History of Henkel
Henkel, founded in 1876 by Fritz Henkel in Germany, began as a small company producing laundry
detergent. The company's first product, 'Universalwaschmittel,' was a groundbreaking innovation at
the time, marking Henkel's entry into the consumer goods market. Over the years, Henkel expanded its
product range to include a variety of household and industrial cleaning products, adhesives, and
personal care items.
Throughout the 20th century, Henkel grew both organically and through
acquisitions, establishing itself as a global player in the consumer and industrial goods sectors.
By the 1960s, Henkel had expanded its operations internationally, establishing subsidiaries in
Europe, North America, and beyond. The company continued to innovate, introducing new products such
as Persil, a widely recognized laundry detergent brand, and Schwarzkopf, a leading hair care brand.
In the 21st century, Henkel has focused on sustainability and digital transformation, striving
to reduce its environmental footprint and enhance operational efficiency. Today, Henkel operates in
three business units: Adhesive Technologies, Beauty Care, and Laundry & Home Care, with a presence
in over 120 countries and employing approximately 52,000 people worldwide.