Celebrating the 175th anniversary of Fritz Henkel (1848-1930), the founder of Henkel, known for his pioneering spirit and responsible leadership that laid the foundation for the company's success.

175th Anniversary of Fritz Henkel

Fritz Henkel, the founder of Henkel & Cie, was born in 1848. He played a crucial role in pioneering the company's success by introducing innovative laundry detergent products.

Fritz Henkel's Birth

In 1876, Fritz Henkel, a 28-year-old merchant with a passion for science, along with two partners, established Henkel & Cie in Aachen. They introduced their first product, a universal detergent based on silicate, marking the beginning of Henkel's history.

Founding of Henkel & Cie by Fritz Henkel

On September 26, 1876, Fritz Henkel, along with his two partners, established the company Henkel & Cie in Aachen. They introduced a laundry detergent called Universal-Waschmittel, which was unique for being packaged in handy packets.

Founding of Henkel & Cie

In 1876, Fritz Henkel, along with two partners, founded the company Henkel & Cie in Aachen. They introduced their first product, a universal detergent based on silicate, marking the beginning of Henkel's history.

Foundation of Henkel & Cie

In 1878, Henkel launched its first branded product, the bleaching soda, made from sodium silicate and water-free soda. Fritz Henkel also began exporting products abroad in the same year.

First success with a branded product: Henkel’s Bleich-Soda

In 1878, Henkel bought out his partners and introduced the first German brand-name detergent, Henkel's Bleich-Soda, made from sodium silicate and soda.

Henkel's Bleich-Soda Introduced

In early 1878, Fritz Henkel developed Henkel's Bleich-Soda, the company's first successful laundry detergent. It was a game-changer and marked the beginning of Henkel's brand success.

Henkel's Bleich-Soda

In 1883, Fritz Henkel started selling merchandise in addition to detergents, including items like colorant ultramarine, gloss starch, and cleaning agents, to improve liquidity and sales.

Henkel Expands Product Range

In 1887, Henkel expanded its product range by introducing Henkel's Thee, which led to the company becoming one of the largest tea importers in Germany.

Henkel's Thee

Henkel's Adhesive Technologies was founded in 1888, marking the beginning of the company's journey in the adhesive industry.

Foundation of Henkel's Adhesive Technologies

In 1893, Fritz Henkel Jr. joined the Henkel firm as an apprentice.

Fritz Henkel Jr. joins Henkel firm

In 1898, chemist Hans Schwarzkopf and his wife Martha opened a retail store in Berlin's Charlottenburg district, where they sold dyes, remedies, and scents, laying the foundation for the Schwarzkopf brand.

Schwarzkopf opens a drugstore

In 1898, the state-approved chemist Hans Schwarzkopf took over a dye, drug and perfumery business in Berlin-Charlottenburg. Schwarzkopf has been part of Henkel since its acquisition in 1995. The name Schwarzkopf has been synonymous with hair competence, modernity, high quality, and innovative strength.

Foundation of Schwarzkopf

In 1898, Henkel launched Martellin, a potash fertilizer based on water glass. It was particularly suited for specific plants and became popular in certain regions of France and Germany.

Martellin Fertilizer Launch

Persil was introduced in 1907 as the world's first self-acting laundry detergent, revolutionizing laundry cleaning methods and contributing to household hygiene.

Launch of Persil as the First Self-Acting Laundry Detergent

Persil was launched in 1907 as the first self-acting laundry detergent.

Persil introduced as first self-acting laundry detergent

In 1907, Henkel introduced Persil, the first commercial 'self-activated' laundry detergent, revolutionizing the laundry industry with its innovative formula combining sodium perborate and silicate.

Introduction of Persil Laundry Detergent

In 1907, Henkel launched Persil, the first self-acting detergent that revolutionized the German detergent market. This marked Henkel as the leader in the industry.

Persil Launch

In 1912, Persil laundry detergent production in Düsseldorf-Holthausen reached 49,890 tons.

Persil production reaches 49,890 tons

Until 1917, Henkel sold the Floral fertilizer in Germany with the motto 'Makes plants thrive and flower abundantly.'

Henkel Floral Fertilizer with Motto

Adhesive Technologies, the global market leader for adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, was founded 100 years ago. They have been providing high-performance technologies to meet the evolving needs of various industries.

Foundation of Adhesive Technologies

In 1922, artist Kurt Heiligenstaedt designed the iconic advertising figure 'White Lady' for Persil, featured on various advertising mediums until the 1960s.

Birth of the 'White Lady' Advertising Figure for Persil

In 1922, Henkel invented its first adhesives due to a shortage of raw materials, specifically for laundry detergent packaging. The adhesives were produced in a basement at Henkel's headquarters.

