Kimberly-Clark Explores Hesperaloe as Sustainable Paper Fiber
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Kimberly-Clark Explores Hesperaloe as Sustainable Paper Fiber
- Kimberly-Clark announced on August 3, 2026, a new innovation program focused on utilizing hesperaloe, a succulent plant, as an alternative natural fiber in its hygiene products after over two decades of research and evaluating more than 70 fiber candidates.
- The company is establishing a pilot facility in Yuma, Arizona, and collaborating with growers and experts in the Southwest to develop a supply chain for hesperaloe, which requires less water to cultivate than many regional crops.
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Kimberly-Clark, a major manufacturer of hygiene products including Huggies, Kleenex, and Scott, has unveiled a new program to develop alternative natural fibers for its paper-based goods. This initiative, publicly announced on August 3, 2026, is the culmination of over 20 years of research by company scientists.
The company has identified hesperaloe, a succulent plant native to the arid southwestern United States and Mexico, as a promising fiber source. Hesperaloe was chosen after evaluating more than 70 different fiber candidates, based on its performance, sustainability, and cost criteria. The plant is known for its low water requirements, making it a sustainable option for cultivation in dry climates.
Kimberly-Clark is currently building a pilot facility in Yuma, Arizona, which will serve as the base for this innovation program. The company is also engaging with growers and technical experts in Arizona, California, and the broader U.S. Southwest to explore hesperaloe’s potential as a year-round agricultural crop. This collaboration aims to establish a new supply chain for the plant.
Craig Slavtcheff, Chief Research and Development Officer at Kimberly-Clark, stated that these novel natural fibers are expected to form the company’s “next great materials platform.” Internal research and development testing have shown promising early results when comparing hesperaloe fibers to traditional forest-based fibers used in current products. The company received a patent in December 2023 for tissue products made with high-yield hesperaloe pulp fibers, indicating potential for soft and durable products. This move aligns with Kimberly-Clark’s broader strategy to invest in disruptive technologies and reduce its reliance on traditional wood fiber sources.