Kenya: Henkel attains 100% renewable electricity milestone

Henkel Kenya has reached a major sustainability milestone by powering its manufacturing site entirely with 100% renewable electricity. This achievement marks a significant advancement in Henkel’s sustainability initiatives in the region, showcasing Kenya’s leadership in the clean energy transition.

The facility is one of eight manufacturing sites within Henkel’s Adhesive Technologies business unit across the Middle East and Africa that have successfully shifted to renewable electricity. This transition includes both on-site solar installations and external renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric and wind power.

Henkel’s Nairobi factory has successfully transitioned to renewable electricity sources, including on-site solar installations, which have helped eliminate Scope 2 emissions and significantly reduce its carbon footprint. This shift to renewable energy is projected to prevent approximately 3.5 tons of CO2 emissions annually, establishing a new standard for sustainability in the country.

Currently, the solar installation at Henkel’s Nairobi facility meets about 95% of its daily electricity needs on optimal days, with the remaining 5% sourced from external renewable options. The plant is actively seeking ways to expand this capacity further, reinforcing Henkel’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Through its sustainability initiatives, Henkel has eliminated around 10,471 tons of CO2 emissions per year from its Scope 2 activities. This reduction is equivalent to removing the carbon emissions produced by about 2,500 gasoline-powered cars driven for a year or approximately 2,700 flights from New York to Singapore. By significantly decreasing its dependence on fossil fuels, Henkel is making a notable environmental impact and setting a benchmark for the industry.

Aligned with Henkel’s 2030+ Sustainability Ambition Framework, this achievement is part of Henkel’s broader goal to create value through purposeful growth and responsible business development. With this milestone, Henkel continues to lead by example, showcasing that sustainable practices can drive positive environmental impact while achieving operational excellence.

Speaking on this achievement, Nancy Mwathi, Plant Manager for Henkel’s Nairobi Adhesives Factory, stated, “This is a tremendous milestone for our team and a key part of Henkel’s broader vision. Seeing this project, which began in 2021, come to fruition in 2024 has been both exciting and transformative. By aligning our goals with Henkel’s 2030+ Sustainability Ambition Framework, we are not only contributing to global ambitions but also making a tangible impact on the ground here in Kenya.”