KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* adopts FSC as its certification of choice
October 1st 2009

KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL*, the world’s largest supplier of washroom products, has achieved Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ‘chain of custody’ certification for all its European mills.

This significant landmark, which underlines the company’s broader commitment to sustainability, means many of KIMBERLYCLARK PROFESSIONAL* paper products – including some sold under the KLEENEX® and SCOTT* brands – will carry the FSC label on their packaging.

This mark signifies that the wood fibre used to make the certified products comes from well-managed FSC-certified forests and/or from post-consumer recycled fibre. FSC chain-of-custody certification requires control systems that:

• account for FSC-certified wood as it passes along the supply chain, essentially providing a link from the forest where the fibre originated to the product into which it is manufactured

• ensure any non-FSC-certified wood is from non-controversial sources

• ensure sources of recycled fibre and levels of post-consumer content are verified

Lisa Morden, Global Sustainability Manager at KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL*, said adoption of FSC certification would help customers to identify, select and purchase more sustainable products.

“Our FSC-labelled products have been independently audited by an accredited certifier as meeting FSC chain-of-custody requirements,” she said.“So, even though KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* has one of the most progressive fibre procurement policies in the industry, you don’t have to just take our word for it.”

She continued:“The FSC label continues to grow and should become recognisable by more and more people as a key part of an environmentally responsible product plan for your company.You can have the quality performance of the KLEENEX® and SCOTT* brands you know and trust, along with the confidence that the raw materials are sourced to the highest standards. FSC certification is a great way to be sure that the wood fibre used in products you buy comes from sources that are managed with consideration for people, wildlife and the environment.”

Andre de Freitas, Executive Director of the FSC, said:“We are truly happy and encouraged at the decision by KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* to give preference to FSC-certified wood fibre, and by its targets for FSC-certified fibre in the supply chain. “We have continued to grow and develop rapidly these past years and we warmly welcome this huge contribution to actively promoting FSC and responsible forest management worldwide.This commitment by KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* reinforces the growing awareness and demand for FSC-certified products around the world. We remain committed to ensuring the credibility of FSC certification to support this investment by KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL*.”

Lisa Morden added:“At KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* we understand that the way we use resources today will shape the world of tomorrow.As an organisation,we examine the whole lifecycle of our products, from source to disposal, and we are always looking for new ways to reduce the amount of natural resources we use. KIMBERLYCLARK PROFESSIONAL* is committed to responsible fibre procurement and the sustainable use of all natural resources. We are working to ensure all of the wood pulp we use comes from sustainably managed forests and have been recognised by Greenpeace as having adopted one of the most progressive fibre policies in the world. Our goal is to source 100% of our wood pulp from suppliers who have certified their forests or fibre procurement activities. We give preference to FSC certified wood fibre where it is available and meets product performance r equirements and competitive market conditions.”

The move to express a preference for FSC-certified fibres is just one important aspect of a wider KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* sustainability programme, entitled ‘REDUCE TODAY, RESPECT TOMORROW*’.This approach to sustainability begins with the understanding that the way resources are used today shapes the world of tomorrow. It has led KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL* to focus on reducing consumption at every stage of the product life cycle – from design and manufacture to distribution and disposal.

“Reduction is the key to lowering the environmental impact of our activities as well as those of customers,” said Lisa Morden.“It has also been crucial in achieving our number one position five years in a row on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.”

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