In a world where sustainability is not just a goal but a necessity, businesses across sectors are reimagining their operations, products and values. For Hempel, a global leader in paints and coatings, sustainability is more than a commitment - it’s embedded into the core of our business strategy, operations and future vision. Our purpose is clear: to shape a brighter future with sustainable coating solutions, and we are actively working to make that future a reality. 

Hempel’s coatings are everywhere. Whether it’s the iconic buildings you pass by, the ships that traverse oceans or the wind turbines harnessing clean energy, there’s a good chance you’ve come across a structure or vessel protected by our products. Our solutions go beyond aesthetics; they play a crucial role in extending the lifespan of assets and reducing the need for frequent maintenance - both of which have profound environmental benefits. The challenge of sustainability is one that we embrace, and our coatings serve as an essential tool for businesses and industries seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.

With a global presence spanning marine, decorative, energy and infrastructure sectors, Hempel is uniquely positioned to drive sustainable progress. Our cutting-edge coatings reduce corrosion, minimise the need for new materials and help customers achieve their sustainability goals by lowering emissions and resource consumption.

At Hempel, we believe that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. Our world-class R&D team is constantly exploring new ways to help our customers navigate the growing challenges of urbanisation, climate change and resource efficiency. By extending the life of infrastructure, buildings and industrial assets, our solutions prevent the waste of valuable resources, such as steel, which corrodes at a cost of $2.2 trillion globally each year. 

In the renewable energy sector, our innovations are powering the future. Our coatings protect every part of wind turbines, from blade to foundation, even in the most extreme environments. This increases energy efficiency and lowers the carbon footprint of these vital energy-generating assets. By reducing the need for constant maintenance and the consumption of new materials, we’re helping industries cut down on waste and emissions, moving them closer to their sustainability goals. 

A particularly compelling example of our sustainability-driven innovation is Hempel's contribution to the marine industry. Shipping accounts for about 3% of global carbon emissions - a figure roughly equivalent to the annual emissions of Belgium. To combat this, Hempel’s silicone-based hull coatings, such as our market-leading Hempaguard, have revolutionised the industry by improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Hempaguard, first launched a decade ago, has saved the shipping industry significant amounts of fuel and emissions. In fact, its success is equivalent to removing more than 5 million cars from the road. Our latest innovation, Hempaguard Ultima, offers even more impressive results, with up to 21 per cent in fuel savings. This means shipowners can not only reduce their operating costs, but also contribute significantly to global decarbonisation efforts. 

At Hempel, we understand that achieving sustainability extends beyond what we do for our customers. We are committed to reducing our own environmental impact, setting ambitious Science-Based Targets to lower our greenhouse gas emissions across all scopes. This will require deep collaboration with our suppliers, industry peers and customers, and we’re already making significant progress. 

In 2021, we launched a unique supplier screening process, designed to integrate sustainability into every stage of our supply chain. This collaborative approach was recognised with an A-rating from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for Supplier Engagement, and it continues to uncover new opportunities for sustainable innovation. By working closely with our suppliers, we’re rethinking the raw materials that go into our products and discovering new formulations that will further reduce our carbon footprint. 

Hempel’s commitment to sustainability is also a strategic business decision. As the demand for sustainable solutions grows, so does our opportunity to create value. By investing in research and development, we not only gain a competitive edge but also align our business with the global transition to a more sustainable economy. For us, sustainability is not a cost - it’s a driver of long-term profitability.

Our ownership structure reflects this deep-rooted commitment. Established by our founder in 1948, the Hempel Foundation owns the majority of the company, ensuring that our success also supports important philanthropic initiatives. In 2023 alone, the Foundation awarded 23 million euros to causes focused on Education and Biodiversity. This unique ownership model means that as Hempel grows, so does our contribution to creating a better world. 

Hempel’s success in fostering sustainability is not achieved in isolation. It’s the result of collaboration - with our customers, our suppliers and industries around the globe. We are all part of the same ecosystem, and by working together, we can drive meaningful change. Our coatings are more than just a product - they are part of a larger mission to shape a sustainable future for generations to come. 

As the world transitions to green energy, sustainable cities and carbon-neutral transportation, Hempel will continue to lead the way through innovation, collaboration and responsible practices. Together, we can build a future where sustainability is not just an option, but the foundation of every business decision.