Kimberly-Clark Innovations

Insight-driven innovation

Consumer Tissue

At Kimberly-Clark, insights gained

Developing new-to-the-world solutions that improve health and hygiene

from our customers, shoppers and

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users drive us to continuously explore ways to increase our speed to market with new-to-the-world essential solutions. Developing and acquiring new technologies and leveraging strategic partnerships and alliances has enabled us to create innovative product and design solutions across our consumer

Personal Care Innovative products designed for each stage of life Learn more Kimberly-Clark Health Care Delivering clinical solutions that prevent, diagnose and manage healthcare-associated infections Learn more

tissue, personal care, health care and

Kimberly-Clark Professional

business-to-business segments. Click on

Innovations for the workplace, do-it-yourselfers and away-from-home washrooms

one of the four business categories

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below to learn more about KimberlyClark’s recent innovations.



Kimberly-Clark's focus on developing new-to-the-world consumer tissue products dates back to the early 1900s with the inventions of Scott bathroom tissue, Scott Paper Towels and Kleenex facial tissue.Using what was then state-of-the-art technology, these products have changed the way people everywhere clean and protect themselves. Throughout the years, K-C researchers have developed a variety of proprietary technologies that have increased the effectiveness of our products. Increased softness and absorbency, consumer-friendly packaging and a line of tissue products designed to combat colds and viruses are just a few of the ways we are improving the health, hygiene and well-being of people everywhere. Following are examples of a few of our consumer tissue innovations: MyKleenexTissue

Building on the Kleenex brand's leadership in fashion-forward package design, MyKleenexTissue enables consumers to create their own one-of-a-kind Kleenex Ovals tissue carton incorporating personal photos, messages, and custom designs and colors. Each distinctive and stylish oval carton holds an ample supply of Kleenex UltraSoft facial tissue. Throughout the years, Kleenex brand facial tissue has offered a variety of package designs and colors to enable facial tissue users show their sense of style. MyKleenexTissue takesthe next step and gives people the opportunity to let their creativity and imagination soar. Personalized Kleenex brand Ovals facial tissue cartons are available exclusively through www.mykleenextissue.com.

Viva brand paper towels

In response to consumers' demand for a premium disposable paper towel that displays cloth-like properties, K-C developed Viva brand paper towels. Through consumer research conducted by Kimberly-Clark, softness was cited as an important characteristic of a cloth-like towel, especially for those who use it for drying hands or wiping faces. Using proprietary technology, Viva brand created a 1ply towel that has better qualities than its 2-ply competitors, including softer feel. Superior in softness, wet-toughness and total sheet absorbency, Viva brand paper towels feel like cloth but has the convenience of a paper towel.

Scott Rapid Dissolving bath tissue

Kimberly-Clark's research shows that 25 percent of consumers are "clog-concerned," and 31 percent have experienced a clogged toilet. Toilet clogs are perceived as one of the worst situations to be in and a major embarrassment and unnecessary hassle. To help consumers avoid these troublesome clogs, the Scott brand developed Scott Rapid Dissolving bath tissue formulated to break up four times faster in water than the leading bath tissue brand. Designed for consumers concerned with plumbing clogs or those who have septic systems, older homes, RVs or boats, Scott Rapid Dissolving bath tissue builds upon the Scott brand's more than 30 years of history as a leader in sewer and septic safety.

Kleenex Balsam facial tissues

Developed to help consumers soothe sore noses when suffering from a cold or flu, Kleenex Balsam facial tissue is the No. 1 facial tissue brand in the UK.* Kleenex Balsam facial tissues are the first tissues to leave behind a micro-fine layer of calendula on the skin, a balm which soothes the nose and helps prevent it from becoming sore and red. * Nielsen value share 15.07.06 Sept.

