ABSTRACT
Founded in 1876, Henkel is a family-owned global company that specialises in applied chemistry. Henkel believes in a style of corporate management based on shareholder value aimed at meeting the expectations of shareholders, customers and employees. As Henkel is a family-owned corporation, the economic health of the company is directly linked to the owner's economic sustainability. In its history, Henkel was faced with environmental pressures such as concern over phosphates in detergents. In the 1950s, the 'foam mountains' created by detergents in rivers became a serious environmental problem. At Henkel, a systematic and open communication strategy was developed to achieve the best possible market impacts. This communication strategy targets not only the traditional consumers but also professionals, scientists, communicators in media and government, as well as the financial sector. The company is developing guidelines on business ethics and has an international committee comprised of senior managers who are examining the social aspects of the company in relation to sustainable development.
