Kimberly-Clark Releases Annual Sustainability Report, Sets Ambitious Goals for Beyond 2030 Kimberly-Clark has unveiled its latest sustainability report, detailing its progress towards achieving its 2030 sustainability targets and introducing a new ambition to achieve 100% Natural Forest Free status across its portfolio after 2030.
Over the past decade, the company has heavily invested in sustainable product development as part of its innovation strategy, prioritizing consumer benefits while reducing environmental impact.
Mike Hsu, Chairman and CEO of Kimberly-Clark, emphasized the company’s deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, integrating it into every aspect of operations. He praised the team’s dedication to the company’s purpose of Better Care for a Better World, focusing on areas where they can make significant impacts.
Key achievements in 2023 include:
- Better Planet: Kimberly-Clark is committed to sustainable forest management and aims to eliminate its reliance on natural forests by 2030. Progress has been made, with expectations to be over halfway towards this goal by the target year.
- The company surpassed its 2030 water footprint target and expanded its use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Initiatives include a virtual purchase power agreement in Scotland and several renewable power purchase agreements.
- Significant reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 40.9%, nearing its 2030 goal of a 50% reduction, and a 10.4% improvement in energy efficiency compared to 2015.
- Better Products: Kimberly-Clark continued to enhance its product offerings with sustainable solutions, introducing innovations like the first-ever Kotex® paper pouch and reusable menstrual and incontinence solutions.
- Prioritization of fibers from sustainably managed sources and investments in alternative fiber solutions led to a 16.4% reduction in plastics footprint compared to 2019, towards a 50% reduction target by 2030.
- Better Society: Kimberly-Clark’s brands, including Huggies®, Kleenex®, Kotex®, and Cottonelle®, positively impact communities worldwide through social programs and partnerships. In 2023, these initiatives reached an estimated 101 million people, focusing on empowering women and girls, improving maternal and child health, and enhancing access to safe water and sanitation.
- Better Workplace: Efforts to foster a supportive, inclusive workplace included executive leadership sessions on performance-driven leadership qualities and addressing barriers. Strengthened human rights due diligence and supplier engagement processes were also implemented.
Lisa Morden was appointed Chief Sustainability Officer, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability leadership.
Despite progress, challenges remain, including addressing single-use plastics, carbon emissions, and water usage. Kimberly-Clark continues to collaborate with stakeholders and NGOs, including UNICEF, to drive sustainable solutions.
Since 2015, Kimberly-Clark has provided significant funding to UNICEF, impacting nearly 14 million lives across 26 countries. This support focuses on neonatal health, safe water access, menstrual health, hygiene, and early childhood development.
The sustainability report adheres to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards, covering data from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.
Kimberly-Clark’s commitment to sustainability aligns with its mission to create products that meet essential needs while supporting a healthy planet and thriving communities. The company’s recognition as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® and Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies in America reflects its ongoing dedication to innovation and responsibility.
Forward-looking statements underscore the company’s goals and projections, acknowledging external factors that may influence outcomes. Kimberly-Clark remains committed to transparency and periodic updates on progress towards its sustainability objectives.
