Tag: 3BL

Viatris is committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% and absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 25%, in each case by 2030 from a 2020 baseline year. We obtained validation and approval of these targets from SBTi in 2022, which also classified the target for scope 1 and 2 as aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C of preindustrial levels.

Our work to reduce the effects of climate change aims to support the health of those we serve and builds resilience in our operations. We continue to build readiness and further enhance our practices, in part based on our most recent climate scenario analysis in 2022, which helped us to reassess and understand our exposure to physical and economic risk drivers based on different climate change scenarios. The assessment reconfirmed the importance of our established areas of focus: protecting and enabling stable access to water, helping protect public water resources and maintaining operations during extreme weather events. The climate scenario analysis is intended to be updated to reflect ongoing operational changes.

Driving sustainable operations means continuously working for improvements and not just undertaking replacements. Doing so results in increased operational efficiencies, greater cost effectiveness, reduced GHG emissions and lower operating costs. In 2023, we advanced on our strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increasing renewable electricity use, enhancing operational efficiencies, upgrading equipment and expanding use of alternative fuels.

In 2023, we expanded the Ireland renewable electricity contract to include the Little Island facility beginning January 2024; this change resulted in all Ireland manufacturing sites now buying 100% renewable electricity. For the Little Island site, this change will reduce their GHG emissions by over 50%.

Our GHG Emissions Reduction Targets*

Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2020 base year.**

Reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions covering purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel- and energy-related activities and upstream transportation and distribution by 25% by 2030 from a 2020 base year.

Our progress: Since 2020, we accomplished a 3.7% reduction of our scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to our baseline.*** We believe our strategy is on track to deliver on our reduction target by 2030.

*Our ability to make progress on our goals depends on several factors, some of which are outside of our control.

**The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstock.

***Per Dec. 31, 2023, and not taking into account divestitures

Increasing the Use of Renewable Energy

Taking advantage of cost-effective renewable electricity is a key component of our work to make progress on our GHG-reduction goals. With a global operating footprint, where the supply of renewable electricity and low-carbon fuels varies, we apply different approaches in different geographies.

Renewable energy sources like solar, wind and agricultural biomass are being used throughout the Viatris operations network.

At our injectable facility in Hosur, India, the continued use of renewable energy and low-carbon intensity fuel including liquid petroleum gas (LPG) has resulted in a more than 40% reduction of scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, from a 2020 baseline. For our OSD facilities in Nashik and Indore, India, the use of agro-based bio-briquette-fired boilers for generating plant steam has reduced GHG emissions for those sites by more than 10%, also from a 2020 baseline.

We have implemented solar projects in Carole Park, Australia, which is helping to reduce GHG emissions for our electricity supply. The team installed a 99 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system, which uses energy from the sun to generate electricity. Five additional solar projects are planned with completion dates in 2024 and 2025.

Maximizing Equipment Efficiencies

Another continued priority has been maximizing efficiencies in our equipment. Across our API sites in 2023, more than 53 tons of refrigeration units were transitioned to zero ozone-depleting potential (ODP) refrigerants. We completed more than 20 system optimization projects to reduce energy and water consumption while delivering the required utility services and including implementing eight LED lighting projects.

Other projects around the world have included:

A new variable speed drive chiller in Galway, Ireland, providing a reduction in energy to generate the same amount of chilled waterHVAC chiller unit replacements in St. Albans, Vermont, which reduce energy useWaste water treatment plant blower upgrade at Little island, Ireland, providing greater energy efficiency by reducing energy required for treatment

These examples underscore our ongoing commitment to operational efficiency. When replacing end-of-life equipment, we prioritize installing more efficient units that not only reduce energy consumption and GHG emissions but also minimize operating costs.

