European Environmental Press Award at the Pollutec environment exhibition in Lyon, France.

In December 2006, Henkel Italy was awarded the  Federchimica Product Stewardship Award in the category “large enterprises” for its Cleanox LF Technology. The new technology significantly reduces the quantity of hazardous substances utilized in industrial pickling processes for stainless steel. This greatly enhances occupational safety and sets new health, safety and environmental standards in the steel industry.