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Linda Barlow
Kapnek Communications
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Deborah Butcher
Kimberly-Clark
678-352-6207

KIMBERLY-CLARK ENHANCES KLEENGUARD® ULTRA GARMENTS
3-Layer Construction More Uniform and Durable
Passes ASTM F1670/1671 Testing

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (September 24, 2001) — Building upon the company’s strength and expertise in nonwoven fabrics, Kimberly-Clark offers an enhanced fabric structure for KLEENGUARD® Ultra Protective Garments. The construction is a three-layer laminate, with a microporous film interior layer and outer layers made of a copolymer of polypropylene and polyethylene.

The microporous film inner layer allows heat and sweat vapor to escape, yet protects against sprays from many non-hazardous liquids and small particles. The tough outer layers protect the film barrier from tearing and abrasion. This construction results in the ultimate combination of durable comfort and protection.

The three-layer fabric construction also passes ASTM F1670/1671 testing for penetration of blood, body fluids and blood-borne pathogens.

"Kimberly-Clark is manufacturing the fabric internally," explains Dennis Riffer, general manager, Kimberly-Clark Safety Division. "This gives us complete control over the quality and performance of the garment, from design and fabric manufacture to final garment assembly."

"It also allows us to draw from our company’s internal expertise in nonwoven fabrics," Riffer adds, noting that Kimberly-Clark nonwoven fabrics set industry standards for everything from medical gowns that protect surgeons from blood and body fluids to disposable diapers that keep babies dry and comfortable.

The fabric in KLEENGUARD® Ultra garments is extremely tough and durable. The thick, outer SMS layer provides excellent protection against tearing and abrasion. In addition, because new KLEENGUARD® Ultra garments are designed with Kimberly-Clark’s patented REFLEX* coverall design, they feature a full cut and generous fit — even in key stress areas — for better mobility.

KLEENGUARD® Ultra coveralls, hooded coveralls, and hooded/booted coveralls (sizes M-4XL); labcoats (M-2XL); and universal-sized hoods and boots are available in denim blue.

For more information on KLEENGUARD® Ultra, contact Kimberly-Clark at
1-800-255-6401 or fax to 1-800-868-4473.

Kimberly-Clark is a leading global manufacturer of tissue, personal care, and health care products. The company’s global brands include HUGGIES®, PULL-UPS®, KOTEX®, DEPEND®, KLEENEX®, SCOTT®, KIMWIPES®, and WYPALL®. Brands well known outside the U.S. include ANDREX, SCOTTEX, PAGE, POPEE, and KIMBIES. Kimberly-Clark also is a major producer of premium business, correspondence and technical papers. The company has manufacturing operations in 41 countries and sells its products in more than 150 countries.

® Registered Trademarks of Kimberly-Clark Corporation or its affiliates.

For additional information on product safety and usage, contact Kimberly-Clark at 1-800-255-6401, for a product brochure. Kimberly-Clark makes no warranty with respect to the suitability of any garment or fabric for specific applications.

Note to editor: Please send reader inquiries to Beth Hohl, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, 221 Roswell Street, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30004.