Henkel has achieved a significant sustainability milestone by establishing carbon-neutral production at its flagship Adhesive Technologies manufacturing sites in Kurkumbh, India, and Gebkim, Türkiye. The accomplishment marks a major step in the company’s global effort to decarbonize operations and achieve its climate targets by 2030. By eliminating Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions at both facilities, Henkel continues to advance its science-based sustainability commitments while accelerating the transition toward fossil fuel-free manufacturing.
Driving Emission Reductions Through Electrification and Renewable Energy
The achievement aligns with Henkel’s broader strategy of reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, electrification, and the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels. Simultaneously, the company is expanding the use of renewable energy across its global production network to support long-term climate goals. These initiatives form a critical part of Henkel’s roadmap toward achieving net-zero operations and creating a more sustainable industrial future.
Kurkumbh Facility Eliminates 11,300 Tons of CO₂ Emissions
At its Kurkumbh manufacturing site in India, Henkel achieved carbon-neutral operations by replacing furnace oil-based thermic fluid heaters with high-efficiency electric heating systems. This transition completely eliminated the site’s dependence on fossil fuels. To enable the transformation, Henkel upgraded the facility’s energy infrastructure through extensive optimization measures. The project included heat load optimization, installation of advanced high-efficiency heat exchangers, and significant investments in electrical capacity to support full-scale electrification. In addition, the facility transitioned to 100 percent renewable electricity, enabling the complete elimination of both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. As a result, the site reduced approximately 11,300 tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions annually, representing a major achievement in its decarbonization journey.
Gebkim Plant Advances Fossil Fuel-Free Manufacturing
Henkel’s Gebkim production facility in Türkiye also reached a major sustainability milestone through a landmark electrification project. The company replaced a natural gas-fired boiler with a high-efficiency electric boiler system, effectively eliminating direct fossil fuel consumption at the site. Consequently, Scope 1 emissions were reduced to zero, resulting in an annual reduction of approximately 956 tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions. The project demonstrates how industrial electrification can significantly reduce carbon emissions while maintaining operational performance and reliability.
Leadership Highlights Sustainability Progress
Simon Ulmann, Vice President Supply Chain & Operations IMEA, Henkel Adhesive Technologies, emphasized the importance of the milestone in supporting the company’s sustainability ambitions. He noted that achieving carbon-neutral production at two flagship manufacturing sites represents a major step toward delivering Henkel Adhesive Technologies’ global sustainability goals. He further highlighted the company’s commitment to systematically eliminating fossil fuels from operations and replacing them with electrified processes powered by renewable energy. According to Ulmann, the successful transformation of the Kurkumbh and Gebkim facilities demonstrates how sustainability strategies can be translated into measurable operational impact while accelerating the journey toward net-zero manufacturing.
Kurkumbh Site Demonstrates Sustainable Growth in Action
Bappa Bandyopadhyay, Director Operations & Projects India, Henkel Adhesive Technologies, described the achievement as a testament to the company’s commitment to responsible manufacturing and sustainable growth. He stated that through renewable energy adoption and continuous efficiency improvements, the Kurkumbh facility has significantly reduced its carbon footprint while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence. The milestone reinforces the idea that sustainability initiatives and business performance can progress together to generate long-term value.
Accelerating the Path to Net-Zero Operations
By expanding electrification projects and increasing renewable energy adoption across its manufacturing network, Henkel is accelerating the decarbonization of its global operations. These initiatives play a crucial role in reducing the company’s overall carbon footprint while supporting customers in achieving their own sustainability objectives. Moreover, the success of the Kurkumbh and Gebkim facilities demonstrates that fossil fuel-free manufacturing is both practical and scalable across diverse regions and industrial environments. As per the press release, as Henkel continues its sustainability journey, the company is setting a strong example for the manufacturing sector by proving that environmental responsibility and operational excellence can go hand in hand.
