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Huggies® and Bright Horizons® Pilot New Program to Divert Waste from Landfills and Convert Waste-to-Energy in Local Boston Communities

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Kimberly-Clark's Huggies Brand partners with Bright Horizons for a pilot program to convert used diapers into energy sources, aiming to reduce environmental impact.
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The initiative by Kimberly-Clark to convert used diapers and wipes into energy forms such as electricity and heat is a significant step toward environmental sustainability. This process, known as Waste-to-Energy (WtE), involves the thermal treatment of waste materials to generate energy. By diverting thousands of pounds of trash from landfills, the pilot program not only reduces methane emissions—a potent greenhouse gas—but also provides a new stream of renewable energy.

From an environmental perspective, the key benefits include the reduction of landfill space usage and the conservation of natural resources by offseting the need for conventional energy sources. However, it is crucial to assess the efficiency of the WtE conversion process and its potential emissions to ensure that the environmental benefits outweigh the impacts of the technology itself.

For stakeholders, the short-term implications involve monitoring the pilot's success in terms of both waste reduction and energy generation. In the long-term, if successful, this could pave the way for broader adoption across the industry, leading to significant environmental benefits and potential cost savings for both Kimberly-Clark and participating child care centers.

From a market perspective, Kimberly-Clark's pilot program represents a proactive approach to corporate social responsibility, which could positively influence consumer perception and brand loyalty, especially among environmentally conscious consumers. The diaper market is highly competitive and differentiation through sustainability initiatives can be a key factor in consumer decision-making.

Investors and analysts will be observing the program's scalability and its impact on Kimberly-Clark's operational costs. If the Waste-to-Energy conversion proves cost-effective, it may lead to operational efficiencies and potentially open up new revenue streams, such as selling excess energy. This could have a positive effect on the company's financial performance and stock valuation in the long run.

It is also worth noting that such innovative waste management solutions could influence regulatory policies and incentives, potentially benefiting companies that are early adopters of environmentally friendly practices.

Turning waste into energy is a concept that aligns with the broader trends in the energy sector towards sustainability and renewable energy sources. The process of Waste-to-Energy can be complex and capital intensive, but it also offers a dual benefit: reducing waste and creating energy. The pilot's success could signal a viable path for other companies in the consumer goods sector to manage waste more effectively and contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

For the energy market, the integration of such WtE projects could diversify the energy mix and provide grid stability through distributed generation. However, the actual impact on the energy market would depend on the scale of adoption and the efficiency of the technology used.

Energy sector stakeholders should consider the potential for partnerships with consumer goods companies and waste management firms, as well as the implications for energy policy and infrastructure development.

The pilot aims to offset the environmental impact by turning it into electricity, heat, or fuel

BOSTON, March 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark's U.S. Huggies® Brand and select Bright Horizons™ child care centers throughout Boston are teaming up on a new pilot program that aims to offset the environmental impact of used diapers and wipes going to landfill by turning it into electricity, heat or fuel through a process known as Waste-to-Energy. Based on preliminary estimates, over the next year, the pilot program is expected to result in thousands of pounds of trash being diverted from local landfills.

"Huggies is passionate about providing innovative solutions to better serve consumers and communities," said Matt Barresi, North American Vice President of the Huggies Brand.  "Whether it's having the original Leak Lock® blowout blocker since 1997, a 20% thicker baby wipe* or a solution to help keep diapers and wipes out of landfills, we're proud to partner on this breakthrough program to help create a more sustainable environment."

Waste-to-Energy technology, a process managed by our partners at Covanta, offsets the use of fossil fuels and reduces carbon emissions and methane generation from landfills at many facilities around North America, including the local Boston area. Waste-to-Energy takes non-hazardous waste – otherwise destined for landfill – and combusts it, generating steam for electricity production. The resulting ash is also processed to recover metal for recycling while all gases are collected, filtered, and cleaned to minimize environmental impact.

"Diaper waste in landfills has been an ongoing concern for our local families, and we're thrilled to partner with Huggies to help make a positive environmental impact in the Boston community," said Sondra Ahearn, Regional Manager for Bright Horizons. "We remain dedicated to supporting our families and the communities in which they live, and this is the next step in that mission."

The pilot will run at select Boston-area Bright Horizons centers. Pending outcomes, Huggies and Bright Horizons will look to potentially expand the pilot in other major metro cities. To learn more about Bright Horizons and Huggies, please visit BrightHorizons.com or Huggies.com, or follow along on social media. To learn more about the Waste-to-Energy process, please visit Covanta.com.

About Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc.
Bright Horizons® is a leading global provider of high-quality early education and child care, back-up care, and workforce education services. For more than 35 years, we have partnered with employers to support workforces by providing services that help working families and employees thrive personally and professionally. Bright Horizons operates approximately 1,050 early education and child care centers in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia and India, and serves more than 1,450 of the world's leading employers. Bright Horizons' early education and child care centers, back-up child and elder care, and workforce education programs help employees succeed at each life and career stage. For more information, go to www.brighthorizons.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 create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them.  Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions 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. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies(R) by Ethisphere for the fifth year in a row. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's 150-year history of innovation, visit kimberly-clark.com.

*vs Huggies® Simply Clean®

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SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation

FAQ

What is the purpose of the pilot program involving Kimberly-Clark's Huggies Brand and Bright Horizons?

The pilot program aims to offset the environmental impact of used diapers and wipes by converting them into electricity, heat, or fuel through Waste-to-Energy process.

What are the expected outcomes of the pilot program?

The program is expected to divert thousands of pounds of trash from local landfills over the next year.

Which companies are collaborating in this pilot program?

Kimberly-Clark's Huggies Brand and select Bright Horizons child care centers in Boston are partnering for this initiative.

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