Company Profiles

Kingfisher

United Kingdom

Kingfisher, a home improvement retailer, recognizes that long-term success requires sustainable supply chains for its products. The company understands that all products ultimately begin and end in the environment, which makes supplier guidelines a key focus for Kingfisher. For example, the company's Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood sales are a significant portion of its home improvement timber sales. In 2005 Kingfisher introduced buying standards on timber to help buyers and suppliers implement the company's timber policy and support growth in sustainable forestry certification. 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. 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. While the UK stores have led the way in resource conservation and consumer education, stores in other regions have not kept pace. Portfolio 21 has asked the company for more consistent progress across its different regions.

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 8/31/07 and may not reflect current opinions or subsequent events.