Responsible Use of Fiber

Recycled fiber

Our Sustainability 2015 goals for sustainable fiber practices are:

• Continue to procure 100 percent of all fibers from certified suppliers
• Increase our use of responsible fiber

In 2009, we adopted a ground-breaking policy on global fiber procurement. We committed to use environmentally responsible fiber from three sources:

• Wood pulp purchased from suppliers who have achieved forest certification
• Wood pulp that we have manufactured from logs or chips obtained from forest-certified suppliers
• Recycled fiber recovered from pre-consumer or post-consumer waste paper 

We began to implement this policy in 2009 by setting a new goal: We committed to use 40 percent of either recycled fiber or FSC-certified wood fiber in all North American tissue products by the end of 2011. Through our focused efforts we can proudly say that by the end of 2010, we had surpassed this goal by a large margin and achieved 56.8 percent. Kimberly-Clark has a goal of purchasing 100 percent of its virgin wood fiber from suppliers that have had their forestry operations or wood fiber procurement activities certified.

Products containing recycled fiber

• Kimberly-Clark Professional's Scott brand towel and tissue products has earned the prestigious Green Seal certification for its 100 percent recycled fiber washroom products. Green Seal provides science-based environmental certification standards that are credible, transparent, and essential in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Kimberly-Clark Professional offers a full line of source-reduced Kleenex and Scott brand washroom products that meet FSC chain-of-custody and Green Seal certification requirements.
• Scott Naturals brand launched throughout the U.S. in 2009. With the tagline Green Done Right, this line of bath tissue, towels and napkins contains a blend of recycled and virgin fiber - 40 percent recycled fiber in bath tissue, 60 percent in towels, and 80 percent in napkins.
• Scott Naturals flushable wipes also launched in 2009. The wipes are dye- and alcohol-free, and breakup after flushing like dry bath tissue.
• In 2010, Scott Naturals introduced tube-free toilet paper in test markets in Sam's Clubs and Walmart stores in the Northeast United States.

Synthetic fiber

We use polymers as a component in absorbent, nonwoven fabrics. We do not manufacture any materials from raw petroleum - all are purchased as polymers from suppliers.

Our strategy is to decrease use of petroleum-based materials by reducing the amount of polymers used to make our products, and converting waste polymers into pellets for reuse in our products. We also strive to sell waste polymers not used for recycling or energy recovery.

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

• Polymers made from renewable materials.
• Degradable polymers for use in flushable products that provide more flexible disposal options.
• Recycled polymers to extend the useful life of natural resources.

Performance results

We made good progress in our efforts to increase our use of renewable, biodegradable and recycled polymers. In 2009, we converted 66 percent of our total manufacturing polymer waste back into Kimberly-Clark product, and sold the rest for recycling or energy recovery.

Product examples

Flushable wipes - Flushing is a more convenient and hygienic way of disposing of used personal care products, especially those that contain bodily fluids, germs and odors. However, when people flush personal care products that are not designed for this, the synthetic fibers can create problems for municipal and septic wastewater treatment.

Until 2008, there were no industry guidelines for flushable nonwoven fabrics. Now, industry associations including the International Nonwovens and Disposables Association (INDA) and the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA) have published Flushability Guidelines for nonwoven products. K-C was involved in the development of these guidelines.

We have applied the principles of the guidelines to develop a flushable moist wipe made from 85 percent natural fibers, compared with 50 percent or less in competing products. This means our moist wipes break up as easily as dry bath tissue and can be flushed without causing problems during wastewater treatment, whereas some other products may clog up wastewater systems if flushed.

Huggies Pure & Natural is a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free super-premium diaper, described as better for baby, with steps toward a better world. The breathable outer cover includes organic cotton, and the liner includes renewable materials along with natural aloe and vitamin E to provide gentle protection for babies. Like Scott Naturals products, the outer packaging is sourced from 20 percent post-consumer recycled materials.

Huggies Nature Made - Korean consumers continue to respond positively to this diaper, a line extension marketed by our joint venture Yuhan-Kimberly. Manufactured from corn and biodegradable resin instead of petroleum, up to 45 percent of the diaper is potentially biodegradable, compared to about 25 percent in conventional premium diapers. The product also incorporates Yuhan-Kimberly's proprietary all-natural skin care lotion for improved comfort.