Marriott Awards K-C Pro for Environmental Sustainability Efforts

ROSWELL, GA -- Kimberly-Clark Professional has received the 2011 Sustainability Award from Marriott International and is the first product supplier to receive the prestigious award, which recognizes organizations that help Marriott reach its environmental sustainability goals worldwide.

"We are proud to partner with suppliers that share the same values as we do, particularly those like Kimberly-Clark Professional that support our more than 20-year commitment to conservation and preservation," said John Adams, Senior Vice President – Global Operations Services, Marriott International.  "With the increase in global travel, we have a responsibility to ease our business impact on our natural environment.  Working in partnership with our suppliers to create more sustainable products helps us uphold that commitment to our sustainable initiatives in our hotels and beyond."

"We are honored to be recognized by Marriott for our mutual dedication to environmental sustainability," said Howard Connell, Global Sustainability Leader, Kimberly-Clark Professional.  "As an organization, we examine the entire lifecycle of our products – from raw material sourcing through consumer use and final disposal – to reduce the amount of natural resources used.  This award reinforces how our commitment to sustainability is impacting our customers and their businesses in a positive way."

Two of the Kimberly-Clark Professional products Marriott uses are Kleenex Cottonelle Bath Tissue, which meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for 20 percent recycled fiber and which holds Chain of Custody certification by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and Kleenex Naturals Facial Tissue, which meets EPA requirements for 20 percent recycled fiber and is certified to EcoLogo standards as well as holding FSC Chain of Custody Certification.  These products also qualify for "sustainable purchasing" credits under the LEED Green Building Rating Program.

These products are among the 95 percent of Kimberly-Clark Professional tissue and towel products that are Chain of Custody certified by FSC.  In addition, the majority of the company's towel and tissue products are EcoLogo-certified, allowing Kimberly-Clark Professional to offer a comprehensive bundle of certified-sustainable products and demonstrate a high standard of environmental leadership in providing products from responsibly managed forests.

"Kimberly-Clark Professional has been consistently responsive to our needs to develop more sustainable products, which helps us move closer to our global sustainable goals," added Brad Colton, Senior Director of Strategic Projects, Global Procurement, Marriott International.