Working to Reduce Emissions in Our Supply Chain

We are working to reduce carbon emissions across our supply chain. We work across all three of our freight transportation modes – road, ocean and air – to that end. Supply reliability and transport efficiency are primary objectives. We focus on full truck loads and double stacking of pallets where possible and partner with our freight partners to move from dedicated containers to sharing capacity with other companies to better utilize space across the industry. Full truck loads are considered the most efficient mode of transit.

The sourcing of transportation providers considers sustainability as a factor. Our key logistics suppliers have sustainability programs and are active in reducing GHG emissions.

To enable the shift to ocean and road freight – which is less GHG intensive than air – we have been building in more time for transportation into our processes, which hinges on good demand data and forecast planning. We have a rapid response system and have established a standard operating procedure to make ocean freight our standard mode.

In 2023, road and ocean represented 81% of all our transport. As timely access to medicine is the priority, there are exceptions when speed is of the essence and air transport may be required, representing 19% of our transport in 2023. As part of protecting supply reliability and reducing GHG emissions, we are looking into railway as another mode of transport. Further, we are looking at more sustainable packaging solutions to prepare our products for shipments.

Working with our partners to reduce GHG emissions is important as a significant amount of our GHG footprint comes from our partners’ operations. We are expanding our collaboration with partners in our sector to make progress on our scope 3 reduction target and collectively strive to reduce GHG emissions to protect human health and build more resilient supply chains.

In 2023, we began sharing information with our suppliers about our targets and their important role in supporting overall progress. We encouraged them to start measuring, tracking and disclosing their GHG footprint if they are not already doing so. These actions will start suppliers that are not already engaged in GHG reduction activities down the path toward developing their own GHG reduction programs and targets.

As a full member of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Initiative (PSCI), we are working together to provide training and supplier engagement at scale to increase awareness across the collective supplier base on sustainable and responsible practices specific to pharmaceutical operations, including but not limited to reducing GHG emissions.

Viatris was named to USA Today’s inaugural list of America’s Climate Leaders 2023 for companies that have demonstrated the greatest reduction in emissions intensityThe Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority in 2023 recognized our Vega Baja site with the Platinum Category Excellent Compliance Award

View the full 2023 Sustainability Report.

Originally published on Nielsen Insights

Introduction: Understanding local media’s reach during extreme weather events

Nielsen collaborated with Climate Central, a policy-neutral non-profit climate science organization, to assess the presence of accurate and informative climate reporting in local media to engage communities affected by extreme weather events.

Objective: Highlight local media’s role in driving climate change awareness 

According to the American Meteorological Society, local weather broadcasting is extremely effective in raising awareness about climate change. Climate Central collaborated with Nielsen to analyze local TV newscasts for climate change content and measure the audience reach associated with those broadcasts.

Challenge: Engaging local media stations to educate audiences about climate change

Despite increasing public concern about the link between climate change and extreme weather, only 28% of people in the U.S. say they hear about global warming in the media at least once a week. This suggests that media, including local media, frequently misses opportunities to increase public understanding and awareness of extreme weather and climate change.

Solution: Create a climate content metric for reports using audience reach and context analysis

Using Nielsen Local TV View (NLTV), Nielsen Grabix and the PPM Analysis Tool, Nielsen analyzed local television news and radio coverage in the top 50 U.S. DMAs related to four extreme weather events from 2022-2023 that could appropriately be connected with climate change. These events were Hurricane Ian, the Canadian wildfires, the Phoenix heat streak and Tropical Storm Hilary. The data was used to understand if, when and how coverage discussed the event in the context of climate change and was turned into a public report detailing viewership and content analysis of local TV news segments during those four notable extreme weather events.

Key findings: 

17M total reach: Broadcast segments during extreme weather events have high reach and impact. Nationwide, over 17 million people in the Top 50 DMAs were exposed to segments connecting the extreme weather event to climate change.

48% understand segments: Extreme heat was most often connected to climate change. About 48% of all climate contextualized segments were about the Phoenix heat streak of 31 days of >110℉ temperatures.