Invention of Henkel's First Adhesives

In 1922, Henkel started producing packaging adhesives due to a glue supply shortage, leading to the company becoming a global leader in adhesive technologies for various products and industrial applications.

Henkel's Involvement in Adhesive Technologies

In 1922, Henkel started producing ready-to-use adhesives like Sula, Desula, and Buba, marking the beginning of their adhesive business.

Introduction of Henkel's First Adhesives

The 'White Lady,' designed by Kurt Heiligenstaedt, made her first appearance in 1922 and has been associated with Persil ever since.

Debut of the 'White Lady' in Persil's History

In 1922, Henkel started developing and producing paper, cardboard, and packaging adhesives to address an impending supply shortage of adhesives at its headquarters in Düsseldorf after the First World War.

Development of paper, cardboard, and packaging adhesives by Henkel

Henkel supplies a wide range of brand-name products for private consumers, do-it-yourselfers, craftsmen, and trade in over 800 different industries. They offer adhesives, sealants, building materials, and adhesive systems for construction, as well as solutions for machine assembly and maintenance.

Henkel supplies brand-name products for various industries

When developing new solutions, Henkel prioritizes customer needs, consumer preferences, and climate protection. They use sustainable raw materials like wood and special adhesives to bond materials quickly, precisely, and cleanly.

Henkel focuses on sustainable solutions and climate protection

Henkel has a century-long history of developing adhesive technologies. They have been at the forefront of innovation in the industry, providing high-impact solutions for various applications.

Henkel's 100 Years of Adhesive Technologies

Henkel started adhesives production in 1922, initially for in-house use but later sold to neighboring companies. This marked the beginning of a new successful business segment for Henkel.

Adhesives Production

In June 1923, Henkel established its own glue factory to produce adhesive products for its own use and to sell to neighboring companies. The first products included 'Mala' painter's glue and 'Tapa' wallpaper adhesive.

Establishment of Henkel's glue factory

In 1929, Henkel introduced sandwich board advertising for their first cold-water soluble glue, Mala-trocken.

Henkel's Sandwich Board Advertising for Mala-trocken Glue

In 1929, Henkel launched Dixol, an antifreeze agent for car radiators. This was in response to the increasing demand for glycerol as a cooling agent due to the rise in car usage.

Dixol Antifreeze Agent Launch

In 1930, Hugo Henkel, the youngest son of Henkel's founder, donated a swimming pool for employees and their families to enjoy in their free time. The pool was a part of the company's health program and hosted dedicated Henkel Olympics.

Henkel Swimming Pool Donation

In 1930, Schwarzkopf initiated business operations with hair salons.

Schwarzkopf's Business with Hair Salons

In 1930, Hugo Henkel assumed leadership of the Henkel company.

Hugo Henkel takes charge of Henkel

In 1932, Henkel introduced the talking film 'Wäsche – Waschen – Wohlergehen' to German movie theatres. The film attracted around 30 million viewers in the subsequent years.

Henkel movie

Almost 90 years ago, in 1932, the Henkel Orchestra had its first rehearsal where about 30 employees played on their string, wind, and plucked instruments at various works events.

Henkel Orchestra first rehearsal

Following the Nazi seizure of power in 1933, Hugo Henkel joined the Nazi Party and received awards from the regime.

Henkel joins Nazi Party

Under pressure from the local party chapter, Hugo Henkel resigned from his position as managing director in 1938.

Hugo Henkel steps down as managing director

Werner Lüps, the oldest grandson of Fritz Henkel, became the managing director after Hugo Henkel's resignation and remained in the position until his death in 1942.

Werner Lüps takes over as managing director

On April 16, 1945, American troops took control of Henkel's site in Düsseldorf during World War II.

American troops occupy Henkel's Düsseldorf site

Poly Color launched the first liquid hair tinting lotion in 1947, causing a stir in post-war Germany. Despite the initial controversy, Poly Color became a major success after some packaging modifications.

Poly Color - the first liquid hair coloring

In 1949, Schwarzkopf introduced Schauma shampoo, which became one of the most successful German shampoos.

Launch of Schauma shampoo by Schwarzkopf

Henkel entered the cosmetics business by acquiring TheraChemie in 1950, which marketed liquid hair colorants.

Acquisition of TheraChemie by Henkel

In 1954, Henkel-subsidiary Dreiring introduced Fa soap, a new type of toilet soap that later expanded into deodorants, shower gels, and bubble baths.

Dreiring launches Fa soap

In 1956, sunny spring days were celebrated at the Henkel headquarters, with flowers blooming in vibrant colors in the company's greenhouse.

Sunny Spring Days at Henkel HQ

Professor Vernon Krieble introduced the first Loctite adhesive in 1956, known as 'Loctite, the liquid locknut.' This adhesive was designed to address the issue of loose nuts and bolts in machinery. Henkel later acquired Loctite entirely in 1997, making it the leading brand in the Adhesive Technologies business.

