Paper products giant Kimberly-Clark has announced plans to double its greenhouse gas reduction target from 20% to 40% by 2022.
The Huggies diaper-maker conveyed the decision in its recently published annual sustainability report.
The report highlights the measures taken by the company to achieve the goals outlined in its Sustainability 2022 strategy.
Already into its third year, the Sustainability 2022 strategy tracks the company's progress against five strategic pillars – social impact, forests and fibre, waste and recycling, energy and climate, and supply chain.
In 2018, the company cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 27% from 2005 - a goal which it achieved four years ahead of the deadline.
'Transformational Changes'
Lisa Morden, vice-president for safety and sustainability, said, "We met key goals this year around energy and climate well ahead of schedule, which is a testament to the teams and manufacturing leaders who rallied behind transformational changes and alternative energy."
The Kleenex-maker also reduced the use of fibre sourced from natural forest landscapes by 30% since 2011 and converted more than 21,000 metric tonnes of materials to higher-value alternatives.
It cut its water usage in 'high-stress' regions by 24% and introduced alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and cogeneration projects in six of its manufacturing facilities.
The electricity produced as a result of the company's virtual power purchase agreements with two wind farms offset 99% of the electricity purchased by its Kimberly-Clark Professional manufacturing sites in the United States.
The company also co-founded 'Alliance for Period Supplies' to help women and girls gain access to period supplies.
Partnerships
Kimberly-Clark believes that partnerships with environmental groups also played an important role in achieving the targets ahead of schedule.
In 2018, it became a signatory of Wrap UK's Plastics Pact and joined the Ocean Conservancy'sTrash Free Seas Alliance as a member of the steering committee.
The company also continued to foster strong relationships with WWF and the Forest Stewardship Council and implemented joint measures to build consumer awareness about responsible forestry practices.
"This year proved once again that strong partnerships yield long-lasting results for the environment," Morden added.
"While great progress has been made, there is still work to be done. We will continue to challenge our teams to drive social and environmental impact while bringing value to our consumers at the same time."
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