395% increased reach: During Hurricane Ian, the average reach for local news streaming apps in Orlando among people ages 25-54 increased 395% over the previous week. Local TV viewership also had exponential increases, doubling in the Orlando market for Hurricane Ian and in Los Angeles for Tropical Storm Hilary.

Results: The Climate Content Analysis proved the value and opportunity of climate reporting

This collaboration resulted in a climate content analysis used to assess the presence of climate contextualization in local TV coverage of extreme weather, meeting the public’s growing appetite for accurate information on the causes and impacts of extreme weather.

Conclusion: Nielsen’s content analysis unlocks local media programming insights during extreme weather events

Nielsen’s audience and content analysis tools powered the creation of a new metric that sets the standard for assessing climate reporting in media. This metric identifies where local media stations can provide clear weather reporting to increase awareness about climate change and its links to extreme weather events.

Nielsen’s data, and the content analysis it generated, delivered critical insights into how local media provides the public with vital information needed to help communities prepare and stay safe during times of extreme weather.

Kaitlyn Trudeau | Senior Research Associate, Climate Science at Climate Central

Visit Nielsen’s site to learn more and connect with their team of experts.

Originally published on Nielsen Insights

Introduction: Understanding local media’s reach during extreme weather events

Nielsen collaborated with Climate Central, a policy-neutral non-profit climate science organization, to assess the presence of accurate and informative climate reporting in local media to engage communities affected by extreme weather events.

Objective: Highlight local media’s role in driving climate change awareness 

According to the American Meteorological Society, local weather broadcasting is extremely effective in raising awareness about climate change. Climate Central collaborated with Nielsen to analyze local TV newscasts for climate change content and measure the audience reach associated with those broadcasts.

Challenge: Engaging local media stations to educate audiences about climate change

Despite increasing public concern about the link between climate change and extreme weather, only 28% of people in the U.S. say they hear about global warming in the media at least once a week. This suggests that media, including local media, frequently misses opportunities to increase public understanding and awareness of extreme weather and climate change.

Solution: Create a climate content metric for reports using audience reach and context analysis

Using Nielsen Local TV View (NLTV), Nielsen Grabix and the PPM Analysis Tool, Nielsen analyzed local television news and radio coverage in the top 50 U.S. DMAs related to four extreme weather events from 2022-2023 that could appropriately be connected with climate change. These events were Hurricane Ian, the Canadian wildfires, the Phoenix heat streak and Tropical Storm Hilary. The data was used to understand if, when and how coverage discussed the event in the context of climate change and was turned into a public report detailing viewership and content analysis of local TV news segments during those four notable extreme weather events.

Key findings: 

17M total reach: Broadcast segments during extreme weather events have high reach and impact. Nationwide, over 17 million people in the Top 50 DMAs were exposed to segments connecting the extreme weather event to climate change.

48% understand segments: Extreme heat was most often connected to climate change. About 48% of all climate contextualized segments were about the Phoenix heat streak of 31 days of >110℉ temperatures.

395% increased reach: During Hurricane Ian, the average reach for local news streaming apps in Orlando among people ages 25-54 increased 395% over the previous week. Local TV viewership also had exponential increases, doubling in the Orlando market for Hurricane Ian and in Los Angeles for Tropical Storm Hilary.

Results: The Climate Content Analysis proved the value and opportunity of climate reporting

This collaboration resulted in a climate content analysis used to assess the presence of climate contextualization in local TV coverage of extreme weather, meeting the public’s growing appetite for accurate information on the causes and impacts of extreme weather.

Conclusion: Nielsen’s content analysis unlocks local media programming insights during extreme weather events

Nielsen’s audience and content analysis tools powered the creation of a new metric that sets the standard for assessing climate reporting in media. This metric identifies where local media stations can provide clear weather reporting to increase awareness about climate change and its links to extreme weather events.

Nielsen’s data, and the content analysis it generated, delivered critical insights into how local media provides the public with vital information needed to help communities prepare and stay safe during times of extreme weather.

