When Was Kleenex Invented? A Historical Look at the Evolution of Tissue

Introduction

Kleenex is a household name that has been around for decades. But what many people don’t know is the fascinating story behind the invention of Kleenex. What began as a facial tissue brand has since become an iconic product and a staple in households across the world.

At its most basic definition, Kleenex is a type of facial tissue. It is a thin, absorbent paper that is used to wipe away tears, clean up spills, and blow noses. Despite its simple design, Kleenex has revolutionized the way we wipe our faces. But when was Kleenex invented? Let’s take a look at the history of this iconic product.

A Historical Look at the Invention of Kleenex

The fascinating story behind the creation of Kleenex began in 1914. That year, the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, which was founded in 1872, developed a new product called “Cellucotton”. This product was created as a medical dressing for wounds, but it was quickly discovered that it could also be used as a facial tissue.

In 1924, the company decided to market the product as a disposable facial tissue and officially named it “Kleenex”. The name was derived from the words “clean” and “tissues”, and it quickly became a household name. By 1930, Kleenex had become so popular that it was being used in over 200 million homes around the world.

Today, Kleenex is still one of the most recognizable brands in the world. According to a survey conducted by the American Cleaning Institute, Kleenex is the most popular facial tissue brand in the United States. In fact, it has been estimated that more than 10 billion Kleenex are sold each year.

Exploring the Evolution of the Tissue: From Handkerchiefs to Kleenex

Kleenex has come a long way since its invention in 1924. Before Kleenex, people used handkerchiefs to wipe their noses and eyes. While handkerchiefs were effective, they were not as convenient or hygienic as Kleenex. With Kleenex, people no longer had to carry around a soggy handkerchief in their pockets.

Since its inception, Kleenex has undergone several changes. In 1929, the company introduced a new version of Kleenex that was softer and more absorbent than the original. In 1937, the company released a product called “Kleenex with Lotion”, which was designed to add extra moisturizing properties to the tissue. Throughout the years, Kleenex continued to innovate, introducing products such as “Kleenex Cool Touch”, which was designed to cool and soothe the skin.

In recent years, Kleenex has also focused on sustainability. In 2020, the company released a line of recycled Kleenex, which is made from at least 50% post-consumer waste. The company has also committed to using sustainable packaging materials and reducing its carbon footprint.

Conclusion

Kleenex has come a long way since its invention in 1924. What began as a medical dressing for wounds has since become an iconic product and a staple in households around the world. Over the years, Kleenex has evolved to meet the needs of consumers, introducing products such as “Kleenex with Lotion” and “Kleenex Cool Touch”. Today, the company is focusing on sustainability, using recycled materials and reducing its carbon footprint.

The invention of Kleenex has revolutionized the way we wipe our faces. It has provided us with a convenient and hygienic alternative to handkerchiefs. For this reason, Kleenex will likely remain a household name for many years to come.