Kimberly-Clark Professional Launches Recycling Program For Cleanroom Waste

Kimberly-Clark Professional launched the RightCycle large-scale recycling initiative for nontraditional cleanroom waste. Described by the company as a new level of recycling, the program aims to make it easy to recycle previously hard-to-recycle articles, such as cleanroom garments, gloves, hoods, boot covers, and hairnets. Items are placed in a RightCycle collection box or in client's own collection boxes. Filled boxes are collected by Kimberly-Clark Professional's recycling partner TerraCycle. Collected products are transformed into raw materials used in manufacture of ecology-friendly items, such as plastic Adirondack chairs and benches.

"Kimberly-Clark Professional Launches Innovative RightCycle Program To Recycle Single-Use Cleanroom and Laboratory Gloves and Garments", PR Newswire, April 25, 2013

Unilever Recognizes Breakthrough Fuel's Contribution To Sustainability Efforts

Unilever honored Breakthrough Fuel with the Winning Through Innovation award during the consumer goods company's 2013 North American Partner to Win event in New York City. Recognizing the supply chain management and transportation energy consulting firm's contribution to Unilever's sustainability and cost saving efforts, the award highlights Breakthrough Fuel's role in the company's development and implementation of a fuel management initiative. Founded in 2004, Breakthrough Fuel has helped logistics companies manage more than 1.5 billion gallons of fuel, according to the company.

"Breakthrough Fuel receives Innovation award from Unilever", PRNewswire, April 23, 2013

Unilever Agrees To Support Ubuntu Award For Sustainable Marketing

Unilever agreed to join Loeries in supporting the Ubuntu Award for sustainable marketing. Launched in 2010, the Ubuntu Award welcomes all brands in Africa and the Middle East. It recognizes the positive effects of brands on society and the environment. Entries must demonstrate a balance between corporate environment-friendliness and doing good business. As part of Unilever's partnership with Loeries, the consumer goods manufacturer will join the International Seminar of Creativity.

"Unilever supports Ubuntu Award", Bizcommunity.com, April 16, 2013

Most Americans Think Their Everyday Actions Have Positive Impact On Environment, P&G Study Shows

In the United States, 84 percent of adults say that "simple, everyday actions" make them feel like they are helping the environment and 75 percent say such actions make them feel better about themselves, according to "The Everyday Effect Study" conducted by Procter & Gamble. Aimed at inspiring Americans to perform such acts, P&G is launching the video "Everyday Earth Day." P&G aims to show people how their daily activities can have a positive impact on the environment. The video also highlights how Procter & Gamble is reducing and recycling waste.

"Are You Part of the 84%? Video Inspired by P&G Study Reveals Power of Everyday Acts for the Environment", Procter & Gamble, April 16, 2013

Unilever Lowers Carbon Dioxide Emissions By 1 Million Tonnes

Unilever announced that, since 2008, it has reduced its carbon dioxide emission by more than 1 million tonnes from its manufacturing and logistics operations. What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that the company grew its sales by 26 percent from €40.5 billion in 2008 to €51.3 billion in 2012. Part of the company's Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, reduction in carbon dioxide emissions was helped significantly by Unilever's use of renewable energy from biomass boilers and installation of combined heat and power plants.

"Unilever factories and logistics reduce CO2 by 1 million tonnes", Unilever, April 15, 2013

US Is World Leader In Using Tax Code To Drive Corporate Sustainability, KPMG List Shows

The United States led 20 other countries that are most actively using their tax codes to encourage companies to adopt sustainability as a corporate objective, according to KPMG's first Green Tax Index. Other leading countries that use tax as a means of promoting corporate sustainability include Japan, Unite Kingdom, France, South Korea, and China. KPMG's Green Tax Index provides companies information on how countries are using taxes to promote corporate sustainability. The list can also help companies' sustainability leaders in allocating budgets and evaluating their global investments, according to KPMG.

"US Ranks No. 1 Using Tax Code To Shape Corporate Sustainability", Environmental Leader, April 25, 2013

U.K. Supermarket Chain To Ban Supplier Use Of Pesticides Harmful To Honeybees

Waitrose announced that by the end of 2014 farmers who supply the company with fruit, vegetables and flowers must phase out three neonicotinoid-based pesticides that the European Food Safety Authority has listed as posing a risk to honeybees. The restrictions are a precautionary measure, Waitrose said, until research demonstrates conclusively that the formulations are or are not affecting populations of pollinator insects. The chemicals – imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam – are still legal to use in the U.S., though beekeepers and environmental groups are suing the EPA, complaining that the agency is not protecting bees and their role in pollinating vital food crops.

"Waitrose Bans Pesticides Linked to Bee Decline", Environmental Leader , April 15, 2013

Wal-Mart Plans To Launch Sustainability Index, Cut Energy Costs

Wal-Mart said it plans to develop a sustainability index that would measure the environmental impact for the entire life cycle of every product the retailer sells and reduce costs by $1 billion by 2020. Also, the retailer announced its plan to launch a pilot system of the index. Wal-Mart aims to use the index to improve its energy efficiency and ultimately pass on the expected savings to Wal-Mart and Sam's Club customers.

"Wal-Mart's grand, green plans to reduce prices", CNN, April 30, 2013

Unilever Achieves Zero Landfill Waste Status For All Facilities In North America

Unilever announced that all of its 26 manufacturing and non-manufacturing facilities in North America have achieved zero waste to landfill status. Established in 2010, Unilever's Sustainable Living Plan includes efforts to reduce waste sent for disposal. SLP aims to cut by half Unilever's environmental footprint in manufacturing and consumer use of its products by 2020. Unilever said more than half of its 252 global factories have achieved ZLF status.

"Unilever Achieves 100% Zero Waste to Landfill at All 26 Facilities in North America", Business Wire, April 17, 2013

Clorox Adds Recycling Logos To Cleaning Product Packaging

Clorox Co. added How2Recycle logos to the packaging of its cleaning products, including Fresh Step and Scoop Away kitty litter cartons, Green Works laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid, and Oxi stain remover. Designed to explain how to recycle or properly dispose of the product's packaging, the logos will be added to Clorox's other products as part of label redesigns. Clorox plans to add the logo to all product packaging in the United States and Canada by 2020.

"Clorox Adds How2Recycle Logos to Help Consumers Recycle Product Packaging", Clorox, April 23, 2013

Avon's International Fundraising Program Donates Money To Groups Fighting Deforestation

Avon Products, Inc. announced that the Avon Hello Green Tomorrow international program has raised $2 million in 2012, bringing the total to $5.5 million since its 2010 launch. Avon awarded the funds to The Nature Conservancy and World Wildlife Fund to help deal with deforestation in Brazil and Indonesia. Avon raises funds by selling special products in more than 50 countries through Avon sales representatives and its online stores.

"Avon Hello Green Tomorrow Fundraising Tops $2 Million in 2012; Program Total Reaches $5.5 million since 2010", Avon, April 18, 2013