We use polymers like polypropylene to make absorbent, nonwoven fabrics. We do not manufacture any materials from raw petroleum – all are purchased as polymers from suppliers.

Our strategy is to reduce our reliance on petroleum-based materials by converting waste polymers into pellets for reuse in our products. We aim to reuse 75 percent of our polymer waste and to recycle the remainder through other channels. In 2007, we converted 58 percent of total polymer waste back into K-C product and sold the rest for recycling, the same as in 2006.

We continue to investigate alternatives to petroleum-based materials. The options we are researching include:

• Polymers made from renewable materials
• Biodegradable polymers for use in flushable products that provide more flexible disposal options
• Recycled polymers to extend the useful life of natural resources:
  – Our European business is investigating the use of recycled plastics in diapers
  – In 2007, K-C Professional & Other in North America brought to market Scott Shop Towels with 20 percent recycled plastic in its packaging.