Company Profiles

Kingfisher

United Kingdom

Kingfisher, a home improvement retailer, understands that all products ultimately begin and end in the environment. Kingfisher recognizes that its long-term success requires sustainable supply chains for its products. To this end, the company actively works with its suppliers to reduce their environmental impact. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood sales are a significant portion of the company's home improvement timber sales. In addition, Kingfisher is engaging with suppliers of power tools to increase their content of recycled material. Using its Chemical Action List, the company has also worked with a number of vendors to remove phthalates (chemicals that can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system) from products. It has also started work to eliminate PVC within its own-brand packaging and to source alternative materials for items such as shower curtains. Kingfisher also believes strongly in customer education and is a leader in the development of a voluntary labeling system in the UK to address the volatile organic compound (VOC) content of paints. This led to a dramatic reduction in VOCs sold in paints. Although the proportion of eco-products (as a percent of total sales) has grown over the years, Portfolio 21 will continue to monitor the development and growth of these goods.

To the best of our knowledge the above information is accurate and was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable. Neither the information presented above nor any opinion expressed shall be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy the security. The views expressed are those of portfolio management as of 9/30/09 and may not reflect current opinions or subsequent events.