Henkel response
14 April 2022
...Within the first 48 hours, we launched a solidarity aid program of more than 1 million euros. A substantial part went directly to our Ukrainian colleagues as emergency financial aid. We are also offering all Henkel refugees and their families safe accommodation. On top, we are supporting Henkel employees who volunteer at the borders by giving them paid time off...
We have local and regional crisis managements teams in place. We are in constant contact with our crisis teams to monitor and manage the situation. Especially with the local teams we are in close contact to implement necessary support measures.
With regard to the Ukraine and the war we are in regular contact with our Ukrainian colleagues that are impacted by the war to different degree...
Of course, we fully comply with all applicable sanctions against Russia. This includes products related to sanctioned applications. For all supplies we thoroughly assess who our customers are and for which applications the products are used. Furthermore, we have stopped all planned investments in Russia – for example for site expansions, and have stopped all advertising in media and all sponsorship activities...
For now, we are continuing local production and sales, for example of essential products such as household and personal care or hygiene products...
22 April 2022
“Henkel has decided to exit our business activities in Russia
Over the past weeks the war in Ukraine and our position on our business in Russia have led to many questions and also controversial discussions – both internally and externally. We have been engaged in an intensive dialog at the Management Board and our supervising bodies as well as with our partners, other companies and various stakeholders.
Of course, we fully comply with all applicable sanctions against Russia. Furthermore, we have stopped at an early stage all planned investments in Russia – for example for site expansions, and have also stopped all advertising in media and all sponsorship activities.
Against the background of the current developments, we have decided to exit our business activities in Russia. The execution process is now being prepared. We will work closely with our teams in Russia on the details to ensure an orderly process. In the meantime, our 2,500 employees in Russia will continue to be employed and paid.
As a global company with colleagues from more than 120 nations, we firmly believe that mutual respect, humanity and the peaceful resolution of conflicts must prevail!