Embracing innovation and social responsibility

At Kimberly-Clark, innovation is a key part of its strategy to maintain its edge in the numerous markets it is in.

Chairman and chief executive Thomas Falk says the innovation challenge boils down to understanding what the consumer wants. "We do find a high level of consumer loyalty. We do consumer visits all over the world. When mum finds a solution that works for her family, she usually sticks with it. If she has a diaper that works to keep baby dry and his skin healthy, she'll stick with that.

Environmental sustainability is a key priority. Mr Falk says the group began to practise reforestation 140 years ago when it was a paper and forest products company. "When you cut down one tree, you have to plant two more to make sure you have an evergreen forest." Its operation in Korea, for instance, has run tree planting programmes - it has planted 50 million trees over 30 years.

Source: The Business Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited, Permission required for reproduction

Full Article