100 years of pure cleanliness - with Persil

Innovation and sustainability - the Henkel spirit put into words

In around 60 countries Persil from Henkel is available. In another ten countries, the premium quality for which Persil is renowned is marketed under other, local brand names such as "Le Chat" in France or "Dixan" in Italy. Therefore, it's no wonder that Persil is known as one of the world's greatest international brands. And it all began in 1907: When a small company called Henkel & Cie, domiciled in Düsseldorf, Germany, launched the world's first self-acting detergent onto the market. It contained the bleaching agent perborate, which caused oxygen to bubble to the surface of the water, removing the dirt from the fabric fibers in the process. This gentle cleaning action eliminated the need for all that hard work with the scrubbing board, and also rendered bleaching in the sun superfluous.
The key to success: Innovation
Persil as a world innovation became a brand legend. In order to meet ever-evolving consumer requirements with respect to laundry detergent performance, Persil underwent a process of regular further development - and all the more so when the electrically powered washing machine began its inexorable march into every household, e.g. in Germany at the end of the 1950: While Persil 59 was ideal for both hand washing and the simpler tub-type washing machines, Persil 65, launched in 1965, was suited to all the different laundry processes and to all washable textiles including the new manmades Nylon and Perlon. As an all-purpose heavy-duty detergent, it offered temperature-dependent lather control, making it ideal for delicates, hot washes and boiling too. Market leader Henkel also set standards in the sphere of environmental protection, because already in an early stage Henkel began to consider environmental and social issues and to take public expectations seriously.
Since April last year Persil has been available in its new design, underpinning the biggest relaunch in the 100-year history of this successful detergent brand. The new, more emotionally appealing packaging concept has become a common feature among all Henkel's premium detergents in Western Europe. Its unique chemical formula with active stain removers effortlessly gets rid of the toughest stains and ensures cleanliness that one can see, feel and smell.
Focusing on sustainability
Henkel is committed to operating according to the principles of sustainable development and achieving a balance among economic, ecological and social goals. For this reason, we have committed ourselves to doing business in a sustainable and socially responsible manner, as expressed by our corporate values. We understand this to mean responsibly managing our global business activities along the entire value chain.
One focus is on the use of ecologically-compatible raw materials, packaging and logistics solutions. Similarly, environmental aspects, safety, the prudent use of natural resources, and minimizing harmful waste gas emissions, industrial wastes and water consumption are top priorities in developing new production processes or building new facilities.