Henkel's socially responsible corporate management practices have once again been recognized by an independent body in the second edition of the "World's Most Ethical Companies" list. John Knudson, president of Henkel of America, and Brad Casper, president and chief executive officer of The Dial Corp., accepted this honor from The Ethisphere Institute and Forbes magazine at an evening awards dinner held in New York on June 3.

The Ethisphere Institute selected the most ethical companies in a multi-step evaluation process conducted by a team of experts composed of professors from respected institutes, leading attorneys and government officials. Companies could apply for evaluation by submitting a completed questionnaire or were invited to do so by Ethisphere. Henkel’s business practices were rated among the most ethical worldwide in the categories of corporate citizenship, corporate governance, innovation, industry leadership, executive leadership style, internal management systems and reputation.

“In its more than 130-year corporate history, Henkel has always been aware of the importance of social responsibility and has acted accordingly,” said Dr. Wolfgang Gawrisch, chief technology officer, Research/Technology, and chairman of the Henkel Sustainability Council. “We are therefore especially pleased that our continued efforts are recognized by external analysts. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility strengthen economic performance and thus help to maintain long-term competitiveness on a global scale.”

As one of just three corporate representatives, Brad Casper was given the opportunity to present Henkel’s sustainable and socially responsible business practices to the participants at the awards dinner.

“Henkel has a strong values-based culture and a long record of running our businesses by doing the right things and making ethical decisions regarding the environment, economics, and social issues,” Casper said. “We are pleased to be honored with this award in recognition of our efforts.”