Alternatives to Natural Forest Sourced Fiber

Kimberly-Clark is committed to sustaining natural forests. In 2011, the company used approximately 2.48 million metric tons of virgin fiber. With its manufacturing needs representing 6 percent of total market pulp demand, the company must support a sustainable supply of fiber—sustainable not simply for its requirements but equally for the health of the global ecosystems. In the past—when Kimberly-Clark owned and managed woodlands—it was a leader in sustained yield forestry and maintained active tree-planting programs. Now that K-C has divested its woodlands and pulping assets, it remains committed to ensuring that its supply chain is environmentally responsible and has embraced sustainable forestry principles. Forests are so important that the business community, including Kimberly-Clark, must continuously and collaboratively work to preserve these natural resources.

To transition fiber sourcing from natural forest sources, K-C is investing in both R&D and capital, and putting in place development agreements with partners to exploring high-potential alternatives to the traditional fiber sources used in our industry (trees and traditional recycled paper streams).

Please kindly refer to the following deliverables.