In June, the Belgian rating agency Ethibel established a new stock index of companies whose policies are aligned to sustainable development. Henkel was immediately included as the number 1 in its sector in terms of sustainability.

A total of 151 companies, including 15 from Germany, are listed in the Global Ethibel Sustainability Index (ESI Global). Ethibel also publishes 3 regional indexes: ESI Americas, ESI Asia Pacific and ESI Europe. Ethibel has contracted the worldwide index provider Standard & Poor's to maintain and calculate the individual sustainability indexes.  

The choice of constituents is based on a comprehensive evaluation, which looks at ecological, social and ethical criteria. Moreover, the companies included in the index are subjected to a thorough screening procedure, based on intensive stakeholder involvement.

The purpose of this family of indexes is to give investors an insight into the financial performance of companies that are in the forefront of sustainable development. This service is Ethibel's response to growing demand from institutional investors, funds and asset managers, who wish to combine a reasonable return on capital with a positive contribution to society.