Henkel Australia is celebrating five decades of operations, reflecting on its commitment to sustainable practices, long-standing partnerships, and community support.
Since opening its doors in 1975, Henkel has run its Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands businesses across Australia, employing around 300 people at sites in Kilsyth, Seven Hills, Chatswood, and Ingleburn. In recent years, the company has taken steps to reduce its environmental impact, with both manufacturing plants switching to 100 per cent renewable electricity in January 2022 and halving carbon emissions that same year compared to 2021.
As a signatory of the Australian Packaging Covenant, Henkel Australia supports national efforts to reduce packaging waste and single-use plastics. On a global scale, the company has increased the use of recycled plastic in its packaging to 25 per cent, aiming to make all packaging recyclable or reusable by 2030.
Henkel’s community engagement includes a partnership with Foodbank, which began in 2019. Since then, the company has donated over two million wash loads of detergent and 50,000 bottles of shampoo and conditioner to families across Australia. Henkel has also provided support during crises such as the 2020 bushfires and encourages staff to take part in volunteering activities, including environmental clean-ups.
Recent acquisitions have expanded Henkel’s consumer offering, including the Earthwise laundry and home care brand in 2023, and Colgate-Palmolive’s laundry brands in 2015. Investments in digitalisation, automation, and innovation centres in Melbourne and Sydney have helped improve operations and research capabilities.
Scott Hull, general manager, consumer brands, Henkel Australia and New Zealand, said, “With our recent acquisition of the Earthwise brand, Henkel has expanded its portfolio within consumer brands, fostering our position as a key player in the regional laundry and home care market.”
Henkel’s products have earned recognition from consumers and industry alike. Schwarzkopf and laundry brands Cold Power, Dynamo and Sard Wonder have received Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand awards, while the adhesive product Loctite 55 picked up multiple packaging awards in 2024 and 2025.
Daniel Rudolph, president of Henkel Australia and New Zealand, said, “As we mark 50 years in Australia, I’d like to thank our partners, customers, and teams who’ve shaped our journey. Looking ahead, we’ll stay focused on sustainable solutions, creating value for stakeholders, and supporting the communities we’re proud to be part of.”
Henkel also collaborates with universities and industry through initiatives such as the Formula SEA-A Competition and the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. The company promotes an inclusive workplace and professional growth, recently being named one of the Best Employers in Asia-Pacific 2025 by Financial Times and Statista.
To mark the anniversary, Henkel held events across its sites and supported charities chosen by employees, including Polished Man, Cancer Council, and World Wildlife Fund Australia.
