Kimberly-Clark (K-C) Australia & New Zealand (A&NZ) has just released its new five-year sustainability strategy. Both globally and locally, K-C’s sustainability goals have transitioned from three pillars of sustainability (People, Planet and Product) to an evolution of five key priority areas - Social Impact, Forests and Fibre, Waste & Recycling, Energy & Climate, and Supply Chain.
The new local sustainability goals are not only structured to align with Kimberly-Clark’s global strategy, but are designed to stretch the local business further. Just some of the goals that will take the Australia and New Zealand business through to 2020 are:
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Improve the wellbeing of 1.2 million people through K-C brands
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Reduce carbon emissions by 40%
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Continue to go beyond our zero waste mindset by diverting manufacturing and post- consumer waste from landfill
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Maintain 100% of fibre through FSC certified or FSC controlled wood sources
The five-year strategy launch coincides with the release of Kimberly-Clark’s 2015 Sustainability Report, which marks the final year of the company’s 5 year award-winning sustainability strategy, called Our Essential World.
Following the conclusion of this strategy, K-C has announced it has achieved 8 out of 9 of its sustainability goals (and exceeded many of these goals).
In the packaging arena, the company has partnered with the REDcycle program and retail customers to help consumers recycle over 20 million pieces of K-C branded flexible plastic packaging waste since the beginning of the partnership in 2013.
The REDcycle Program encourages consumers to drop their flexible packaging at key points, like supermarkets. It’s then collected, processed, baled and sent to a manufacturer called Replas, where it’s made into new products like outdoor park benches and playground equipment.
Ryan Kane, Sustainability Advisor at Kimberly-Clark Australia and New Zealand comments: “I’m extremely proud of our achievements in the latest progress report. Our strong results reflect our hard work and demonstrate our commitment to continue building new capabilities and stronger partnerships to solve problems, improve lives and add value through innovation.”
Moving forward to 2020, Kimberly-Clark’s sustainability strategy, Our Essential World, evolves to clearly focus on the businesses material environmental and social issues.
Jacquie Fegent-McGeachie, Sustainability Director at Kimberly-Clark Australia and New Zealand says: “Making sustainable choices isn’t always easy, particularly in challenging times. But we know our business has a significant impact on the world, and we’re determined to make sure it’s a positive one.”
Over the last three years, Kimberly-Clark Australia and New Zealand has been recognised for its sustainability achievements by winning 6 prestigious sustainability awards, including:
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Banksia Award - Environment Minister’s Award for a Cleaner Environment (2014)
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Australian Business Awards in both the Innovation and Technology categories (2014)
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Banksia Award for Leading in Sustainability for large Organisations (2013)
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Australian Business Awards for Environmental Sustainability (2013)
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Forest Stewardship Council® Awards - Supplier of the Year Award (2013)
