DALLAS — Kimberly-Clark unveiled a proprietary innovation program focused on advancing alternative natural fibers as the foundation for a next-generation, high-performance, sustainable materials platform. Company researchers and scientists developed a patented technology platform by transforming fibers from a rapidly renewable succulent plant into sustainable material. …”This represents… the culmination of more than two decades of materials and plant science expertise,” said Craig Slavtcheff, Chief Research and Development Officer. …After evaluating more than 70 fiber candidates across performance, sustainability and cost criteria, Kimberly-Clark identified a promising solution in hesperaloe, a native, low-water-use plant that thrives in the arid climate of the Southwest US. …As part of this innovation program, Kimberly-Clark is building a pilot facility in Yuma. Compared with several crops currently grown in the region, hesperaloe requires less water to cultivate, offering potential benefits for growers, local communities, and regional water stewardship efforts.

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