Kimberly-Clark Corporation has been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute, the leading business ethics think-tank, as one of the 2012 World’s Most Ethical Companies. In compiling the list, Ethisphere reviewed hundreds of companies and evaluated a record number of applications utilizing its propriety methodology through in-depth research and multi-step analysis, naming the companies that surpassed their industry peers to this year’s World’s Most Ethical Companies list. The 2012 list features companies in more than three dozen industries, including 40 companies headquartered outside the United States.

“We are honored to be recognized for our ethical business practices,” said Tom Falk, chairman and CEO of Kimberly-Clark. “Creating a culture where our employees are committed to driving business results ethically and doing the right thing for our customers, our communities and the environment contributes directly to the success of our company.”

“A strong ethical foundation is a competitive advantage, and Kimberly-Clark recognizes the important role corporate responsibility plays in improving its bottom line,” said Alex Brigham, executive director of the Ethisphere Institute. “As more and more organizations strive for this honor each year, Kimberly-Clark’s inclusion as a World’s Most Ethical Company for 2012 demonstrates its industry-leading commitment to ethics and dedication to integrity.”
The methodology for the rankings includes reviewing codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating the investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at activities designed to improve corporate citizenship; and studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers. Kimberly-Clark’s ethical way of life is rooted in core values that require authenticity, accountability, innovation, and caring as the driving influence in all its business decisions, transactions and initiatives, according to the company. Conducting business in accordance with these core values starts at the top and carries through to each of the 57,000 Kimberly-Clark employees, whether those employees are based in the U.S., China, Australia, South Africa, Brazil or any other of the 36 corporate locations the company maintains worldwide.