The main theme of the event was: building a business and a world that serves both present and future generations, says Henkel. 

Through powerful discussions and hands-on workshops, attendees explored Henkel's pioneering approach to sustainability, from reducing GHG emissions and transitioning to renewable energy to fostering a circular economy and empowering local communities, says the company. 

According to Henkel, featured speakers include: 

  • Henkel's Global Director of Sustainability Strategy, Sjoerd Dijkstra
  • Sustainability Manager for Adhesive Technologies India, Middle East and Africa, Youssef Bouhaouala
  • Business Development and Marketing Director at Interwaste, Kate Stubbs
  • CEO of Iroko Africa, Emilie Delevallee
  • Head of Technical Marketing at Discovery Green, James Godfrey, and
  • Senior Manager in Sustainability and Strategy at PwC and Lead with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Matt Muller.

Henkel highlights 10 key outcomes from the forum, each highlighting actionable insights and strategies to drive meaningful change in South Africa and beyond:

1. Sustainability as a Core Business Value

Henkel says that sustainability is central to its mission, with a clear ambition to address all aspects of ESG, leading by example and leveraging advanced technologies to drive impactful change across its operations. As "Pioneers at heart for the good of generations," the company underscored its commitment to enriching lives through sustainable products, services and partnerships. The panel agreed that companies must adopt sustainability as a core value.

2. Collective Responsibility Beyond Corporations

According to Henkel and other speakers, sustainability is a collective responsibility involving everyone from corporate entities to governments and individuals. It has been noted that real progress relies on collective action — employees, communities and businesses must work together to make meaningful changes. Sustainability, as the panel suggested, is more than a boardroom agenda; it's a movement for everyone.

3. Balancing Individual and Organisational Objectives

Attendees are encouraged to create personal objectives, prompting them to consider what they hope to achieve in their sustainability journeys. Each participant's goals are unique, but collectively, they contribute to a larger, united purpose.

4. The Potential of Renewable Energy and Efficient Energy Solutions

Godfrey discusses the importance of a clean energy transition, highlighting the need for utility-scale renewable energy projects and innovative solutions like pooled energy resources. Henkel's commitment to renewable energy installations, such as its solar-powered facility, to achieve the company's net-zero target within its own operations, serves as a model for integrating cleaner energy solutions in South Africa.

5. Circular Economy Models as Key to Sustainability

Stubbs emphasises the role of circular economies as a pathway to reducing waste and promoting responsible resource use. Through efforts like recycling programmes and waste-to-energy solutions, Interwaste is working to turn waste into a valuable resource. The discussion reinforces that circular economies, or "closed-loop" systems, are crucial in reducing environmental impacts.

6. Investing in Sustainable Infrastructure for Economic Resilience

Delevallee highlights that investing in green infrastructure isn't just about environmental responsibility — it strengthens economic resilience. Delevallee shares examples of projects focused on renewable energy and efficient industrial processes, showing how sustainable infrastructure can help address both environmental and economic challenges in South Africa.

7. Enhancing Water Management to Address Scarcity

Water scarcity in South Africa is a pressing issue, as noted by multiple speakers. Stubbs explains that waste reduction and responsible resource use are directly tied to improved water management. By adopting water-saving measures and integrating recycling initiatives, companies can help mitigate water shortages and support sustainable development goals.

8. Addressing Both Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in Business Strategy

Muller emphasises the importance of integrating both climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into business practices. While reducing emissions (mitigation) is crucial, companies must also prepare for the inevitable impacts of climate change on infrastructure, supply chains and communities.

In South Africa, where climate effects are projected to intensify, businesses need to build resilience by incorporating climate risk assessments and adaptation measures. This dual focus not only protects businesses but also supports vulnerable communities by preparing for environmental changes and ensuring continuity in the face of climate disruptions.

9. Building a Workforce Centered Around Social and Environmental Values

Both Henkel and the panellists discuss the importance of fostering a sustainability-minded workforce. Companies can empower employees by promoting environmental values, offering education on sustainable practices and recognising the direct impact of each role on sustainability objectives. Building a culture centred around these principles ultimately enhances employee engagement and aligns individual roles with corporate values.

10. A Call to Action for a Sustainable Future

The forum concludes with a powerful call to action for everyone to be part of the sustainability solution. Dijkstra urges that it's not enough to hope for a sustainable future — everyone must actively work toward it. Whether through waste reduction, energy efficiency, or setting personal sustainability goals, each attendee was encouraged to take actionable steps, knowing that their efforts contribute to a larger, transformative movement.

Henkel concludes that this conference underscores the immense value of collaborative sustainability efforts, innovative energy solutions and the importance of individual responsibility in driving meaningful change. As these 10 takeaways reveal, the path to a sustainable South Africa is both a shared journey and an achievable goal — one that inspires commitment at every level.

For more information, visit www.henkel.com. You can also follow Henkel on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor