A Day at Henkel: Exploring Sustainability and Marketing in Practice

On January 28th, our Master’s course Sustainability and Marketing had the opportunity to visit Henkel’s headquarters in Düsseldorf. It was a day packed with insights, discussions, and hands-on experiences that brought sustainability and business strategy together in an inspiring way. Here’s a recap of our visit:

The day started with a warm welcome over breakfast. The highlight of the morning was the case study presentations. From innovative product ideas to customer engagement strategies, the diverse perspectives sparked discussions on feasibility, impact, and implementation. Henkel’s feedback was invaluable, providing us with industry insights and actionable takeaways on how sustainability can be effectively integrated into marketing strategies.

After an intense morning of brainstorming and presentations, we enjoyed a lunch break. This was another great opportunity to network with Henkel professionals and fellow students.

One of the most exciting parts of the day was the tour of Henkel’s Global Experience Center (GEC) and the Lighthouse. Here, we saw first-hand how Henkel develops and showcases its innovations. The interactive exhibits and sustainability-driven projects provided a tangible understanding of the company’s commitment to sustainable practices. 

To wrap up the day, we had an exclusive “Ask Me Anything” session with Töre Birol, Corporate Vice President Global Customer Excellence at Henkel. This open discussion covered various aspects in business, from consumer behavior and regulatory challenges to personal insights. Töre’s candid responses and deep industry knowledge made this session particularly insightful, offering us a chance to engage in thought-provoking discussions.

Key Takeaways from the Day:

• Sustainability is integral to business success – Henkel’s approach demonstrated how companies can align sustainability with profitability.
• Hands-on learning is invaluable – Working on real-world cases deepened our understanding of sustainability challenges in marketing.
• Industry engagement matters – Direct interaction with experts like Töre provided us with practical insights beyond academic theory.

A huge thank you to Henkel for hosting us and to everyone who made this experience so enriching!