Kimberly-Clark Wins Recognition For Forest-Friendly Supply Chain Operations

Kimberly-Clark Corp. was named the industry leader for household and personal care products in terms of efforts to reduce deforestation risks across its global supply chain, according to the 2013 forest report by nonprofit group CDP. Factors the prompted CDP to award this recognition to Kimberly-Clark include the company’s completion of a full risk assessment of its forestry-related products in its supply chain, its efforts to determine country of origin of commodities beyond its first-rung suppliers, and its plan to achieve 100 percent certified materials or determine appropriate alternatives. CDP’s annual forests report looks at how the largest manufacturers work to minimize their operations’ adverse impact on the world’s forests.

"Kimberly-Clark Named Sector Leader for Improving Deforestation Risk in Supply Chain", Kimberly-Clark , November 22, 2013

Procter & Gamble Aims To Highlight Sustainability Efforts With Its Marketing

Procter & Gamble said it plans to integrate its sustainability message into its marketing, as part of its efforts to communicate to customers things it believes have a real impact on their lives. The shift in marketing comes with the company’s release of its sustainability update, and in line with its long-term vision of achieving 100 percent renewable energy and zero landfill-bound waste. P&G global sustainability director Virginie Helias said the company has worked to make sustainability a part of its innovation efforts and that P&G aims to connect sustainability with brand equity.

"P&G marketing to showcase sustainability efforts", Marketing Week, November 19, 2013

Henkel Receives CSR Honors For Sustainability Efforts In MENA Region

Henkel said it has been shortlisted for the 2013 Arabia Corporate Social Responsibility Awards’ Large Sized Enterprise category. Held under the patronate of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority president, Emirates Group CEO, and Dubai Airport chairman Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the awards recognize companies’ CSR initiatives, including sustainability efforts, in Arabian countries. Henkel said it was recognized for its contribution to sustainability in the region by reducing its environmental footprint.

"Henkel is among the Top 5 sustainable companies in Arabia", Henkel, November 27, 2013

Innovation And Sustainability To Drive Growth In Body Care Segment, Mintel Reports

In 2007–2012, the body care market in the United States suffered a 10 percent decline in sales; however, the segment is forecast to recover, driven by innovation and products that promote sustainability and ethical sourcing, Mintel said. According to the market research firm, almost a third of consumers who buy body care products are looking for more environment-friendly personal care products. Just as important, however, is consumer demand for product efficacy, which means products that meet these requirements are likely to find market success. Also, consumers prefer body care products that feel good on the body, Mintel said.

"The Feel Good Factors in Body Care", GCI Magazine , November 25, 2013

Procter & Gamble's Wyoming County Facility Becomes Energy Self-Sufficient

Procter & Gamble’s manufacturing facility in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, achieved energy self-sufficiency after installing the Cogen2 cogenerator power plant. Before completing the cogenerator, the factory was the largest electricity and natural gas customer for local utilities for 45 years. In 2012, the facility sourced 50 percent of its power requirements from the Marcellus gas discovered in 2009 underground its property. After the gas discovery, P&G worked with energy firms Citrus and UGI to develop and harness the gas and make the facility energy self-sufficient.

"P&G moves beyond paper with power generation", The Times-Tribune, November 27, 2013

Target Launches Sustainable-Supplier Initiative; Aims To Narrow Walmart's Lead

Retailer Target started collecting information from suppliers of the approximately 7,500 products it sells in the household cleaning, personal care, beauty, and baby-care categories. It will then assess the products’ qualities in terms of sustainability using criteria developed by GoodGuide to establish its Sustainable Product Standard. At present, Target lags behind some of its rivals in terms of promoting sustainability; for example, Walmart has taken the lead in the retail sector with its sustainable-supplier initiative. Aside from being the top brand in terms of adopting solar energy in the United States, Walmart also claimed that its sustainability index for suppliers is leading the industry.

"Target Launches Sustainable-Supplier Push in Bid to Catch Walmart", Brandchannel.com, November 12, 2013