By Martin D’Souza |Opening Doorz Editorial | June 04, 2024
When I was first introduced to Henkel, around six years ago, I thought it was a Beer brand. Being a teetotaller I mistook Henkel for Heineken. And even though I was at that event for over three hours, Henkel, as a brand, seemed nondescript to me. I was still wondering what I was doing at a beer brand CSR activity!
Later, as I got to know the brand better, thanks to a friend of mine (who had invited me to the launch), who kept speaking about Henkel, whenever we met, I looked up the brand on the internet. And as luck would have it, I had a small association with the brand a few years later. It was here that I realized Henkel was HUGE, and its presence in our daily lives is something millions are not even aware of.
Henkel Inside: From Dusk to Dawn
From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, Henkel’s influence subtly but significantly permeates our daily routines. This multinational giant, I soon realized, though often behind the scenes, plays an integral role in various aspects of our lives, offering innovative solutions that enhance convenience, sustainability, and efficiency. From personal care products to advanced technological applications, Henkel’s extensive portfolio has had a profound impact on modern living, across the globe.
What sets Henkel apart is that it does not compromise on its quality. Its ability to stay relevant and potent even 145 years after its birth, is something very few global giants manage. In a chat, some time ago with Sunil Kumar Sathyanarayanan, President, Henkel India, I had asked him the secret of Henkel’s success, and how they stay relevant. His reply was simple: “That’s a very relevant question,” he smiled and continued. “At Henkel, we never rest on past success. For us, it is important to stay relevant. We are always innovating. That explains, why even after 140-plus years, Henkel, is a global leader.”
Sunil went on to explain how Henkel builds on strong consumer insights and knowledge around changing consumer behavior and trends. “Together with universities and other research institutes, the international research team at Consumer Brands is constantly developing innovative products to delight our customers and consumers and exceed their expectations,” he added.
I had asked this question based on the rise and fall of Nokia. How this Finnish company became the global leader in cell phone technology only to spiral down, losing focus, always intrigued me. The answer is simple: stay relevant.
Never drunk on success, Henkel builds on its success to create a strong bond, with OEMs and its unknowing consumers who daily bond with the brand.
Here’s how a typical day pans out for the consumer who does not even know there’s Henkel Inside.
Morning Rituals: The Start of a Henkel-Enhanced Day
Consider the beginning of a typical day. One reaches out for a toothbrush and toothpaste—essential items for oral hygiene. While one might not notice it, Henkel’s adhesives and sealants are often present in these everyday products, ensuring they are safe, effective, and durable. Henkel’s contributions to the packaging industry also mean that the toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes are sealed and packaged in a way that maintains their hygiene and longevity.
Technology at Our Fingertips
As one moves through the morning, perhaps checking a phone or laptop, Henkel’s presence remains unassuming yet vital. Henkel’s adhesives and functional coatings are crucial in the assembly and durability of electronic devices. These materials ensure that our phone, laptop, and other gadgets are robust and lightweight. The seamless experience one enjoys with our electronics is partly due to Henkel’s innovative solutions, which enhance device performance and lifespan.
Home and Office: Henkel’s Hidden Hand
In our home and office environment, Henkel’s influence continues to be pervasive. From the adhesive used in our TV screen and computer monitor to the sealants in our kitchen appliances, Henkel’s products ensure the reliability and efficiency of numerous household and office items. These contributions help create a comfortable and functional living and working space, even though the Henkel name might not be immediately visible.
Automotive and Aerospace: Lighter, Stronger, Better
As we commute to work or travel, Henkel’s impact is again at play. The automotive and aerospace industries extensively use Henkel’s adhesives, sealants, and coatings to produce lighter, stronger, and more fuel-efficient vehicles and aircraft. Henkel’s technologies help reduce the weight of vehicles, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Today, the automotive industry is heading down an exciting path towards electrification and driverless, autonomous transport. While manufacturers are working hard on battery technology and high-tech electric motors, it comes to nought if the car weighs the proverbial tonne.
Sustainable Building Solutions
Henkel’s dedication to sustainability is exemplified in its recent venture into building construction. The Cradle, an innovative office building in Düsseldorf’s Media Harbour, showcases Henkel’s love for sustainable architecture. Built using the Cradle-to-Cradle principle, this project emphasizes recyclable materials and aims to return components to the material cycle after use. Henkel’s Loctite brand, polyurethane adhesives played a crucial role in the construction of The Cradle, demonstrating the company’s leadership in sustainable building solutions. These adhesives are essential for producing beams, roof trusses, walls, and floors of timber buildings, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete and cement construction. The result is a structure that is not only environmentally friendly but also more durable and efficient.
Beauty and Personal Care: Enhancing Everyday Routines
Henkel’s influence extends to the beauty and personal care industry as well. Many of the shampoos, conditioners, and skincare products that we use daily are formulated using Henkel’s innovative ingredients and technologies. These products help enhance personal grooming routines, making them more effective and enjoyable.
Adhesives and Sealants: The Unsung Heroes
At the heart of Henkel’s diverse portfolio are its adhesives and sealants, often the unsung heroes in various applications. Whether it’s in the construction of high-rise buildings, the assembly of intricate electronic devices, or the manufacturing of everyday consumer goods, Henkel’s adhesive technologies play a pivotal role. Their versatility and effectiveness make them indispensable in numerous industries.
If you look down when you are dressed up, you need to know your footwear has Henkel Inside too!
[Moody Marty: Sometimes funny, sometimes informative, always downright forthright!]
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Image Courtesy: Henkel.in