As one of the world's leading health and hygiene companies, we
are committed to protecting consumer health and safety. Our
scientists have been conducting product safety assessments for many
years. These assessments cover the complete life-cycle of a
product: research and development, manufacture, sale and use.
Safety information for our products and components is held
electronically and is readily retrievable.
We begin the safety assessment for each product by reviewing the
safety of each individual component. We consider the concentration
and application of the component in the product, consumer exposure
to the component during product use, and residual levels of other
materials that may be present in the component. We then evaluate
the finished product to determine its overall safety. This
comprehensive safety assessment and scientific review assures
consumers that our products are safe.
We also subscribe to academic and public databases of
toxicological information to support our safety assessments. Many
of our experts lead industry committees, bringing us together with
industry peers to apply the highest human and environmental safety
standards industry-wide. Our scientists also participate in regular
training to keep up to date with the latest scientific practices
and thinking related to risk assessment. Professional development
is also a requirement in each of our scientist's annual individual
development plan.
Consumer access to safety information
Part of our consumer service organization's role is to maintain
an extensive global database of information on our products. When
consumers who purchase and use our products have a question
regarding safety, our consumer service representatives are able to
quickly and accurately respond to their concerns.
REACH
The European Commission implemented a regulatory framework
for the management of chemicals, known as REACH (Registration,
Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances).
This regulation is designed to ensure companies identify and
manage chemical substances in a consistent and timely manner to
increase protection for consumers, employees and the
environment.
REACH calls for the evaluation and authorization of hazardous
and persistent chemicals for each particular end use. As a user and
importer of chemicals, rather than a manufacturer, we work
with suppliers to assure that the chemicals we use are
properly pre-registered.
Kimberly-Clark established a team of research scientists,
regulatory experts, supply chain leaders, legal experts, product
development engineers and information technology specialists to
manage REACH implementation and make sure all corporate activities
comply with its requirements.
