Kimberly-Clark Group

"Our policies align with the goals of several international standards, including the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. [...] We expect our suppliers to follow these standards and requirements: Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining [...] Protection Against Child Labor [...] Prohibit Forced Labor and Abuse of Labor [...] Prohibit Discrimination"

"K-C will review the integrity of environmental and social responsibility practices and human rights in employment followed by our wood fiber suppliers and consider the supplier’s practices as part of the initial supplier selection process and when supply agreements are renewed[...]Where documented human rights issues are identified in such situations, K-C will work with its suppliers to find a constructive resolution of such issues"

"We have partnered with Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) for a decade, using the power of the marketplace to help end deforestation and safeguard forest ecosystems. We are committed to a 100 percent certified fiber supply [...] Our preference for FSC®-certified fiber supply and commitment to zero deforestation; free, prior and informed consent (FPIC); and protection of high conservation value forest ecosystems, including peat lands, helps us protect forests."

"K-C commits to purchase 100% of its wood fiber from suppliers that have had their forestry operations or wood fiber procurement activities certified to one of the following third-party verified forest certification systems. K-C will give preference to wood fiber certified under Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) standards."

"K-C commits to purchase 100% of its wood fiber from suppliers that have had their forestry operations or wood fiber procurement activities certified to one of the following third-party verified forest certification systems. K-C will give preference to wood fiber certified under Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) standards.[...]Kimberly-Clark hereby sets the goal that by the year 2025, 90% of its fiber supply for its global tissue products will consist of Environmentally-Preferred Fiber. In the spirit of continuous improvement, Kimberly-Clark intends to achieve its 90% goal by targeting an increase in the quantity of Environmentally-Preferred Fiber from wood and/or alternative fiber supply at a rate of 5% every three years: Environmentally-Preferred Fiber will consist of the following sources: (i) Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC)-certified fiber; (ii) recycled fiber (RF); and (iii) sustainable alternative natural fiber1."

"Kimberly-Clark may use wood fiber harvested from forest lands that are converted after March 15, 2007 to tree plantations only if the supplier can demonstrate, through certification by FSC or another forest certification system recognized under this policy, that the pre- existing forest lands were not Special Forest Areas and only if the use of such wood fiber meets all of the other requirements of these Instructions."

"When to Ask a Question or Raise a Concern Each of us has an obligation to ask questions or raise concerns if we suspect that misconduct has occurred, or if a K-C employee or third party acting on behalf of K-C has violated the K-C Code, K-C policies, or laws. You do not need to be certain that a violation has occurred before speaking up."[...]"The K-C HelpLine is available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, in native languages where K-C’s facilities are located. A professional company that is independent of K-C will take your information and then promptly report it to the Global Ethics & Compliance team for review. You may contact the K-C HelpLine directly by telephone, e-mail, or web: – Telephone:  1-844-KC-HELP1 or 1-844-524-3571 (United States)  For local or toll-free HelpLine numbers in other countries, see www.KCHelpLine.com – E-mail: KCHelpLine@kcc.com – Web: www.KCHelpLine.com We encourage you to ask your questions and raise your concerns directly to K-C so we can take appropriate actions. But, nothing in this policy prevents you from reporting potential violations of law to relevant government authorities."

"Fibre Use (million MT)1: 2020 2.4"

"Kimberly-Clark routinely utilizes independent third-parties to assess suppliers’ compliance with the SSCS. The assessments generally include confidential interviews with employees and on-site contract workers. The supplier is expected to work with Kimberly-Clark to implement any corrective actions needed. In the event the supplier fails to fully comply with the SSCS, Kimberly-Clark reserves the right to issue corrective action and/or remedies including but not limited to possible termination of supplier’s agreement(s) with Kimberly-Clark."

"Kimberly-Clark has implemented a verification system for our wood fiber procurement activities thatis global in scope, sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that our systems and controls meet the objective of using environmentally responsible fiber and applies our stated preferences in accordance with this policy. • As part of its verification system, Kimberly-Clark will work with suppliers and others to develop methods of effectively tracing wood fiber to its forest source"

"Supplier Fiber CertificationIn the event that a supplier to Kimberly-Clark does not have certification of its forest lands or wood fiber procurement activities, the supplier will be given reasonable time to achieve certification. If a supplier is not in compliance with any applicable provisions of this policy, we will take appropriate action to address such non-compliance, which may include (i) an action plan for compliance or (ii) termination or non-renewal of the supply contract. Upon request, supplier must provide data demonstrating compliance."