Henkel has become the first major FMCG player to announce a partnership with the Plastic Bank, a social enterprise which aims to stop ocean plastic and provide opportunities for people in poverty.

New plastic collection centers are being built in Haiti, giving communities the opportunity to earn money or services by collecting plastic waste from the local environment, preventing it from entering waterways. Henkel is researching ways in which to use this waste in product packaging in the future.

“We are convinced that our focus on sustainability is more important than ever before,” said Kathrin Menges, Executive Vice President Human Resources at Henkel and Chair of Henkel’s Sustainability Council. “We’re excited to partner with the Plastic Bank to stop plastic waste from entering the ocean in Haiti and improve the lives of people living in poverty. By activating leading brands in this cooperation, we aim to further raise consumer awareness about plastic waste and demonstrate the strength of our commitment to environmental sustainability and social progress.”