Responsibility
With more than 265 years of tradition in transformation and entrepreneurial responsibility, Haniel has long been convinced that successful entrepreneurship should contribute to solving societal challenges—a vision rooted in our founding family and expressed in its core ethos “enkelfähig.”
Today, our shareholders expect us to achieve strong financial results and sustainable growth while simultaneously supporting ecological and social progress. Inspired by our purpose "Creating Value for Generations," our employees work every day to live up to this ambition.
Environment
Growing sustainably
Ecological sustainability is not just an imperative for responsibility; it is a driver of economic strength, resilience, and future viability. Science-based targets guide our efforts to actively contribute to limiting global warming.
As a long-term-oriented investor, we support and empower our portfolio companies to sustainably evolve their business models. Within their respective industries, they are shaping ecological progress— through more efficient resource use, greater energy savings, or the expansion of circular value creation systems.
Social commitment
Strengthening the community
Social responsibility has a long tradition at Haniel. In 1846, Haniel built the first workers’ housing settlement in the Ruhr region—followed a year later by the first company health insurance fund. Our employees are at the center of our efforts: we support work–life balance and offer financial assistance, training opportunities and health programs.
Beyond that, we engage locally—from school projects and youth work to supporting culture and sports. Our campus at Franz-Haniel-Platz is a vibrant ecosystem of businesses, gastronomy, and events. Open to innovation, open to all. This way, we strengthen not only our company, but the entire region.
For a region worth living in
As a company deeply rooted in Duisburg-Ruhrort, we actively support local projects, associations, and initiatives that strengthen community ties, expand educational opportunities, and help make the neighborhood a better place to live. Haniel partners with organizations such as funding associations that invest in school equipment, and Ruhrorter Hafenkids e. V., which provides important youth work in the area. Cultural life also benefits from the work of the Kreativquartier Ruhrort, the Hafenfest, the activities of the City Sports Association, or the Haniel Klassik Open Air on Duisburg's opera square.
We also aim to bring the impulses and experiences from these partnerships into the RuhrortPlus initiative—a collaborative effort committed to creating a livable, environmentally responsible neighborhood.
A campus for ideas and interaction
The historic Haniel Campus is more than just a workplace for us—it is an open space for ideas and interactions. With modern office spaces, sustainable energy supply, gastronomy, seminar rooms, events, and a guesthouse, we create a vibrant ecosystem for innovative and diverse businesses. This strengthens our Duisburg-Ruhrort location—because where people enjoy working and connecting, the future takes shape.
Employees from currently 27 independent companies use our office spaces
kWp total capacity of photovoltaic systems
Tons of CO2e savings (2019–2023)
Governance
Reliable leadership
Good corporate governance is a central part of our identity. Clear responsibilities, transparent decision-making processes, and an effective control system are firmly anchored in a stable, value-based ownership structure.
As a family-owned holding company with professional management, we are committed to integrity in leadership, independent oversight, and strict compliance.
Corporate Governance
Proven structures
Haniel distinguishes itself from many other family-owned businesses through a well-established separation of ownership and management: Since the early 20th century, operational management has been entrusted to external executives. At the same time, the company shares remain exclusively within the family; selling to outside parties is not permitted.
The approximately 750 shareholders elect an advisory committee as the link to the company and appoint representatives—both from within and outside the family—to the equally composed supervisory board.
This body oversees the executive board, provides strategic guidance, and is responsible for appointing its members. An audit committee within the supervisory board monitors the accounting process as well as the effectiveness of the internal control system, the risk management system, the internal audit, and the compliance management system.
