Kimberly-Clark sets preference for FSC in revised procurement policy
Kimberly-Clark (K-C) has announced a stronger procurement standard that outlines the company’s intent to secure all of its wood fiber from environmentally responsible sources. The revised policy gives preference to FSC certified wood fiber and sets targets for FSC certified fiber in the K-C supply chain. Greenpeace, who worked with Kimberly-Clark to revise the standard, has announced the end of a near five-year-long international campaign against the well known tissue product manufacturer.
Kimberly-Clark will steadily increase the proportion of wood fiber from responsible sources in its tissue products in a step-wise approach. By the end of 2011, the company will ensure 40 percent of its North American tissue fiber is either FSC certified or recycled – an increase of more than 70 percent from 2007 levels, representing 600’000 tons of fiber.
“We applaud Kimberly-Clark for their bold move towards a responsible future for forests and anticipate further shifts in the global forest industry as a result,” said Andre de Freitas, FSC Executive Director. “Congratulations to Greenpeace for their tireless work.”
Also by the end of 2011, Kimberly-Clark will eliminate the purchase of any fiber from the North American Boreal Forest that is not FSC certified. Home to threatened wildlife such as woodland caribou, this natural forest is a sanctuary for more than one billion migratory birds. The company has vowed to support programs to identify, map and protect High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs).
Kimberly-Clark – whose flagship brands include Kleenex, Scott and Huggies – will also use its global buying power to encourage its suppliers to practice high social and environmental standards in forestry and move towards FSC certification.
“These revised standards [from K-C] are proof that when responsible companies and environmental advocates come together, the results can be good for business and good for the planet,” said Scott Paul, Greenpeace USA Forest Campaign Director. “Kimberly-Clark’s efforts are a challenge to its competitors. I hope they play close attention.”
Kimberly-Clark’s fiber procurement policy
Greenpeace “Kleercut” campaign – case closed
Media contacts:
Kay Jackson, Kimberly-Clark 817 658-3004 , kay.jackson @kcc.com
Daniel Kessler, Greenpeace USA, 510 501-1779 , dkessler @greenpeace.org
Richard Brooks, Greenpeace Canada, 416 573-7209 , richard.brooks @greenpeace.org
Ali Kriscenski, FSC, +49 (0) 228 367 66 19 , a.kriscenski @fsc.org
Based on Greenpeace and Kimberly-Clark press releases 5/8/2009
