Our Approach to Sustainability
In 2011, Kimberly-Clark announced its Sustainability
2015 strategy and five-year goals under three pillars: People, Planet, Products.
This strategy is advancing the progress we've already made in areas such as waste
and energy reductions, third-party-certified fiber sourcing and workplace safety.
It is providing greater focus in other areas, notably our Kimberly-Clark Foundation
and social initiatives, and with this strategy, we are setting new sustainability
priorities as we embrace a lifecycle approach to our products.
In short, Sustainability 2015 represents a shift in our thinking—from a focus on
our own operational footprint to a broader view of our responsibilities throughout
our value chain. This holistic approach reflects the ever-increasing number and
complexity of environmental and societal issues facing our global communities, and
recognizes that sustainability in its multiple aspects is an integral part of our
business. A sustainability vision is no longer a "nice to have," it is now a strategic
imperative.
Our strategy sets challenging goals that we embrace with enthusiasm, while acknowledging
that they will require us to become more innovative to achieve them. Key elements
of the strategy include:
- Embedding our sustainability initiatives into our 2015 Global Business Plan
- Focusing on innovation in our products throughout their lifecycle
- Enhancing corporate and brand equity through focused social programs
- Measuring our progress.
In addition to our Sustainability 2015 goals, we have identified four focus areas
in which we believe we can take an industry-leading role. These areas include forest
conservation, access to water and sanitation in communities, responsible solutions
for postconsumer waste, and providing access to essentials for a better life through
our global social giving programs developed in partnership with our brands' health
and hygiene products. These are areas where tremendous need exists today, and we
can make a positive impact.
The scope of these challenges is vast, such as addressing postconsumer disposal
of our products, which is why we will build and expand on our engagements with our
employees, customers, suppliers, environmental and social nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs), and industry. Through cooperative efforts, we believe we can make a difference.
The focus of our Sustainability 2015 strategy has set a path to ensure long-term
success for our company and access to essentials for communities around the world.
At the same time, we understand that addressing the global issues in the 21st century
cannot be done without looking further into the future.
We invite you to join us on our journey to a more sustainable future.
Suhas Apte
Vice President, Global Sustainability