Introduction of First Loctite adhesive

In 1960, Henkel acquired Standard Chemical Products, Inc., entering the U.S. chemical products market.

Henkel acquires Standard Chemical Products, Inc.

In 1961, colorful flowers grew in all colors at the Henkel greenhouse, marking the sunny spring days at the company's headquarters.

Colorful Flowers at Henkel Greenhouse

Henkel acquired Sichel-Werke AG in 1962, its main German competitor in the adhesives sector.

Henkel acquires Sichel-Werke AG

In 1969, the world's first glue stick was introduced.

The world’s first glue stick

Pritt, the world's first glue stick, was launched in 1969, marking Henkel's significance in the office and stationery supplies sector.

Introduction of Pritt glue stick

In 1970, The Greyhound Corporation acquired Armour and Company for $400 million, leading to the relocation of its headquarters to Phoenix, Arizona.

Greyhound Corporation purchased Armour and Company

In 1974, Henkel acquired shares in The Clorox Company to produce and sell certain household products.

Henkel acquires shares in The Clorox Company

In 1974, Henkel patented a compound called Sasil, which was a substitute for phosphates.

Henkel patented Sasil compound

Henkel GmbH transformed into Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien (KGaA) on January 1, 1975. The Shareholders' Committee was established as the decision-making body for the Henkel family.

Henkel KGaA

On January 1, 1975, Henkel GmbH transformed into Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien (KGaA), a limited corporation based on shares.

Henkel changed into Henkel KGaA

In 1977, Pattex carried the weight of a house, which was then transported by a helicopter, demonstrating the strength and reliability of the product.

Pattex House Transportation

In 1982, Henkel initiated a joint venture with partners from Saudi Arabia, Sweden, and Germany to create the regional detergent brand 'Dac'.

Dac detergent brand joint venture

In 1983, a famous Pattex commercial was aired on television, showcasing the product to the audience.

Pattex Commercial Aired

Henkel strengthened its position in the cosmetics retail trade by acquiring the AOK facial care range in 1983.

Henkel acquires AOK facial care range

An important new production plant was established in Malaysia in 1984 by Henkel.

New production plant opened in Malaysia

In 1985, Henkel acquired over 25% of Loctite's ordinary stock from the Krieble family.

Henkel purchased Loctite's stock

In 1986, the first public Annual General Meeting of Henkel KGaA was held at the Düsseldorf City Hall. It was also the first time the Information for Shareholders was published.

First Public Annual General Meeting

The first public Annual General Meeting of Henkel KGaA took place in 1986 at the Düsseldorf City Hall.

First public Annual General Meeting of Henkel KGaA

In 1988, Greyhound acquired the Boraxo, Borateem, and 20 Mule Team Borax brands from United States Borax.

Greyhound acquired Boraxo, Borateem, and 20 Mule Team Borax brands

In 1989, Henkel invested DM 282 million in a particular area, with additional capital expenditure earmarked for related purposes.

Significant investment in 1989

In 1990, Greyhound was renamed Greyhound Dial Corporation and then The Dial Corp following the sale of Greyhound Lines.

Change in Greyhound's name to The Dial Corp

In 1991, Henkel acquired Teroson of Heidelberg and merged it into its Adhesives and Surface Technologies business sectors.

Acquisition of Teroson

In 1992, Henkel released its inaugural Environment Report, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Henkel publishes its first Environment Report

Henkel acquired Schwarzkopf in July 1995, leading to a significant growth in the sales of its Beauty Care business unit. Schwarzkopf is now a prominent brand in the global hair cosmetics industry.

Acquisition of Schwarzkopf

In 1996, Henkel acquired Thiem Automotive from National Starch and Chemical Company, which included a manufacturing plant in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

Acquisition of Thiem Automotive

Henkel acquired all shares of the Loctite Corporation, a leading specialist in engineering adhesives, particularly for miniaturization like Chip-bonding and microelectronics. The integration of Loctite helped Henkel become the world market leader in adhesives.

Acquisition of Loctite

In 1997, Henkel purchased the Loctite Corporation.

Purchase of Loctite Corporation

Henkel & Schwarzkopf organized the Miss Fa beauty pageant in Russia and CIS in 1997, with the final held in Yalta. Elena Khibliko won the title, leading to a significant increase in Fa brand sales in Russia and overall company sales.

Miss Fa Beauty Pageant

Henkel's volunteering initiative 'Make an Impact on Tomorrow' (MIT) was launched in 1998 to promote employee engagement in social projects, making Henkel a pioneer in integrating social engagement into its sustainability efforts.

