Fritz for Future

Brand inclusion is becoming an increasingly important topic for companies that want to stay authentic in a diverse and rapidly changing world. But what does it actually mean for a brand to be inclusive? And why does it matter not only for business success, but also for society as a whole? In this episode of Fritz for Future, we explore how brands can better reflect the diversity of the people they serve and why brand inclusion is more than just a trend. In this episode, Janine talks with Agnès Thée, Corporate Vice President Global Sustainability at Henkel Consumer Brands, about brand inclusion, what it means in practice, and why it is becoming a key driver for both business success and societal impact. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in Henkel’s Consumer Brands organization, Agnès shares how Henkel approaches inclusive brand building, what opportunities and challenges come with embedding inclusion into brand strategies, and which developments could shape the future of brand inclusion.

Reaching net-zero emissions by 2045, shaping global sustainability agendas, and driving systemic change across industries – behind these big ambitions at Henkel stands a team led by Executive Vice President for Human Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainability, Sylvie Nicol. In this milestone 100th episode of Fritz for Future, host Janine Steeger takes a step back from product-level innovations and speaks with Sylvie about what sustainability looks like when scaled across a global company. We learn how Henkel translates scientific climate targets into concrete action, why partnerships with organizations like the SBTi and the World Economic Forum are crucial, and what role global platforms such as New York Climate Week play in accelerating change. Sylvie also gives us insight into the company’s progress toward net-zero emissions, how Henkel positions itself among its peers, and how ambitious sustainability targets become part of everyday business decisions. On a personal level, she reflects on her role in advancing Henkel’s sustainability strategy, what motivates her to keep pushing forward in uncertain times, and what she would change instantly if she had a magic wand. This episode offers a rare look behind the scenes of corporate transformation – with honest reflections, practical learnings, and a clear call for urgent action. A perfect conversation for everyone who wants to understand how sustainability can be driven not only through products, but through leadership, collaboration, and mindset.

Have you sent an email with a large attachment lately? Or thanked ChatGPT for their answer? Or left your laptop in sleep mode overnight instead of turning it off? Most of us have – without realizing that these actions create digital emissions and add to our personal CO2 footprint. In this episode, Janine talks with Henkel colleagues Olga Kosik and Jana Mitkovska-Lankenau about “SustainIT,” the tool they co-created to give employees practical tips on reducing digital emissions at work and at home.

Leder ohne Tier – und dann auch noch aus Müll? Genau das ist die Mission von WASTEA. Das Start-up entwickelt eine pflanzliche Lederalternative aus einem ungewöhnlichen Rohstoff: Teeabfällen. In dieser Folge spricht Janine mit Gründer Erdem Dogan darüber, wie aus einem Abfallprodukt ein hochwertiges Material für Mode, Möbel und die Automobilindustrie wird. Erdem erklärt, wie das Material entsteht, welche Vorteile es gegenüber anderen Alternativen bietet und warum Kreislauffähigkeit dabei eine zentrale Rolle spielt.