Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NASDAQ: KMB) announced a proprietary innovation program focused on developing alternative natural fibers for use in its hygiene products, according to a company statement released Aug. 3, 2026.

After evaluating more than 70 fiber candidates, the company's researchers identified hesperaloe, a low-water-use succulent plant native to the arid Southwest United States, as a viable material source. The company said its scientists developed a patented technology platform to transform fibers from this plant into a material intended for use across its hygiene product portfolio.

Kimberly-Clark is building a pilot facility in Yuma, Arizona, where its innovation program is based, and is hiring local talent to support operations. The company is also working with growers, technical experts, and community stakeholders in Arizona, California, and other parts of the Southwest to assess hesperaloe's potential as a year-round agricultural source. The company noted that hesperaloe requires less water to cultivate compared with several crops currently grown in the region.

"We have developed a highly proprietary technology platform rooted in alternative fiber research and believe that these novel natural fibers will form our next great materials platform," said Craig Slavtcheff, Chief Research and Development Officer at Kimberly-Clark.

The company said the program has been in development for more than two decades and that testing is ongoing. Kimberly-Clark stated the alternative fiber could reduce its dependence on traditional forest-based fiber sources, though it noted results are based on internal testing and that forward-looking outcomes are not guaranteed.

Kimberly-Clark's brand portfolio includes Huggies, Kleenex, Kotex, Cottonelle, and Depend, among others, with products sold in more than 175 countries.