Henkel Persil Laundry Detergent

Brand History and Origin

Henkel is a global leader in consumer and industrial goods, founded in 1876 by Fritz Henkel in Aachen, Germany. The company became a household name following the 1907 launch of Persil, the world's first self-acting laundry detergent, which revolutionized housework by eliminating the need for strenuous rubbing.

Manufacturing and Ownership

While headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, Henkel's manufacturing footprint spans the globe. The company operates hundreds of production sites across Europe, North America, Asia, and emerging markets. As of 2026, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA remains the ultimate owner of its portfolio, which is divided into two primary business units: Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands. The Henkel family continues to maintain a significant voting majority through a share-pooling agreement, ensuring the company remains largely family-controlled while being publicly traded on the DAX index.