Henkel South Africa advances carbon neutrality with major emissions reduction at Alrode factory

Johannesburg, 15 June 2026: Henkel South Africa has made significant progress in advancing sustainable manufacturing, achieving a substantial reduction in carbon emissions at its Alrode production facility through a series of targeted operational measures.

Between 2024 and 2025, the facility reduced its CO₂ emissions from 613 tonnes to 375 tonnes, reflecting a 238-tonne reduction driven by improvements in energy efficiency, equipment optimisation and a shift towards renewable energy.

A key contributor to this progress has been the commissioning of a 1.8MWp solar installation, which now supplies approximately 65% of the plant’s electricity demand.

This transition, combined with the phased removal of fossil fuel-based systems and the introduction of electric alternatives, is enabling the facility to significantly reduce its operational carbon footprint.

Since June 2026, the Alrode facility operates at net-zero emissions, positioning it to achieve site-level carbon neutrality.

“Sustainability at Henkel is no longer a future ambition. It is embedded in how we operate on a daily basis,” says Thelma Mamatlepa, Henkel Alrode plant manager.

“The progress at Alrode reflects a deliberate shift towards integrating sustainability into core operations, where energy, equipment and process decisions are aligned to deliver measurable impact.”

Driving Efficiency And Operational Resilience

In addition to emissions reduction, the facility has improved overall energy efficiency by approximately 35%, resulting in meaningful cost savings while reinforcing operational resilience.

These gains highlight the growing intersection between sustainability and business performance within the manufacturing sector.

“What is particularly important is that these improvements are not standalone sustainability initiatives, but part of a broader operational strategy,” says Veerabhadra Konakalla, Head of SHE IMEA Adhesive Technologies.

“Across our India, Middle East & Africa operations, we are focused on embedding sustainability into how we manage safety, energy and environmental impact at a systems level. The progress at Alrode reflects how a structured, disciplined approach can deliver measurable outcomes while supporting long-term resilience.”

Supporting South Africa’s Energy Transition

Henkel South Africa’s progress aligns with broader national and global efforts to transition towards a lower-carbon economy.

As South Africa works to meet its commitments under its Nationally Determined Contribution and the Paris Agreement, the role of industry in delivering measurable emissions reductions is becoming increasingly critical.

At the same time, initiatives such as on-site renewable energy generation and electrification of operations reflect the principles of the Just Energy Transition, supporting decarbonisation while maintaining operational efficiency and cost competitiveness.

These efforts are further aligned with the Integrated Resource Plan, which prioritises increased renewable energy capacity and greater private sector participation in energy generation.

Advancing Global Sustainability Goals

Globally, Henkel continues to advance its sustainability agenda, targeting a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, with the ambition of achieving net-zero by 2045.

“The Alrode facility is a strong example of how global sustainability commitments can be translated into local execution,” adds Mehmet Yilmaz, Director Operations and Projects MEA Henkel Adhesive Technologies.

“By combining targeted investments with operational focus, we are able to scale impact across our manufacturing network, ensuring that efficiency, reliability and sustainability are advanced together in a practical and commercially viable way.”

End

About Henkel

With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses.

The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and coatings.

With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world.

The company's three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf.

In fiscal 2025, Henkel reported sales of about 20.5 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.0 billion euros.

Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX.

Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets.

Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.”

More information at https://www.henkel.com

About Henkel South Africa

Henkel in the South Africa was established in 1951 and has since grown with more than 200 employees.

With a legacy of 75 Years in the country, Henkel operates one plant for Adhesive Technology products in Johannesburg and three offices in Bedfordview (Johannesburg), Alrode (Johannesburg), Wadeville (Johannesburg) and Durban and Henkel in South Africa covers both global business units: Consumer Brands and Adhesive Technologies.

In line with the company’s focus on innovation and customization, Henkel South Africa offers locally relevant leading products that cater to the country’s specific needs and position Henkel as a key player, particularly with top brands in textured hair care such as Got2b Glued and Consumer Adhesives such as Pritt - the leading glue stick brand with Henkel South Africa being in the top 3 of most Pritt sticks sold globally - as well as customized Adhesive products for the automotive mining and cementing industry.

In 2007, the Henkel South Africa team collaborated with a local NGO to build a center for children and created a space for early learning and development to give back to those in need.

Through donations and volunteer work from Henkel employees and Henkel South Africa, 120 children from ages three to five every year now have a place to learn at Tamaho Early Learning & Development Center, Katlehong, Johannesburg.

A second building is currently being established that will allow an additional 120 children each year to access a learning environment.

Issued By

Meropa Communications

Prinella Pillay

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

071 673 6552