Starting Point: From Factory Gates to Corporate Strategy
The visit began at the factory gates, where the international character of the site was immediately apparent. This was followed by an introduction to the company, covering its global structures, brand portfolio, and strategic direction.
Alongside well-known brands such as Schwarzkopf, Persil and Loctite, particular emphasis was placed on the company’s international dimension. With locations around the world and employees representing more than one hundred nationalities, Henkel sees itself as a globally connected corporation. The presentation was complemented by insights into recruitment processes as well as programmes for students and graduates.
Innovation in Application Contexts
Another item on the programme took the group to the company’s “Inspiration Centre”, where it became clear how closely research, product development and market requirements are interconnected.
Through concrete examples, students gained insights into current developments, particularly in the field of adhesive technologies. Innovation emerged not as an abstract concept, but as a structured process with a clear focus on real consumer needs.
Sustainability Between Market Logic and Responsibility
The central element of the visit was a workshop on sustainability. Following an introduction to strategic approaches and progress made so far, it quickly became evident that sustainable transformation is often accompanied by competing priorities.
One key challenge became clear: for consumers, product performance and price remain decisive factors. Sustainability is increasingly expected, but it must not compromise the core function of a product.
Building on this, the students worked in two workshop groups – Consumer Brands and Adhesive Technologies – on practical tasks. One task, for example, involved developing a credible sustainability claim for a laundry detergent product. The challenge was to balance environmental considerations, commercial factors and brand strategy requirements.
Within short working sessions, different approaches were developed, then presented and assessed from a corporate perspective. The direct feedback highlighted how demanding it can be to communicate sustainability in a way that is both precise and impactful.
Focus on Value Chains
In addition, the complexity of sustainable product development across the entire value chain was discussed. From the selection of raw materials and production processes to collaboration with suppliers, every stage offers new opportunities – but also new challenges.
The insights demonstrated that sustainable innovation does not emerge in isolation. Rather, it is the result of continuous adaptation and cross-functional collaboration.
Exchange and Lunch
A shared lunch provided an opportunity for informal discussions with company representatives, particularly from the recruitment team. Topics such as internships, entry opportunities and individual career paths were at the centre of these conversations.
For the students, this was an opportunity to connect theoretical knowledge with personal impressions of everyday corporate life and to establish contacts beyond the visit itself.
Overall, the excursion demonstrated how closely academic education and business practice can be linked – particularly when partnerships such as that between the WiSo Faculty and Henkel are actively maintained and brought to life.