Kaitlyn Trudeau | Senior Research Associate, Climate Science at Climate Central

Visit Nielsen’s site to learn more and connect with their team of experts.

Drawdown Georgia is honored to share a special Georgia Climate Digest video interview with environmental justice pioneer Dr. Mildred McClain.

Dr. McClain is the founder and executive director emeritus for the Harambee House/Citizens for Environmental Justice and has spent the five decades of her career working in the fields of education, community empowerment, public health, environmental justice, and youth leadership development.

She recently sat down with Eriqah Vincent to talk about the beginnings of her environmental justice career, the radioactive disaster that led to the founding of Harambee House, current climate resiliency initiatives underway in Savannah, and what is giving her hope around climate.

Watch the recorded video here.

Drawdown Georgia is honored to share a special Georgia Climate Digest video interview with environmental justice pioneer Dr. Mildred McClain.

Dr. McClain is the founder and executive director emeritus for the Harambee House/Citizens for Environmental Justice and has spent the five decades of her career working in the fields of education, community empowerment, public health, environmental justice, and youth leadership development.

She recently sat down with Eriqah Vincent to talk about the beginnings of her environmental justice career, the radioactive disaster that led to the founding of Harambee House, current climate resiliency initiatives underway in Savannah, and what is giving her hope around climate.

Watch the recorded video here.

In her latest blog, Kaley Roshitsh, Cascale’s editorial director, discusses Cascale’s collaboration with 13 cotton programs and industry stakeholders to update the Higg MSI cotton methodology. She highlights how the Higg MSI is continuously evolving from voices across the industry and notes that this achievement marks the beginning of more accurate and continuously evolving cotton LCA data, with continued bi-annual updates to reflect ongoing improvements in product and corporate footprints.

Read the full blog here.

In her latest blog, Kaley Roshitsh, Cascale’s editorial director, discusses Cascale’s collaboration with 13 cotton programs and industry stakeholders to update the Higg MSI cotton methodology. She highlights how the Higg MSI is continuously evolving from voices across the industry and notes that this achievement marks the beginning of more accurate and continuously evolving cotton LCA data, with continued bi-annual updates to reflect ongoing improvements in product and corporate footprints.

Read the full blog here.

AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, and OAKLAND, Calif., October 24, 2024 /3BL/ – Cascale, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, has unveiled a new cotton LCA methodology for the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI), offering unprecedented accuracy and consistency in assessing the environmental impacts of cotton fiber. This new methodology provides businesses with reliable data to make informed sourcing and sustainability decisions. Data modeled with this methodology will be released on this and future updates to the Higg MSI, exclusively available on the sustainability data insights platform Worldly, reflecting significant industry-wide collaboration.

The Higg MSI is a cradle-to-gate material assessment tool that calculates environmental impacts from the extraction or production of raw materials, through manufacturing and finishing to the point where the material, trim/component, or packaging is ready to be assembled into a final product. For the past three years, experts and stakeholders convened by Cascale as part of the Higg MSI Methodology Cotton Expert Team collaborated on a cotton-specific methodology and model, providing an industry-aligned method for assessing the environmental impact of the fiber, following LCA principles. This updated cotton methodology not only strengthens sourcing decisions within the cotton sector but also sets a precedent for improving data transparency across other fibers and materials in the Higg MSI.

Standardized data collection and consistent modeling ensure that reliable cotton impact results are available through the Higg MSI. Transparent and usable environmental impact data helps drive further sourcing of preferred cotton through producer programs. In addition, the cotton LCA methodology is designed to accurately demonstrate the impacts of field practice improvements over time, providing Higg MSI users with more steering information and enabling more accurate impact monitoring. Cascale will continue to integrate more accurate and continuously evolving cotton LCA data into future updates of the Higg MSI tool.