25th Anniversary of 'Make an Impact on Tomorrow' Initiative

Since 1998, Henkel has focused on supporting employee volunteering, corporate and brand engagement for the common good, and emergency aid. Employees and retirees have been involved in over 16,800 projects in more than 100 countries.

Henkel's Corporate Citizenship Activities

In 1998, Henkel GCC was established, leading to rapid growth in the market. Additionally, in 1982, the regional detergent brand 'Dac' was launched as a joint venture with partners from Saudi Arabia, Sweden, and Germany.

Foundation of Henkel GCC

In 2001, the Pritt glue stick, invented by Henkel, was tested in space, making it the first brand on Earth to receive the 'space-proof quality' seal.

Pritt Glue Stick Tested in Space

Loctite India Private Limited, incorporated in 1990, was renamed Henkel-Loctite India Private Limited after Henkel's acquisition. This move was part of the integration process to strengthen Henkel's presence in India.

Renaming of Loctite India Private Limited

Henkel acquired The Dial Corporation, a U.S.-based company known for manufacturing laundry detergents, household cleaners, and body care products such as bar soaps, liquid soaps, and shower gels.

Acquisition of The Dial Corporation

In 2004, Henkel made its largest acquisition by purchasing The Dial Corporation, a renowned American personal care and household cleaning products company, strengthening its presence in the North American market.

In 2004, Henkel acquired Advanced Research Laboratories (ARL), an American cosmetics company known for its hair cosmetics products.

Acquisition of Advanced Research Laboratories (ARL)

In 2004, Henkel acquired Orbseal and converted the former Orbseal plant in Richmond, MO into a Henkel facility.

Acquisition of Orbseal

Henkel introduced Persil Abaya Shampoo to the Saudi Arabian market in 2007, targeting it as a specialist detergent for abayas, the traditional black garments worn by women in Islamic cultures.

Introduction of Persil Abaya Shampoo

In April 2008, Henkel acquired National Starch, including the adhesives and electronic materials businesses previously owned by AkzoNobel, for a significant purchase price.

Acquisition of National Starch

On 5 May 2011, Jyothy Laboratories acquired a majority stake in Henkel India, with plans for further investment through a compulsory open offer.

Jyothy Laboratories' Stake in Henkel India

In 2012, Henkel presented its new Sustainability Strategy 2030, aiming to achieve more with less and triple efficiency. The strategy focuses on 'more value' and 'reduced footprint' dimensions, with goals to reduce energy, water, and waste by 15% per production unit by 2015.

Henkel's Sustainability Strategy 2030

At the Corporate Headquarters in Düsseldorf, Henkel inaugurated its largest automated storage facility, providing storage capacity for over 25 million packs of laundry and home care products.

Henkel Opens Largest Automated Storage Facility

Henkel successfully launched its flagship brand, Persil ProClean, in the United States in 2015. This marked the introduction of Persil to the American market.

Launch of Persil ProClean in the U.S.

Hans Van Bylen took over as the CEO of Henkel on May 1, 2016, succeeding Kasper Rorsted. He had been a member of the Management Board since 2005 and was previously responsible for the Beauty Care business unit.

Hans Van Bylen becomes Henkel CEO

Pascal Houdayer, who had been a member of the Management Board since March 1, 2016, succeeded Hans Van Bylen as the Executive Vice President for the Beauty Care business unit on May 1, 2016.

Pascal Houdayer appointed as Executive Vice President for Beauty Care

Hans Van Bylen assumed the position of Chairman of the Henkel Management Board starting from May 1, 2016.

Hans Van Bylen becomes Chairman of Henkel Management Board

Henkel completed the acquisition of The Sun Products Corporation, a US-based laundry and home care company, on September 1, 2016. This acquisition included popular laundry care brands like all, Sun, and Snuggle, expanding Henkel's portfolio.

Henkel acquires The Sun Products Corporation

On November 17, 2016, Henkel introduced its new strategic priorities and financial goals under the initiative 'Henkel 2020+'. The company aimed to achieve continued profitable growth by focusing on driving growth, digitalization, agility, and funding growth.

Henkel presents new strategic priorities and financial ambition

On September 7, 2017, Henkel inaugurated its new headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, as part of integrating The Sun Products Corporation.

Henkel opens North American Consumer Goods headquarters

In June 2018, Henkel inaugurated a new 3D printing technology hub in Tallaght, Ireland, showcasing its commitment to innovation in the field of 3D printing.

Opening of 3D Printing Technology Hub in Tallaght, Ireland

Founded in 1876, Henkel operates in Consumer Brands and Adhesive Technologies. It owns popular brands like Loctite, Persil, and Fa. In 2023, Henkel's sales reached 21.5 billion euros with 47,750 employees worldwide.

German multinational company headquartered in Düsseldorf

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