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 2006, we therefore again organized a number of events to promote dialogue. These ranged from open house days and discussion round tables with interest groups to participation in international initiatives.

As in previous years, we supported Germany’s nationwide “Action Day – Sustainable Washing” with information stands and consumer brochures. In May 2006, to intensify the local dialogue in Spain and to communicate Henkel’s Vision and Values more widely, Henkel Ibérica invited the members of the UNAE, an organization which primarily protects the interests of homemakers, to an open house day at the Barcelona site. About 300 people took advantage of this opportunity to find out about the latest product developments in all of the business sectors. In September 2006, Henkel specialists met with representatives of the North Rhine-Westphalian “Eine-Welt-Netz” [One World Net] educational policy program. During this one-day event, sustainable development aims for Henkel and society as a whole were discussed. 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.

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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.

We engage in discussions with sustainability experts on national and international levels with the aim of accessing new ideas for our Company and sharing our experience with others. For example, Henkel took an active part in the dialogue regarding the restructuring and implementation of the new chemicals policy in the European Union. Other key topics have included product and raw materials safety, occupational health and safety, management systems and sustainability reporting. 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.