Sergei Lvovich, how did you manage to adapt to the new conditions?
Sergey Bykovsky: This is not the first crisis in the 30-year history HenkelХенкель in Russia, and they were all resolved. Pandemic, of course, an exceptional phenomenon, but the business does not end there. The main thing that was the mindset, the desire to act: we orientate our employees. One of the strengths of global and local business Henkel – the ability to perceive changes and adapt to them. We argue pragmatically: the situation has changed, we must change ourselves. In the first place – to protect employees as they are our most important asset, is associated with all the prospects of the company. The second is to ensure the continuity of production, preservation of the fixed assets and supplier relations, for we too are a link in the global supply chain.
These objectives were met. Of course, if we talk about the production and financial results, there are certain problems, but our company is diversified, working in a variety of areas: consumer goods, cosmetics, household chemicals, building materials, industrial technology. The decline in construction and industry affected the production of building materials and industrial component. And household chemicals, hygiene products demand did not fall, some of the goods even ROS. In General, we pass through crown-the crisis rather smoothly, and for us it is important to think about the future: what trends will be on the market, how it will change the situation? In order to grow and to realize their potential in the market.
30th anniversary of Henkel in Russia was marked by the expansion of production at the plant in Noginsk. What additional opportunities this provides?
Sergey Bykovsky: the output in such a market as Russia, the company has always considered as a prospect, so our production in Russia to increase capacity. Over the past year, opened a new line in factories in Perm, Kolomna and Tosno. In Noginsk from 200 to 320 million units of finished product increased the production of cosmetic products, new infrastructure. Growth of production allows us to cover the needs of the markets of the countries of the Eurasian economic community and to increase its exports to non-CIS countries.
please Tell us about the new strategy in packaging in the framework of sustainable development.
Sergey Bykovsky: the Theme of sustainable development for global and local companies is part of the DNA. At the stage of product development we not only lay in certain consumer and innovative features, but also carefully calculate the impact on the environment, including the level of processing packaginKi. Our goal: by 2025 at least 50 percent of our packaging translated into recyclable plastic. Last year we went in search of the Russian suppliers of recycled plastic. And soon the market will be products under the brands Fa and Pril with Schauma packaging made of fully recycled plastic. The specialists of our research laboratory are looking for new formulas for the manufacturing of packaging of local raw materials, production and disposal which will significantly reduce the load on the environment. This is a very complex process. Because the packaging should also be environmentally friendly and to support consumer product properties: air tightness, moisture resistance, etc. as part of the strategy to reduce the use of packaging virgin plastic from fossil raw materials in cooperation with one of the Russian retailers have established in the trading rooms of randomity for the reception of used plastic packaging, which after is sent for processing.
will you be offering new products and expanding existing lines?
Sergey Bykovsky: During a pandemic, when all office employees worked remotely, we have brought to market a new product: steripod in the format of spray, showing great teamwork in a short time. The idea came in April, in may started production, and now are supplied to retailers.
as for the extension, for example, the Got2B line is added by the means for coloring hair. We believe that the paint under the brand specializing in the care and hair restoration, has great potential in the market. In this segment also launched new paint Gliss. Have products Natural Hair care has a new improved formula.
consumers now have a new queries associated with the pandemic, people began spending more time at home. And for Henkel in this situation it is important to ask people, vector of peace and confidence, to help you to look good and maintain health, and hence a good mood.