At Kimberly-Clark, we understand that, as you go through life, your health and hygiene needs change. Through our insights-driven research, we continue to identify unmet needs and quickly develop and deliver innovative personal care solutions that reach a broad spectrum of ages. Following are examples of a few of our personal care innovations:

Huggies Little Swimmers Sun Care Products

Huggies Little Swimmers, the only brand on the market to offer moms a total health and hygiene swim time solution, developed the Huggies Little Swimmers sun care product line to help protect kids from harmful UVB rays and sunburn. The innovative new product line includes three sunscreen lotions and the market's only patented, self-adhesive UVB sun sensors, geared to help detect and monitor children's exposure to Ultraviolet B rays that cause sunburn and are most commonly linked to skin cancer. The sunscreen lotions provide moisturizing SPF 50 protection and come in a fragrance-free and a mango & coconut formula as well as a blue melon splash spray lotion. The Huggies Little Swimmers UVB sun sensors are placed on a child's skin or clothing and change color when it is time to take protective action, such as apply more sunscreen, put on protective clothing or seek shade.

Huggies Supreme Diapers - Natural Fit & Gentle Care/Newborn

For moms whose No. 1 priority is their baby's comfort, Kimberly-Clark through its trusted Huggies brand introduced simultaneously in North America and Europe two new premium diapers - Huggies Supreme Natural Fit and Huggies Supreme Gentle Care/Newborn. Huggies Supreme Natural Fit diapers with a new hourglass shape provide a fit and feel more natural to older babies. Huggies Supreme Gentle Care - or Newborn as it is called in Europe - features cottony soft materials called Cuddleweave that provides more cushiony and quilted softness. The Gentle Care and Newborn diapers' preemie and newborn sizes are the only diapers in the market with a new U-shaped umbilical cord opening offering the mostgentle protection for a younger baby's sensitive belly button area.

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Poise Extra Pads with Wings

Poise Extra Pads with Wings is the first and only winged pad designed for bladder protection. Its contoured design fits the body closely while wings help the pad stay securely in place to provide better protection for recurring light incontinence. Developed to quickly lock away wetness and neutralize odor, its large blue absorbent center holds approximately one cup of fluid while its dual layers provide absorbency throughout the pad.

Around the world, medical professionals turn to Kimberly-Clark for a wide portfolio of innovative and technologically advanced solutions that improve the health, hygiene and well-being of their patients and staff. A more than $1 billion global business, Health Care holds the No. 1 or No. 2 market share position in several categories including infection control, surgical and patient care devices, pain management and digestive health solutions. Following are examples of a few of K-C Health Care's innovations:

Kimberly-Clark Microcuff Endotracheal Tube

In the fight against healthcare-associated infections, Kimberly-Clark Health Care introduced the Microcuff Endotracheal Tube, an airway management device designed to reduce the micro-aspiration of potentially infectious secretions into the lungs, a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This superior seal is created by the Microcuff ET tube's unique cuff, which is made with an advanced microthin polyurethane material that allows the channels formed upon cuff inflation to "self-seal," reducing leakage of secretions into the lungs. VAP is a major clinical concern in hospitals and is associated with high incidence mortality rates, and increased costs. Compared to conventional poly vinyl chloride (PVC) cuffs that create folds when inflated, causing channels to form and allowing fluid to leak past the cuff, the cuff on the Microcuff ET tube minimizes those channel openings and creates a superior seal. The length and cylindrical shape of the Microcuff cuff also are optimized for better contact with tracheal contours to further increase protection against fluid leakage and allow tube movement without displacing the cuff. Additional features of the tube are effective seal at a low cuff pressure to reduce the risk of mucosal damage; microthin polyurethane cuff material which allows for greater visualization of vocal cords when cuff is deflated to ensure proper placement of the tube; and the puncture strength and burst pressure of Microcuff's cuff are almost double that of conventional PVC cuffs.

Kimberly-Clark InteguSeal Microbial Sealant

Building upon its commitment to provide a platform of solutions for infection control, K-C Health Care developed an innovative microbial barrier designed to reduce the risk of skin flora contamination during a surgical procedure. Using a proprietary formulation to seal and immobilize pathogens, Kimberly-Clark InteguSeal Microbial Sealant helps protect against the migration of pathogens into the incision. Kimberly-Clark InteguSeal Microbial Sealant has a unique mechanism of action that does not promote bacterial resistance and does not need to be removed for suture or closure. Easy to apply and fast-drying, it can be used with a variety of patient skin preparation treatments and surgical products such as electrocautery, sutures, staples and wound adhesives. The versatile film bonds to skin surfaces with different curvature, hair-content or amount or types of flora present. Kimberly-Clark InteguSeal Microbial Sealant has been Conformite Europeene (CE) marked for sale in the European Union (EU), cleared for sale in other countries and is currently under review for market clearance in the United States.

