3.17.2008 - 11:00am ET

(CSRwire) CHICAGO, IL - March 17, 2008 - With only three weeks to go, leading manufacturers are gearing up to share their climate strategies at the inaugural Sustainable Manufacturing Summit on April 8-9 in Chicago. "Sharing non-proprietary information improves total collective corporate effectiveness in design and implementation of sustainability efforts," says Steve Bernhardt, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Honeywell.

Bernhardt is one of the 50 top corporate speakers participating in the summit which examines climate impact at every stage of the manufacturing process. Sustainability experts from GE, Dell, HP, IBM, Philips, Subaru, Johnson Controls, Kimberly-Clark, Cadbury Schweppes, Sharp, Caterpillar, Frito Lay, GM, Patagonia, Interface, and General Mills are also participating.

With over 250 attendees expected, the Summit marks the first time such a large group of global manufacturers have convened to discuss sustainability and climate response.

"The organizations involved in the Sustainable Manufacturing Summit are outstanding and Kimberly-Clark is excited to be participating among this group of leaders in the field," says David Spitzley, Product Sustainability Manager, Kimberly-Clark. "I think the combination of the strong topical agenda and knowledgeable individuals involved should make for an excellent event."

Highlights of the Sustainable Manufacturing Summit 2008 include:

• Over 50 speakers from top companies including GE, Dell, HP, IBM, Philips, Honeywell, Subaru, Johnson Controls, Kimberly-Clark, Cadbury Schweppes, Sharp, Caterpillar, Frito Lay, GM, Patagonia, Interface, and General Mills



• Participants from key climate policy and regulatory organizations including Ceres, the Carbon Disclosure Project, Environmental Defense, the EPA's Climate Leaders, the Pew Center on Climate Change, Nescaum, and Energy Star for Industry



• Sessions covering the most critical climate issues for this sector including climate-friendly product development, operational response, sustainable supply chains, and waste management



• An overview of international regulatory and policy changes effecting North American manufacturers including China's climate stance

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