“This update is a testament to the power of industry-wide collaboration,” said Joël Mertens, Director of Higg Product Tools at Cascale. “By bringing together diverse stakeholders who work directly with cotton growers we’ve created a methodology that not only improves cotton LCA data, but advances transparency through continuous updates and evolution. This in turn allows for better partnerships and decision-making across supply chains to drive real sustainability outcomes.”

Participants in the Higg MSI Methodology Cotton Expert Team included 13 member organizations representing global cotton programs and industry stakeholders.

“Measuring the environmental impact of sustainable cotton production in a meaningful and consistent way is important to enable textile manufacturers, and ultimately consumers, make sustainable choices”, said Prakash Philip, Global Director, Strategy and Impact at CottonConnect. “That’s why, as part of Cascale’s MSI Methodology Cotton Expert Team, CottonConnect contributed to the development of a Higg MSI cotton-specific LCA methodology to enable a standardized, industry-wide method.”

“This Cascale initiative shows the desire of our peers around the world to ensure if an LCA method is used – such as for hotspot analysis, risk assessment, and demonstrating impact – it uses best available data, and complements the Australian cotton industry’s long record of collaboration and data transparency”, said Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) Executive Director Allan Williams. “The Australian cotton industry expects this new Cascale Cotton Methodology will give textile and apparel customers greater confidence in Australian cotton and potentially help them identify areas to work with the Australian cotton industry to further reduce their impacts.”

“This extensive collaboration led to a method enabling more accurate and frequent measurement of cotton’s sustainability. This is crucial as we track our improvements over time and meet the growing demand for data and transparency”, said Jesse Daystar, Ph.D., Chief Sustainability Officer at Cotton Incorporated. “We hope initiatives like this inspire efforts to improve the data quality across fiber types, such as polyester, as many existing data sources are becoming outdated and lack geographic representation.”

“There is significant demand for LCA data, but we’ve lacked the standardized approach to fully harness its potential and clarify its correct use”, said Miguel Gomez-Escolar Viejo, Head of MEL at Better Cotton. “This new cotton LCA methodology could be truly transformative: avoiding errors from the past, aligning the industry’s evaluation methods and fostering more meaningful collaboration and future advancements.”

“The Trust Protocol supports this updated cotton LCA methodology and appreciates the opportunity to have been part of the working group from the beginning,” said Daren Abney, Executive Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “The inclusion of more data sources will be a welcome step towards greater accuracy and transparency in understanding the environmental impacts of cotton production. We look forward to the incorporation of the Trust Protocol’s data in the next edition of the Higg MSI, further strengthening the tool’s ability to drive positive change within the industry.”

By harmonizing methodologies and aligning industry practices, Cascale’s Higg MSI update ensures that data related to cotton’s environmental impact is both accurate and transparent, providing a critical step forward to ensure stakeholders across the value chain are equipped to make informed decisions based on credible, standardized information. Cascale remains at the forefront of advancing sustainability by continuously evolving the Higg Index, ensuring that our members have the most accurate, timely, and actionable data to drive progress across the entire value chain. The first LCIA results from a participating program are now available in the Higg MSI. Data from several other programs is currently under review and are on track to be approved and added to the Higg MSI before the end of 2024.

– Ends –

About Cascale 

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the leading sustainability data insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

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AMSTERDAM, HONG KONG, and OAKLAND, Calif., October 24, 2024 /3BL/ – Cascale, formerly the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, has unveiled a new cotton LCA methodology for the Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI), offering unprecedented accuracy and consistency in assessing the environmental impacts of cotton fiber. This new methodology provides businesses with reliable data to make informed sourcing and sustainability decisions. Data modeled with this methodology will be released on this and future updates to the Higg MSI, exclusively available on the sustainability data insights platform Worldly, reflecting significant industry-wide collaboration.

