2007 Sustainability Report - Baxter Sustainability Report

“When you’re in abusiness like ours,the stakes are high.Product quality isparamount. Weare committed tothe highest qualitystandards attainableto protect thehealth and safety ofpatients whereverwe do business. It’sa challenge andresponsibility weaccept as a globalleader in healthcare.”› The pace of innovation is accelerating at Baxter. In this report, Baxter Chief ScientificOfficer Norbert Riedel, Ph.D., discusses several promising areas. These include adultstem cell therapies for coronary and peripheral artery disease, alternatives to IVinfusion for critical fluids and drugs, and an automated home dialysis system designedspecifically for developing markets.› In 2007, we made progress toward our water usage, energy usage and greenhousegas emissions goals, although advancement toward our total waste reduction goal wasslowed in part by production changes in our operations. Our manufacturing facility inCosta Rica became the country’s first to be recognized as “carbon neutral,” joining otherBaxter sites, including our corporate headquarters.› We extended our commitment to employee wellness by launching BeWell@Baxter,which offers an expansive array of programs and resources to help our 46,500employees and their families worldwide stay well. We recognize that a healthy,productive workforce is vital to our business.› Responding to stakeholder input, we have provided a more robust Public Policy sectionin this year’s report. It includes examples of how we are working with governmentsaround the world to increase patient access to Baxter’s life-saving therapies, as well asdata regarding political contributions and lobbying expenses.› Finally, in the area of corporate giving, combined contributions by Baxter and TheBaxter International Foundation – the philanthropic arm of the company – totalednearly $55 million in 2007. This includes more than $31 million in product donations toorganizations in 53 countries for disaster relief and humanitarian aid.Working Toward a Sustainable FutureNo global corporation can afford not to act responsibly in today’s marketplace. Baxter’sapproach to sustainability reflects the quality of our management, our people and ourcompany culture. It also reflects the responsibility and accountability we must demonstrateto remain a global leader in our industry.We also see sustainability as a way to attract and retain talent and make Baxter a rewardingplace to work and develop. Ultimately, we believe our efforts in sustainability enhanceshareholder value by making Baxter a more competitive company in an increasinglychallenging business environment.Our efforts to bring life-saving therapies to countries where many people still go untreatedfor conditions such as hemophilia, kidney disease and others are not altruistic. It’s ourbusiness. But the goal is similar to other elements of sustainability – to save and sustain lives.It is this higher purpose that binds everyone at Baxter together as a company and asglobal citizens.May 20083 sustainability.baxter.com/sustainability_at_baxter