Henkel intends to expand its position as an innovation leader. By 2008, Henkel wants to be generating 30% of its sales through new products, up from the 2005 level of 25%. To strengthen its innovative power, Henkel has initiated a worldwide innovation offensive, which was launched in 2006 with the Year of Innovation and will be continued in 2007 and 2008.

The starting point was a worldwide internal communication campaign through which all employees were called upon to submit at least two or three innovative ideas. All Henkel employees are working together on this project, irrespective of which country they operate in, what their function is, or their position within the organization. Through its employees, Henkel aims to tap into a vast source of creativity and ideas.  In addition, Henkel hopes to reinforce awareness of the importance of permanent innovation in its employees’ everyday working environment.

As ever, the focus is on customers and consumers: “We have to anticipate their wishes even before they themselves are aware of them,” comments Henkel Chairman Prof. Dr. Ulrich Lehner.