The Higg MSI is a cradle-to-gate material assessment tool that calculates environmental impacts from the extraction or production of raw materials, through manufacturing and finishing to the point where the material, trim/component, or packaging is ready to be assembled into a final product. For the past three years, experts and stakeholders convened by Cascale as part of the Higg MSI Methodology Cotton Expert Team collaborated on a cotton-specific methodology and model, providing an industry-aligned method for assessing the environmental impact of the fiber, following LCA principles. This updated cotton methodology not only strengthens sourcing decisions within the cotton sector but also sets a precedent for improving data transparency across other fibers and materials in the Higg MSI.

Standardized data collection and consistent modeling ensure that reliable cotton impact results are available through the Higg MSI. Transparent and usable environmental impact data helps drive further sourcing of preferred cotton through producer programs. In addition, the cotton LCA methodology is designed to accurately demonstrate the impacts of field practice improvements over time, providing Higg MSI users with more steering information and enabling more accurate impact monitoring. Cascale will continue to integrate more accurate and continuously evolving cotton LCA data into future updates of the Higg MSI tool.

“This update is a testament to the power of industry-wide collaboration,” said Joël Mertens, Director of Higg Product Tools at Cascale. “By bringing together diverse stakeholders who work directly with cotton growers we’ve created a methodology that not only improves cotton LCA data, but advances transparency through continuous updates and evolution. This in turn allows for better partnerships and decision-making across supply chains to drive real sustainability outcomes.”

Participants in the Higg MSI Methodology Cotton Expert Team included 13 member organizations representing global cotton programs and industry stakeholders.

“Measuring the environmental impact of sustainable cotton production in a meaningful and consistent way is important to enable textile manufacturers, and ultimately consumers, make sustainable choices”, said Prakash Philip, Global Director, Strategy and Impact at CottonConnect. “That’s why, as part of Cascale’s MSI Methodology Cotton Expert Team, CottonConnect contributed to the development of a Higg MSI cotton-specific LCA methodology to enable a standardized, industry-wide method.”

“This Cascale initiative shows the desire of our peers around the world to ensure if an LCA method is used – such as for hotspot analysis, risk assessment, and demonstrating impact – it uses best available data, and complements the Australian cotton industry’s long record of collaboration and data transparency”, said Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) Executive Director Allan Williams. “The Australian cotton industry expects this new Cascale Cotton Methodology will give textile and apparel customers greater confidence in Australian cotton and potentially help them identify areas to work with the Australian cotton industry to further reduce their impacts.”

“This extensive collaboration led to a method enabling more accurate and frequent measurement of cotton’s sustainability. This is crucial as we track our improvements over time and meet the growing demand for data and transparency”, said Jesse Daystar, Ph.D., Chief Sustainability Officer at Cotton Incorporated. “We hope initiatives like this inspire efforts to improve the data quality across fiber types, such as polyester, as many existing data sources are becoming outdated and lack geographic representation.”

“There is significant demand for LCA data, but we’ve lacked the standardized approach to fully harness its potential and clarify its correct use”, said Miguel Gomez-Escolar Viejo, Head of MEL at Better Cotton. “This new cotton LCA methodology could be truly transformative: avoiding errors from the past, aligning the industry’s evaluation methods and fostering more meaningful collaboration and future advancements.”

“The Trust Protocol supports this updated cotton LCA methodology and appreciates the opportunity to have been part of the working group from the beginning,” said Daren Abney, Executive Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. “The inclusion of more data sources will be a welcome step towards greater accuracy and transparency in understanding the environmental impacts of cotton production. We look forward to the incorporation of the Trust Protocol’s data in the next edition of the Higg MSI, further strengthening the tool’s ability to drive positive change within the industry.”

By harmonizing methodologies and aligning industry practices, Cascale’s Higg MSI update ensures that data related to cotton’s environmental impact is both accurate and transparent, providing a critical step forward to ensure stakeholders across the value chain are equipped to make informed decisions based on credible, standardized information. Cascale remains at the forefront of advancing sustainability by continuously evolving the Higg Index, ensuring that our members have the most accurate, timely, and actionable data to drive progress across the entire value chain. The first LCIA results from a participating program are now available in the Higg MSI. Data from several other programs is currently under review and are on track to be approved and added to the Higg MSI before the end of 2024.

