Strategic portfolio composition
Enkelfähig is the attitude that significantly shapes the structure and management of our portfolio. We invest in companies that make a positive contribution to a future worth living by achieving economic success through sustainable business models. Haniel Group companies support the green transformation of their customers and develop solutions for key ecological problems.
Our investment approach
Haniel only invests in companies today that can make a positive contribution to a future worth living, now and in the long run. Before making any investment decision, we evaluate the business model both on the basis of its economic potential and strict sustainability criteria: our 10 Future Worth Living (FWL) principles.
We invest in market-leading, established companies as well as in promising start-ups. In the future, two segments will form the core of our portfolio strategy:
The Business Services segment comprises companies with circular business models that support the green transformation of our customers. These include, for example, the full-service offering for washrooms from our portfolio company CWS Hygiene or the temporary security solutions from BauWatch.
Cleantech solutions for key ecological problems, as already represented in our portfolio with the growth companies 1KOMMA5° and Aerones, form the second strategic focus segment.
Our current portfolio
As a family-owned company, Haniel has over 265 years of experience with transformation. Throughout our history, we have always courageously adapted our strategy and portfolio to new conditions. We still do today. As a long-term, purpose-driven investor, we pursue clear, ambitious goals: We want to generate a total return of more than nine percent in the medium term and outperform the capital market while further improving the sustainability impact of our portfolio companies.
People BauWatch
BauWatch is the fast-growing European market leader in outdoor temporary security solutions, offering a tech-enabled end-to-end service proposition. The company's access control, alarm and video systems are currently mainly used on construction sites; other application areas include open storage and recycling areas as well es energy plants; e. g. with solar panels or wind turbines.
People BekaertDeslee
BekaertDeslee is a globally leading specialist for the development and manufacturing of woven and knitted mattress textiles and ready-made mattress covers. BD‘s products support a good night's sleep and thus the well-being of a wide range of target groups. The company also focuses on using natural resources and pays attention to recyclability.
Planet CWS Hygiene
CWS Hygiene is a leading partner for sustainable and efficient washroom solutions. The company helps its customers tailor washroom equipment and operations to individual requirements. From small washrooms to large sanitary facilities, CWS provides them with full-service solutions for hand, toilet and indoor air hygiene.
Planet CWS Workwear
CWS Workwear is a leading service provider for workwear. The company’s service includes a wide range of workwear and protective clothing – made from sustainable materials and manufactured in Europe. Collection, washing, repair, maintenance and delivery of the textiles are all part of the service offer, with a circular business model that centers on quality, durability and reuse. Across Europe, more than 1.5 million employees wear CWS Workwear every day.
People Emma
Emma – The Sleep Company is the world’s leading D2C sleep brand, providing bedding products and sleep technologies, such as the smart mattress Emma Motion. Emma stands out with excellent research and development competencies, taking sleep and thus well-being holistically and constantly to a new level.
People das kinderzimmer
KMK kinderzimmer (“das kinderzimmer”) is a dynamically growing German provider of early childhood education with around 600 employees. das kinderzimmer is a trusted partner for cities and municipalities with currently over 4,000 children from a wide range of social backgrounds being taken care of. By providing more children a second home, das kinderzimmer seeks to contribute to the vision of a more equitable society.
Progress 
Transformation TAKKT
TAKKT Group specializes in B2B omnichannel retailing for business equipment. The company's divisions and brands focus on selling durable and price-stable equipment as well as specialty items to corporate customers. The TAKKT companies supply, for example, pallet trucks to German automotive suppliers, computer cabinets to Swiss machine manufacturers, advertising banners for trade fair presentations, shipping cartons to European industrial companies or catering equipment to US commercial kitchens.
Early-stage investing
Growth Capital
In addition to its focus on market-leading established companies, Haniel also engages in targeted early-stage investments. Through both funds and direct minority interests, we seek to participate in the growth of promising companies and take advantage of additional diversification opportunities.
How we evaluate business models and products
10 principles for a future worth living
Our idea of a future worth living is based on sustainable value creation which is in harmony with the protection of the environment and serves the well-being of all species. We want to live up to our social responsibility and create a balance between tradition and innovation. To evaluate the sustainability of business models and products on this basis, we have developed our own rigorous assessment system. It is guided by our 10 Future Worth Living (FWL) principles. The result of each rating is a score that, for example, influences the decision on a potential acquisition or indicates the enkelfähig level of a product.
Sustainable value creation
- Principle 1: enkelfähig – We must create value for generations. We support sustainably successful business models that also guarantee sustainable success independently.
- Principle 2: For us, the circular economy is the basis for sustainable economic activity with optimised use of resources, so that it does not happen at the expense of our future.
Environmental protection
- Principle 3: We must stop and reverse climate change.
- Principle 4: We protect biodiversity and the ecosystem.
Well-being and education
- Principle 5: The promotion of health and education as well as access for all is our goal.
- Principle 6: We strive for sustainable care and adequate housing for all.
Social responsibility
- Principle 7: We stand for equality and diversity. We show mutual respect and respect human rights as a matter of course.
- Principle 8: We create fair working conditions that reward performance appropriately.
- Principle 9: We will work against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery.
Balance between innovation & tradition
- Principle 10: We see technologies as a solution on the way to a future worth living.
A sustainable foundation
Sustainable and responsible corporate governance is an essential prerequisite for long-term cooperation at Haniel. When evaluating our portfolio companies, we therefore also take into account a number of criteria that build Haniel's "Sustainability Foundation." Are greenhouse gas emissions accounted for? Are products already evaluated on the basis of an Enkelfähig scoring system? These are just two questions in our annual reassessment. In addition, there are fundamental criteria such as participation in the UN Global Compact and commitment to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.