Every breakthrough begins with courage. It all started with Fritz Henkel, a visionary thinker, who saw new opportunities where others saw limits. As an entrepreneur, he clearly looked ahead and boldly forged new paths – for example, when he revolutionized the laborious process of hand-washing laundry by inventing the world’s first self-acting detergent. This pioneering spirit still drives us today.
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FUTURE? READY!
150 years of pioneering spirit means shaping progress with purpose.
At Henkel, we turn change into opportunity, driving innovation, sustainability, and responsibility to build a better future. Together.
For 150 years, the pioneering spirit of our founder Fritz Henkel has inspired us to turn ideas into innovations, improve millions of lives, and help our customers to find solutions for their individual challenges and applications. Every day, our teams in more than 75 countries give their best to make this possible. Because we are pioneers at heart for the good of generations.
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HENKEL HISTORY TIMELINE
Henkel's story begins in 1876 with a twenty-eight-year-old merchant who was interested in science: Fritz Henkel. On September 26, 1876, Fritz and two partners founded the company Henkel & Cie in Aachen, Germany and marketed their first product, a universal detergent based on silicate. During the following years, the Henkel family and thousands of their employees built Henkel into a global company.
Being a pioneer means pushing boundaries – not just in one field, but across countless areas of innovation. We’re driven by an unwavering spirit to explore, create, and transform possibilities into progress for generations to come.
We rethink the way things are done: with market-leading adhesive technologies for industrial solutions, consumers and craftsmen around the world, and with iconic consumer brands that make everyday life easier and better for millions of people.
We think long-term and act responsibly and through education and social engagement, we create positive impact for generations to come.
This is our legacy and our commitment to the future.
MORE ABOUT HENKEL
Henkel holds leading positions in both industrial and consumer businesses: Our portfolio includes well-known hair care products, laundry detergents, fabric softeners as well as adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings.