– Ends –

About Cascale 

Cascale is the global nonprofit alliance empowering collaboration to drive equitable and restorative business practices in the consumer goods industry. Formerly known as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Cascale owns and develops the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly, the leading sustainability data insights platform. Cascale unites over 300 retailers, brands, manufacturers, governments, academics, and NGO/nonprofit affiliates around the globe through one singular vision: To catalyze impact at scale and give back more than we take to the planet and its people.

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Did you know that Henkel North America employs approximately 8,000 employees in more than 65 sites across the U.S. and Canada? Collectively, these sites support two business units: Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands.

Our #AViewFrom series features select locations, sharing information and facts about our sites across Henkel North America.

The products we eat, drink, and use every day can come in all types of packages. And cans are among the most used containers. Beverages, food, hair care products, household cleaners, and maintenance materials are often supplied in cans. Ensuring the ends of cans are compatible with the contents and leak-proof is what the professionals at Henkel Adhesive Technologies’ Chicago, Illinois site are committed to daily. Learn more in this segment of #AViewFrom: Chicago, IL.

When you think about the journey of a can, all kinds of vibration, transportation variables, and handling and storage conditions it is subjected to, you can appreciate how strong, impervious, and rugged the can ends have to be. These containers take a lot of abuse and are expected not to fail. Our people work to make sure that’s the case and that our materials consistently deliver. In fact, the can will probably fail before our product does!

Luke Martens, Site Operations Director

Quality is the hallmark of this site. Every drum of material must be produced perfectly – there is no room for error.

One 55-gallon drum of our sealant secures the can ends of almost 3.5 million cans. When that Henkel product leaves our facility, it must be 100% quality, 100% of the time.

Adam Vollmers, Site Quality Manager

Built in 1941, Henkel’s Chicago facility has changed ownership several times since its inception, ultimately becoming part of the Henkel manufacturing footprint with the company’s acquisition of GCP Applied Technologies’ Darex Packaging Technologies, in 2017 after it split off from W.R. Grace. Remarkably, however, the double seam process developed to secure can ends and that revolutionized container production is still essentially the same technique in use today, albeit far more automated.

Ensuring environmental protection and employee safety are also top priorities at Henkel’s Chicago site, with facility improvement investment directed toward initiatives in these areas. A recent project to upgrade the plant’s solvent filtration system has reduced its overall waste footprint by over 50%. This achievement was recognized with an internal award, the Henkel Lion Award, in 2023. Henkel Chicago’s safety record has also received industry accolades, with the team earning a 2024 Award of Commendation from the American Coatings Association for zero accidents or restricted workdays. The facility is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 140001, ISO 45001, and ISO 5001 certified and is a zero production waste to landfill site.

DID YOU KNOW?

Henkel Chicago products go full circle: DAREX® sealants are integrated into cans that Henkel then uses to package various product brands – from LOCTITE® brand adhesives to Got2B® and PRAVANA® brand haircare formulations. Henkel’s materials are in the can in more ways than one!

CULTURE AND COMMITMENT

By comparison, Henkel Chicago’s 40-person staff is relatively small, and this contributes to the tight-knit culture of the site. The team here, some of whom are third-generation employees, are highly invested in their work product and their colleagues. Administrative Lead Elizabeth Molina spearheads many projects and activities that help foster employee connection and camaraderie.

The people at this facility are so committed and passionate; it’s inspiring. I get great satisfaction from doing whatever I can to help our teams be as successful, connected, and productive as possible. This could include anything from organizing special events to leading major site initiatives like the digital signage board project I’m currently overseeing. Whatever it takes to support our people, I’m all in!

Elizabeth Molina, Site Administrator