Sustainability

Future? Ready! Henkel’s journey from regulatory compliance to impact

  • Introduction
  • Objective
  • Strategy
  • Result

The introduction of the CSRD has fundamentally transformed sustainability reporting: it is now more standardised, regulatory in focus and demands a high level of engagement from readers. Henkel nevertheless wanted to communicate its sustainability strategy, concrete progress and long-term goals in a way that was both understandable and effective for a broad audience. 

That is why, to complement the integrated CSRD report, the Sustainable Impact Report 2025 was produced for the first time. RYZE Digital supported the project from conception through to implementation.

The aim was to develop a standalone ESG publication with high design standards, the content of which goes well beyond traditional reporting requirements. Complex sustainability issues were to be made accessible through clear language, visual storytelling and concrete practical examples. At the same time, the report was to effectively communicate the sustainability strategy, achievements to date and the new targets for 2030, whilst also meeting the additional requirements of ratings and rankings.

RYZE Digital was responsible for the concept, consultancy, design and creative implementation of the Sustainable Impact Report, as well as project management and production coordination. Working together with Henkel, a master design was first developed, which was then applied to all thematic chapters.

The report combines regulatory ESG content with a magazine-style storytelling approach. The focus is on Henkel’s sustainability narrative, supplemented by practical examples, strategic context and an outlook on the sustainability targets up to 2030. The “150 Years of Henkel” anniversary was integrated into the publication as an overarching theme under the slogan “Future? Ready!”. In addition, our film and animation studio developed animated content to illustrate the value chain for the use of the complex graphic on the web.

The result is a standalone ESG publication that makes the topic of sustainability accessible through storytelling, practical examples and a clear visual design. A distinctive design, evocative imagery and a well-thought-out information architecture come together to create a publication that serves as a genuine communication tool – going far beyond regulatory reporting requirements. The Sustainable Impact Report complements the integrated CSRD report with strategic content, concrete examples of impact and Henkel’s new sustainability targets for 2030. 

Due to the positive internal and external feedback, the publication will be reissued in an adapted form next year.

Any questions?

Johannes Tappmeier Director of Marketing & Business Development

 

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