Henkel has reached a significant sustainability milestone after achieving carbon-neutral production at two of its major Adhesive Technologies manufacturing facilities in India and Türkiye. The accomplishment marks an important step in the company’s broader strategy to decarbonise operations and advance towards net-zero manufacturing by 2030.
The milestone was achieved at Henkel’s flagship production sites in Kurkumbh, India, and Gebkim, Türkiye.
Both facilities have successfully eliminated Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions. The achievement supports the company’s science-based climate targets and demonstrates how industrial operations can transition away from fossil fuels through electrification and renewable energy integration.
The transformation reflects a wider industry trend.
Manufacturers worldwide are investing in cleaner technologies to reduce operational emissions and improve energy efficiency. Henkel’s latest projects provide practical examples of how large-scale industrial facilities can accelerate that transition.
At the Kurkumbh facility, fossil fuel consumption was completely removed from production operations.
The site previously relied on furnace oil-powered thermic fluid heaters. These systems were replaced with advanced electric heating solutions designed to deliver higher efficiency while supporting operational requirements.
Extensive infrastructure upgrades were undertaken.
Heat load optimisation measures were implemented throughout the facility. High-performance heat exchangers were installed to improve thermal efficiency. Additional investments were also made to expand electrical capacity and support full electrification of manufacturing processes.
The site’s electricity supply was simultaneously transformed.
Operations were switched to 100% renewable electricity, enabling the complete elimination of both direct and indirect operational emissions. As a result, approximately 11,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions have been removed annually from the facility’s footprint.
The achievement represents a major step in the site’s sustainability programme.
Energy efficiency improvements were integrated alongside renewable power sourcing. Together, these measures created a pathway towards carbon-neutral operations without compromising manufacturing performance.
At Henkel’s Gebkim production facility in Türkiye, a similarly ambitious transformation was completed.
A natural gas-fired boiler system was fully replaced with a high-efficiency electric boiler installation. Through this transition, direct fossil fuel use was eliminated from the site’s operations.
Scope 1 emissions were reduced to zero.
The conversion is expected to remove approximately 956 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually. Additional environmental benefits have been realised through improvements in operational efficiency.
Renewable electricity now powers the entire facility.
The site combines on-site solar energy generation with International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) to secure a fully renewable power supply. As a result, Scope 2 emissions have also been eliminated.
Production output continues to be maintained.
At the same time, lower overall energy consumption has been achieved due to the improved performance of the new electric systems. This demonstrates how environmental gains can be delivered alongside operational efficiency improvements.
The Gebkim facility now serves as one of Henkel’s leading examples of fossil fuel-free manufacturing.
The project highlights the scalability of electrification technologies within industrial environments. It also demonstrates how renewable power can support large-scale production activities.
Simon Ulmann, Vice President Supply Chain and Operations IMEA at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, described the achievement as an important step towards the company’s sustainability objectives.
He noted that Henkel is systematically replacing fossil fuel-based processes with electrified technologies powered by renewable energy sources. According to Ulmann, the progress made at both facilities demonstrates how corporate sustainability strategies can be translated into measurable site-level outcomes.
The company’s long-term direction remains clear.
Operational decarbonisation continues to be prioritised across Henkel’s global production network. Similar projects are expected to contribute towards the organisation’s broader net-zero ambitions.
Bappa Bandyopadhyay, Director Operations and Projects India at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, said the achievement at Kurkumbh reflects the company’s commitment to responsible manufacturing and sustainable growth.
He emphasised that renewable energy adoption and efficiency improvements have significantly lowered the facility’s environmental impact while maintaining high standards of quality, safety and operational performance.
The project also demonstrates a key industry lesson.
Sustainability initiatives and business performance can advance together. Long-term value can be created when environmental objectives are integrated into operational strategies.
Mehmet Yılmaz, Director Operations and Projects Middle East and Africa at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, highlighted the importance of electrification in the Gebkim transformation.
He stated that the transition illustrates how industrial operations can be fundamentally reshaped through technology, innovation and collaborative effort. The project was supported by strong teamwork and a shared commitment to achieving environmental targets.
Henkel continues to expand renewable energy adoption throughout its manufacturing network.
Electrification projects are being scaled across multiple regions. Fossil fuel dependency is being progressively reduced. These actions form part of a broader effort to lower emissions across the company’s operations and value chain.
The latest milestone reinforces Henkel’s position within sustainable industrial manufacturing.
By demonstrating that carbon-neutral production can be achieved at major manufacturing facilities, the company is providing a model for wider industry adoption. The successful projects in India and Türkiye illustrate that fossil fuel-free manufacturing is both technically feasible and commercially scalable across different geographic markets.
Through continued investment in clean energy, operational efficiency and low-carbon technologies, Henkel is advancing its journey towards net-zero operations while supporting customers in achieving their own sustainability objectives.
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