Kimberly-Clark named leader in forestation initiative

CDP, a global not-for-profit organization that measures and reports environmental impacts, ranked 139 companies in this year's forests annual report (formerly known as the Forest Footprint Disclosure Project).

The survey respondents' combined market capitalization is approximately $3 trillion, according to CDP. This year's forests report ranked Kimberly-Clark as the world sector leader for household and personal care products. Kimberly-Clark also was a sector leader for two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011, under the former Forest Footprint Disclosure Project.

"Kimberly-Clark is proud of the efforts we have made to address deforestation risk in our supply chain through an industry-leading fiber-procurement policy, inclusive stakeholder engagement practices and an active risk-management program," said Lisa Morden, senior director of global sustainability for Kimberly-Clark. "We're motivated to deliver essentials for a better life to more people worldwide while reducing the environmental impacts on the world in which we live."

"We applaud the work of Kimberly-Clark, which has demonstrated leadership in the steps they have taken to address deforestation risks in their supply chain," said Paul Simpson, CEO of CDP. "Many other companies do not understand their potential exposure to these risks. At CDP, we provide the world's largest system to enable businesses to disclose and understand these operational, reputational and supply chain risks, while alerting investors to the value implications."

CDP's forests annual report summarizes how many of the world's largest companies are managing their exposures to the risk of deforestation in their operations and supply chains related to one or more of the major five "forest risk" commodities: timber products, palm oil, soy, cattle products and biofuels. Participants receive feedback on their strengths and weaknesses compared to their peers to help promote and share better practices.

As a sector leader, Kimberly-Clark has earned distinction for its efforts to complete the following, among other actions:

- Complete a full risk assessment of the major forest risk commodities in its supply chain
- Work beyond the first-tier suppliers to identify country of origin for these commodities, and exact location of origin, whenever possible
- Specify use of certified commodities where available
- Set targets for 100% certified materials or designate suitable alternatives.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark Corporation and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust K-C's brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being.

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