Kimberly-Clark’s Huntsville plant has become the first business in the district to achieve gold status in Muskoka’s Climate Hero Program, marking a significant milestone in the region’s push toward environmental sustainability.
The Climate Hero Program supports Muskoka businesses in adopting simple, practical steps to reduce carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions both in the workplace and throughout the broader community. Officials say the initiative is designed to protect Muskoka’s natural beauty while ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
The program features three tiers – gold, silver, and bronze – each earned by varying efforts and activities towards sustainability.
Kimberly-Clark’s Huntsville plant, a tissue manufacturing facility, opened its doors in 1971 and employs 85 local residents.
Plant officials said participating in the Climate Hero Program was an opportunity for them to highlight ongoing environmental efforts while identifying new ways to strengthen their impact in Muskoka.
“I want to see a future where the environment is stable, healthy, and thriving, and where our community takes pride in preserving what makes this place so special,” said April Burke, plant manager at Kimberly-Clark Huntsville. “My hope is that Muskoka continues to protect its incredible natural beauty.”
After learning about the program during an Earth Month event last spring, the plant’s Green Team has led several environmental initiatives. These include hosting workshops for staff and organizing a Land Appreciation Event, where employees installed birdhouses and planted shrubs along a local riverbed to help prevent erosion.
The company has also reduced single-use plastics by providing reusable water bottles to employees and installing refill stations at its facility. They have also introduced flexible work weeks, when possible, which has helped reduce employee commuting and vehicle emissions. Additionally, the company has invested in an electric shunt truck, cutting down diesel fuel use at the plant.
For more information on the program, visit engagemuskoka.ca/climate-heroes
