We continue to see our fastest growth in our Kimberly-Clark
International markets (Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Middle
East and South Africa). Within these markets, we focus on Russia,
China and Latin America.
Sustainable growth is an important part of our strategy in our
international markets. Local manufacturing is a key element of
this, and we are planning more regional manufacturing centers.
These will create employment, contribute to local economies and
limit our environmental impact from product transportation.
There are governmental, economic and cultural differences in
Kimberly-Clark International markets. For example, South Africa
struggles with complex issues including an HIV/AIDS epidemic,
workplace inequalities, high unemployment and large-scale
immigration from neighboring countries. Kimberly-Clark South Africa
is committed to setting an example and making a difference. South
African companies have to submit progress reports on their efforts
to eliminate workplace discrimination, and Kimberly-Clark South
Africa's submission has been highlighted as an example to
others.
Our policies and Code of Conduct apply at
all Kimberly-Clark facilities worldwide, requiring the same
standards of all our employees and operations with respect to labor
and human rights, environmental protection, governance and ethical
business practices.
Products for Kimberly-Clark International
markets
Average income levels are generally lower in developing and
emerging markets than in developed countries, and small,
traditional stores often account for the majority of our sales. We
design and sell affordable, quality products in appropriate pack
sizes to suit consumer budgets in each market. This means
streamlining our business to keep costs low and ensure we can offer
shoppers good value. We have successfully introduced a lower-cost
training pant in Southeast Asia, Latin America and Russia, and
continue to sell individually packaged Huggies and Kotex products
in Asia and South America.
Many people around the world still use cloth diapers, partly
because they perceive disposable options as costly.
However, Kimberly-Clark research has found that disposable
diapers make it is easier for mothers to leave the house with their
young children, as there is less concern for embarrassing leakage
than with cloth diapers. Using disposables also means less laundry,
giving mothers more time for more enriching activities for
themselves and their children. Our research also assessed how much
mothers are willing to pay, to make sure we offer products at an
accessible price.
We also sell semi-durable, affordable paper towels in more than
20 countries, and have developed products to meet cultural norms in
Latin America where disposable paper towels are rarely used.
