No more "Kleercutting" for Kimberly Clark
August 7, 2009 - Kimberly Clark, the manufacturer of Kleenex, Scott and Cottenelle brand tissue papers, will purchase at least 40% of tissue fiber from recycled or FSC certified sources by 2011.
The new purchasing plan, developed in partnership with Greenpeace, will represent over 600,000 tons of tissue fiber. These aggressive goals from the company represent a more than 70% increase in environmentally responsible purchasing over 2007 levels. The company has also set a longer term goal of purchasing 100% of wood fiber from environmentally responsible sources. Other highlights of the purchasing plan include: reinforcement of the company's ban on using fiber from illegal sources, adds preference for post-consumer recycled resources, and supports the protection of forests with "high conservation value."
By the end of 2011, the firm will also end the purchase of products from the Canadian Boreal Forest which are not FSC certified. The move is a victory for environmentalists, whom for years have labeled Kimberly Clark as irresponsible for their use of virgin pulp harvested from old growth forests, including the Canadian Boreal Forest. Cutting in this forest is an especially contentious issue, as it is North America's largest old growth forest, houses more than 1 billion migratory birds, and is the largest terrestrial carbon warehouse on the planet, storing more than 27 years worth of global GHG emissions.
Because of the new company policies, Greenpeace will end it's "Kleercut" campaign and commend the efforts on their website. The move also puts pressure on other industry giants to develop sustainable sourcing procedures. "We are committed to using environmentally responsible wood fiber and today's announcement enhances our industry-leading practices in this area," said Suhas Apte, Kimberly-Clark Vice President of Environment, Energy, Safety, Quality and Sustainability. "It is our belief that certified primary wood fiber and recycled fiber can both be used in an environmentally responsible way and can provide the product performance that customers and consumers expect from our well-known tissue brands. We commend Greenpeace for helping us develop more sustainable standards."
"These revised standards are proof that when responsible companies and Greenpeace come together, the results can be good for business and great for the planet," said Scott Paul, Greenpeace USA Forest Campaign Director. "Kimberly-Clark's efforts are a challenge to its competitors. I hope other companies pay close attention."
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