Kimberly-Clark Recognized as One of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies®
Kimberly-Clark has once again received the prestigious recognition as one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies®, an honor awarded by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. This accolade reaffirms Kimberly-Clark’s unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, corporate integrity, and sustainable business operations.
A Legacy of Ethical Excellence
This marks the seventh consecutive year that Kimberly-Clark has been named to Ethisphere’s distinguished list and the tenth time overall. The company is among only two honorees in the Consumer Products industry, further emphasizing its leadership in ethical business conduct. In 2025, a total of 136 companies spanning 19 countries and 44 industries received this esteemed recognition.
Kimberly-Clark’s consistent inclusion in this exclusive list highlights its dedication to fostering an ethical culture that guides its decision-making processes, policies, and interactions with employees, customers, and stakeholders. The company remains steadfast in upholding the highest ethical standards, ensuring that integrity and compliance are at the heart of its operations.
Commitment to Integrity and Corporate Values
The recognition from Ethisphere underscores Kimberly-Clark’s strong ethical foundation, which is embedded in its core values and business strategy. The company is dedicated to driving positive change by prioritizing transparency, accountability, and corporate social responsibility.
“This long-standing recognition by Ethisphere reflects the deep commitment of our global teams to lead with integrity and uphold our values every day,” said Grant McGee, General Counsel at Kimberly-Clark. “It is an honor to receive this award, which powerfully affirms the high standards by which Kimberly-Clark fulfills our purpose of providing Better Care for a Better World.”
The company actively promotes a workplace culture that values ethics, fosters employee engagement, and encourages ethical decision-making at all levels. Its Code of Conduct serves as a guiding document to ensure that employees adhere to best practices in ethical business behavior, reinforcing Kimberly-Clark’s commitment to corporate governance.
Recognizing Leadership in Ethical Business Practices
Ethisphere’s recognition is a testament to Kimberly-Clark’s industry leadership in corporate compliance, integrity, and social responsibility. Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere’s Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Chair, emphasized the significance of this achievement:
“Kimberly-Clark’s inclusion on the World’s Most Ethical Companies list for seven consecutive years underscores the company’s steadfast dedication to corporate compliance and ethical culture. The company’s long-standing, deep-rooted commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity is a powerful example of leadership in business.”
By earning a place on this distinguished list, Kimberly-Clark reinforces its position as a role model in ethical business conduct. The company’s focus on compliance, risk management, and sustainability continues to set benchmarks for excellence within the industry.
Ethisphere’s Methodology & Scoring Process
The World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment is grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient® framework, which evaluates organizations across five key categories:
- Ethics and Compliance Program – Assessing policies, monitoring systems, and enforcement mechanisms that drive ethical behavior.
- Corporate Governance – Evaluating the structure and oversight of boards, executive accountability, and transparency measures.
- Culture of Ethics – Measuring employee perceptions, training initiatives, and overall workplace ethical climate.
- Environmental and Social Impact – Reviewing sustainability efforts, corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, and community engagement.
- Value Chain and Third-Party Management – Examining supplier relationships, responsible sourcing, and adherence to ethical procurement practices.
To qualify for the list, companies must provide extensive documentation—over 240 different proof points—that demonstrate how their business practices align with Ethisphere’s rigorous ethical criteria. The submitted data undergoes further qualitative analysis by an expert panel, which dedicates thousands of hours to evaluating applicants. This meticulous review process ensures that only companies exemplifying the highest ethical standards are selected for the honor.
The Importance of Ethical Business Conduct in Today’s Corporate Landscape
As corporate accountability continues to gain prominence, organizations worldwide are increasingly prioritizing ethics, governance, and sustainability. Ethical business conduct not only strengthens stakeholder trust but also enhances brand reputation, employee morale, and long-term business success.
For Kimberly-Clark, ethical leadership is more than just a commitment—it is a guiding principle that informs decision-making at every level. The company actively integrates ethical considerations into its operations, from ensuring product safety and responsible sourcing to fostering a workplace culture of inclusivity and respect.
By maintaining a robust ethics and compliance program, Kimberly-Clark minimizes risks, fosters stakeholder confidence, and positions itself as a leader in corporate responsibility. The company’s consistent recognition by Ethisphere demonstrates that ethical business practices are not just a benchmark but a fundamental component of its long-term vision.
Kimberly-Clark’s Broader Commitment to Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
Beyond ethics and compliance, Kimberly-Clark is dedicated to driving sustainable growth through its environmental and social impact initiatives. The company actively champions sustainability goals that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring responsible consumption and production practices.
Some of Kimberly-Clark’s key sustainability initiatives include:
- Reducing Carbon Footprint: Commitment to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in manufacturing processes.
- Water Stewardship: Implementing conservation efforts to reduce water consumption and promote responsible water use across operations.
- Waste Reduction: Advancing zero-waste-to-landfill initiatives and increasing the use of recycled and renewable materials.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that supports equal opportunities for all employees.
- Philanthropy and Community Engagement: Partnering with global organizations to support communities through initiatives focused on health, hygiene, and education.
These efforts reflect Kimberly-Clark’s holistic approach to ethical business practices—one that extends beyond compliance to encompass environmental sustainability and social impact.
As Kimberly-Clark moves forward, the company remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and responsible business conduct. With a legacy of ethical excellence and an unwavering focus on sustainability, Kimberly-Clark continues to set industry benchmarks for corporate ethics and governance.
The recognition as one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies® is a powerful affirmation of Kimberly-Clark’s values-driven approach to business. By fostering a strong culture of ethics and compliance, the company reinforces its position as a global leader committed to creating a better future for employees, customers, and communities worldwide.
To view the full list of this year’s honorees, please visit the World’s Most Ethical Companies website at https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees.
