Kimberly-Clark (K-C) has announced that its tissue manufacturing facility in Koblenz, Germany, is set to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2029.
This milestone positions the Koblenz site as the company’s first tissue manufacturing facility worldwide with a clear path to decarbonization.
The initiative, enabled by a Carbon Contract for Difference (CCFD) grant from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and K-C’s recent European virtual power purchase agreements, is expected to cut the facility’s carbon emissions by approximately 50,000 metric tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (MTCO₂e) annually. This reduction is comparable to the energy use of 6,700 homes over the same period.
Innovative Technology to Drive Decarbonization
The transition will involve electrifying the site’s heating requirements and sourcing electricity through a portfolio of European offsite renewable energy agreements. The CCFD grant will support the replacement of natural gas boilers and hood heaters with electric alternatives, improving energy efficiency by nearly 99% and reducing carbon emissions by 13,000 MTCO₂e annually. Additionally, the electricity demand of the Koblenz site will be met through virtual solar power purchase agreements in Italy and Spain, contributing an estimated reduction of 36,000 MTCO₂e per year.
“This milestone demonstrates how we continue to progress on our decarbonization journey through innovative cross-sector collaboration,” said Lisa Morden, Chief Sustainability Officer at Kimberly-Clark. “We are proud to execute this project, which will unlock new technologies and significantly reduce direct greenhouse emissions.”
Commitment to Sustainability and Circularity
K-C’s Koblenz facility also plays a crucial role in Kimberly-Clark Professional’s RightCycle™ Program, which recycles used hand towels collected from Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland into new tissue products. Through this program, Kimberly-Clark diverts waste from landfills, reinforcing its commitment to circularity and sustainable manufacturing.
Paul Sokol, Mill Manager at Koblenz, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “We are proud that Koblenz is setting a new standard for sustainable manufacturing at Kimberly-Clark globally. This project reflects our dedication to offering more sustainable products while supporting our customers’ sustainability goals.”
A Broader Sustainability Vision
This announcement aligns with K-C’s global objective to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% against a 2015 baseline. Other notable achievements include:
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The installation of one of the largest rooftop solar photovoltaic systems at K-C’s Salamanca facility in Spain, generating 6,500 MWh per year.
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The completion of rooftop solar systems at K-C’s Cape Town site in South Africa, producing 3,700 MWh per year.
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The opening of a £75 million onshore wind farm in Scotland, contributing 160,000 MWh annually.
Kimberly-Clark is a global leader in personal care and hygiene products, serving consumers in over 175 countries. Its portfolio includes trusted brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, and Cottonelle, which hold leading market positions in approximately 70 countries.
