Proctor & Gamble Sets High Sourcing Goals

The Procter & Gamble (P&G) Company, the largest consumer packaged goods company in the world, announced new goals last week for sourcing fiber for the pulp it uses to manufacture some of its products. By 2015, 100 percent of the virgin wood fiber used in its tissue/towel and absorbent feminine hygiene products will be third party certified. Preference for certification will be given to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and at least 40 percent of the pulp used in P&G's tissue-towel products will be FSC certified. Other acceptable certifications include the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Systems, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Brazilian National Forestry Certification Scheme, and Canada's National Standard for Sustainable Forest Management. P&G developed the new fiber sourcing goals in collaboration with World Wildlife Fund (WWF). P&G started requiring certification in 2006 from all suppliers managing forests. P&G joined WWF's Global Forest & Trade Network program in 2008, which helps companies source more pulp from responsibly managed forests.

"While we don't own or manage forests, we recognize the responsibility and opportunity P&G has to use our pulp procurement decisions to promote responsible management of the world's forest resources," said Stefano Zenezini, Vice-President of Product Supply. "We applaud P&G's commitment to responsible forestry, and its decision to publicize these robust goals around FSC certification," said Linda Walker, WWF's GFTN-NA Program Manager. "With increasing pressure on the world's natural forest to meet the growing global demand for wood and agricultural products, P&G's actions serve as an example that we would like to see from many more companies."

P&G releases its 2012 sustainability report

P&G released its 2012 sustainability report on November 12. The report details the company's sourcing goals. By 2020, 100 percent of the paper packaging will contain either recycled or third party certified virgin content. By 2015, all palm oil purchases will come from "responsible and sustainable sources." The company, according to the report, is working towards "zero net deforestation" by 2020. The report shows P&G's progress toward its goals to create more products that have an "improved environmental profile." P&G set a goal in 2007 to develop and market at least $50 billion in cumulative sales of “Sustainable Innovation Products,” or products that are more environmentally friendly by 2012. The company surpassed that goal by $2 billion. The product goals for 2020 consist of the following:

• Replace 25 percent of petroleum-based materials with sustainably-sourced, renewable materials
• Reduce packaging materials by 20 percent by 2020

The report also details the progress toward the goals for its operations. In 2007, P&G set a goal of reducing energy and water use, carbon emissions and waste by P&G facilities by 20 percent by 2012. When it comes to energy use and carbon emissions, P&G fell short by achieving only seven and five percent reductions, respectively. However, P&G exceeded its goal for water use by achieving a 22 percent reduction. P&G also exceeded its goal for waste reduction by achieving a 68 percent reduction. Image credit: Wikipedia