The move comes in response to a long campaign by Greenpeace, an environmental group that is now advising Kimberly-Clark on its forest policy.
Under the new policy, Kimberly-Clark will only buy wood fiber from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified operations. FSC standards aim to ensure the sustainable use of forest resources.
Kimberly-Clark will also increase its use of recycled fiber. The company hopes to eventually obtain 100 percent of its wood fiber from environmentally responsible sources. By the end of 2011, 40 percent of its North American tissue fiber – representing about 600,000 tons – will be either recycled or FSC certified and the company will have eliminated the purchase of any fiber from the Canadian Boreal Forest, North America's largest old growth forest, that is not FSC certified.
"These revised standards are proof that when responsible companies and Greenpeace come together, the results can be good for business and great for the planet," said Scott Paul, Greenpeace USA Forest Campaign Director. "Kimberly-Clark's efforts are a challenge to its competitors. I hope other companies pay close attention."
Mongabay.com is an environmental science and conservation news web site.
