Press Releases

LONDON, March 20, 2023 - Kimberly-Clark Professional™ launches its ICON™ dispenser collection in the UK in March 2023. This innovative washroom solution will bring game-changing hygiene and design, combined with a new standard of dispensing performance and human-centric experience, to deliver unmatched confidence that goes beyond simply dispensing paper towels. The ICON™ portfolio showcases three system solutions for hand towels, toilet tissue and skincare, including soap and sanitiser.

Study by GfK, a leading European market research company shows hand hygiene in public washrooms has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic began

To gain a better understanding of how people’s attitudes towards hygiene and handwashing have shifted in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Kimberly-Clark Professional commissioned a survey¹ conducted by GfK in Europe. The survey revealed perceptions of cleanliness alongside evolving hygiene habits, expectations, and standards, such as:

• 76% of people have had poor experiences with hand hygiene in public washrooms since the start of the pandemic.
• Almost half (46%) of respondents wash their hands more frequently than before the pandemic because they pay more attention to hygiene overall.
• 42% have experienced empty or improperly functioning paper towel dispensers, leading to frequent complaints.

In the wake of COVID-19, the survey results underline that now more than ever, washroom users need reassurance that their hygiene, safety, and health are a top priority once they set foot in the washroom.

Confidence by Design

While most dispensers are designed around paper, the Kimberly-Clark Professional™ ICON™ collection is designed around the servicer, facility manager, and end-user – offering style, simplicity, cutting-edge technology, and a human-centric experience.

“Backed by teams of hygiene and innovation experts, the launch of the Kimberly-Clark Professional™ ICON™ dispenser demonstrates our commitment to delivering unmatchable confidence in the washroom,” said Craig Bowman, General Manager at Kimberly-Clark Professional™ in the UK. “As higher expectations of cleanliness become a lasting benchmark, we want to be a trusted provider of game-changing solutions for hygiene and safety for our users and choosers.”

Touchless Performance for Game-Changing Hygiene

The Kimberly-Clark Professional™ ICON™ collection features a high-performing and touchless dispensing system, with a seamless design and hidden towel mode that minimises contact points for a more hygienic experience and reduces the potential risks of cross-contamination. With dual sensor technology that recognises partially torn sheets and presents a new sheet before dispenser issues occur, the Kimberly-Clark Professional™ ICON™ collection provides reliable and hygienic dispensing by ensuring paper towels are always available for end-users.

Best Performance and Efficiency

Among the many guidelines and hygiene expectations that companies have adopted recently, budget is a key issue. The Kimberly-Clark Professional™ ICON™ collection is the most significant upgrade in technological advancements in dispensing in over a decade and is fully equipped to support facilities and cleaning staff to improve maintenance efficiency with:

• Easy-to-read intuitive control panel, which means less training is required to operate the dispensers.
• Easily visible lighting and servicing cues that indicate when products need replenishment, reducing guesswork on servicing needs.
• Direct Drive Technology, which provides the benefits of efficiency, better battery life³ and less noise - the quietest electronic dispenser on the market.⁴
• The hand towel rolls have a plastic-free core plug to allow full recycling in a single waste stream.
• Minimal maintenance with 99.9% jam-free performance², and a single set of batteries that deliver up to 150,000 dispenses³.
• It is simple to access and features a smooth, controlled opening and closing experience.

Function Meets Design: Ultimate Dispensing Experience

The act of handwashing goes beyond science. More than just a simple paper towel dispenser, the Kimberly-Clark Professional™ ICON™ collection features designer faceplates that add style to hygiene.

By incorporating visually appealing interior design elements, the range of colours and faceplates are designed to complement every environment to elevate the washroom experience. Designs include warm marble, cherry blossom, and ebony woodgrain, as well as black, silver and white mosaic. In addition, customised faceplates can be implemented for branding and advertising.

“This launch combines over 150 years of hygiene innovation with modern design to create a new product that looks as great as it works and elevates any space. It also highlights Kimberly-Clark Professional’s commitment to being a global leading provider of hygiene, safety, and productivity solutions,” said Bowman.

For additional information visit Kimberly-Clark Professional™ ICON™.

^{_{1 GfK eBUS® 2022: „Hände waschen“ Survey, 1,000 people between the ages of 18 and 74. Germany.
2 Dispensing test conducted by Patmore Slades Horizons in September 2021.
3 Based on an average of 30,000 dispenses per year using historical usage and foot traffic data.
4 Against leading competition}}

About Kimberly-Clark Professional™
Kimberly-Clark Professional™ partners with businesses to create Exceptional Workplaces, helping to make them healthier, safer, and more productive. Key brands in this segment include Kleenex, Scott, WypAll, KleenGuard, and Kimtech. To see how Kimberly-Clark Professional™ is helping people around the world to work better, please visit www.kcprofessional.com.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we're committed to our purpose of Better Care for a Better World. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Neve, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, holds No. 1 or No. 2 share position in approximately 80 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com.