Secure-Fit

Market research conducted by K-C found that the distraction caused by glove slippage potentially compromises the safety of healthcare workers and patients. It has become a major concern for caregivers in the operating room. In an effort to reduce healthcareassociated infections and protect staff and patients alike, K-C Health Care developed Secure-Fit, a proprietary, slip resistant coating thermally embedded into the fabric of surgical gowns. Designed to work with market-leading surgical gloves, Secure-Fit maintains comfort, barrier, flammability-resistance and low-linting properties. Secure-Fit's distinctive deep blue coloration on surgical gown sleeves easily identifies this innovative technology. Secure-Fit is available on select Ultra Non-Reinforced and Microcool surgical gowns.

Kimberly-Clark Professional has long been an innovator in developing and manufacturing a wide assortment of quality product solutions. Utilizing customer and chooser insights and expert development capabilities, Kimberly-Clark Professional produces solutions for the workplace, do-it-yourselfers and away-from-home washrooms. Following are examples of a few of our Kimberly-Clark Professional innovations:

Electronic Touchless Coreless JRT Tissue Dispenser In a major leap forward in restroom hygiene, Kimberly-Clark Professional introduced the first electronic bath tissue dispenser. The new system automatically dispenses a pre-measured amount of toilet paper when users place their hands under the dispenser. Combining the unique benefits of advanced touchless electronics with high-capacity Scott brand coreless bathroom tissue, the ground-breaking dispenser enhances restroom hygiene and reduces consumption by 20 percent through controlled dispensing. The electronic bath tissue dispenser also is in compliance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), when properly installed. In addition to its hassle-free performance for consumers, maintenance workers can quickly determine when paper and battery levels are low by monitoring easy-to-see LED lights.

KIMTECH PURE W3 Wipers and Dispenser

Designed by Kimberly-Clark Professional to minimize contamination in cleanroom environments, KIMTECH PURE W3 wipers are composed of continuous filament double-knit polyester. These innovative pre-saturated wipers are both solvent- and abrasion-resistant and have four laser-sealed edges to minimize particle generation. The new proprietary KIMTECH PURE dispenser, developed in tandem with the KIMTECH PURE W3 wipers, was specifically created to make cleanroom wipers easier to use than ever before. Its unique one-handed dispensing system, self-closing and self-sealing lid, innovative extractor arm and durable and easy-to-fill design makes using cleanroom wipers convenient and hassle-free.

KIMTECH PREP Wipers for WETTASK System

Kimberly-Clark Professional developed the WETTASK brand refillable wet wiping system as an ideal alternative to using a spray bottle or open bucket in combination with a rag. Its closed-bucket system avoids contamination of the wipers and cleaning solution when in use and reduces exposure to chemical vapors and splashes. Based on research conducted by Kimberly-Clark Professional, the choice of wiping materials can dramatically affect the amount of disinfectant agent that actually reaches the surfaces being cleaned. In a study comparing cotton rags, cellulosebased wipers and KIMTECH PREP brand wipers in the WETTASK brand system, the KIMTECH PREP wipers were found to better maintain target disinfectant concentration even over a prolonged period of use

Kleenex Pop-Up Box Hand Towels

Developed to avoid messy stacks of paper towels, Kleenex brand pop-up box hand towels are a convenient, hygienic countertop towel solution for high-end offices, lodging or any facility that prefers convenient countertop dispensing. Touching only the towel used enhances hygiene, one-at-a-time dispensing reduces waste and water-resistant coating keeps unused towels fresh and clean. No mounted dispenser to load or maintain makes maintenance easy and the attractive box design coordinates with other Kleenex brand tissue packaging.