Kimberly-Clark tests Hesperaloe plant as wood fibre alternative

Kimberly-Clark is investigating the use of Hesperaloe, a long-leafed succulent, as a sustainable alternative to wood fibre for producing paper products such as toilet paper, facial tissues, and paper towels.

The company has spent approximately $250 million over the last 20 years evaluating roughly 70 different materials, including bamboo and wheat straw. Hesperaloe was identified at a former experimental agricultural facility in Arizona and has shown promise due to its ability to thrive in arid environments with significantly lower water requirements than conventional crops.

Craig Slavtcheff, Kimberly-Clark’s director of research and development, noted that while initial results are promising, commercial-scale testing is still ongoing. If successfully adopted, the plant could reduce industry dependence on timber, ease pressure on forest ecosystems, and support the rehabilitation of degraded lands.