Aseptic Cleanroom Suit minimizes risk of contamination.

Press Release Summary:



Kimtech Pure A5 Cleanroom Apparel features Clean-Don Technology, which facilitates process of putting on coveralls, without compromising their sterility, via features such as built-in snaps, inside-out fold pattern, grasp indicator line, and thumb loops. Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond (SMS) material provides cloth-like feel and is designed for breathability, while elastic waist and back reduce loose-fitting material that could contact work surfaces.



Original Press Release:



Novel Approach to Aseptic Gowning from Kimberly-Clark Professional Helps Cleanroom Operators Reduce Risk of Contamination



New Kimtech Pure A5 Cleanroom Apparel with Clean-Don Technology Designed for the Cleanroom, Approved by Workers in the Cleanroom

ROSWELL, Ga. (November 21, 2008) - Kimberly-Clark Professional has made a step change in the process of aseptic gowning for cleanroom professionals with an innovative aseptic cleanroom suit designed by cleanroom operators themselves.

The new Kimtech Pure A5 Cleanroom Apparel features Clean-Don Technology - ground-breaking garment design features that make it easier to put on the coveralls without compromising their sterility. The garments are ideal for use in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device manufacturing industries and other cleanroom settings where sterility is just as important as particle control.

"To develop this new approach to contamination prevention, we went straight to the source: cleanroom operators," said Randy Kates, general manager, Kimberly-Clark Professional Safety. "They told us about the difficulty they faced in putting on cleanroom coveralls, coverall waste due to contamination during the gowning process, and the overheating and poor garment fit associated with traditional aseptic cleanroom garments."

Clean-Don Technology Features

Clean-Don Technology tackles the issues associated with aseptic gowning through the following features:

A patent-pending snap technology that features built-in snaps which gather up legs and arms to lower the risk of the garment touching the floor, then automatically release as the garment is put on.

An innovative inside-out fold pattern that presents the inside of the garment as the package is opened, reducing the risk of touching and contaminating the outside of the apparel.

A highly visible blue line along the inside of the garment that signals the proper place to grasp while gowning, helping workers avoid touching the exterior of the garment.

Thumb loops that help keep the garment from riding up the arm and help to maintain the glove/garment interface.

"The great thing about Clean-Don Technology is that cleanroom operators don't have to make changes to their gowning procedure," says Damon Larkin, category manager, Kimberly-Clark Professional. "In fact, more than 90 percent of cleanroom operators we surveyed thought that the Clean-Don Technology approach would actually make gowning procedure training easier."

To see the Clean-Don Technology approach to sterile cleanroom gowning in action, visit www.kimtech.com/wedelivered.

Built-In Garment Comfort

In addition to its sterility advantages, Kimtech Pure A5 Cleanroom Apparel is also comfortable. The apparel's SMS (Spunbond Meltblown Spunbond) material provides a cloth-like feel and is 25 times more breathable than TYVEK.

The garments also feature Kimberly-Clark Professional's patented Reflex coverall design. This roomy design is less likely to rip out than ANSI minimums since it provides 12 percent more chest room and six percent longer body length. At the same time, the garments' elastic waist and back reduce loose-fitting material that could contact work surfaces or billow out, forcing air to exit the garment at its extremities.

"These comfort advantages may lead to greater satisfaction among wearers as well as better productivity, since workers are more comfortable," notes Larkin.

A range of sizes, from Small to 4XL, are available to match various body shapes and sizes. A hood and boot covers are also available.

Clean Packaging

Kimtech Pure A5 Cleanroom Apparel is manufactured in an ISO-certified facility, clean-processed, then individually packaged under cleanroom conditions. Lot consistency is ensured from raw materials through processing.

The company uses a unique process to package the new garments for sterility assurance. The technology uses a vacuum seal process to allow the breathable SMS fabric to be sterilized with Gamma irradiation. The unique look and irradiation indicators on each package help to confirm irradiation and sterility.

"The cleanroom operators for whom we've previewed this product said that the new coverall would provide better compliance in maintaining sterility," says Larkin.

The company provides users with detailed technical data for the new garments, including Certificate of Irradiation and Conformance, which will contain irradiation method and Sterility Assurance Level (SAL).

The new apparel is just one of a full range of gloves, masks, apparel and wipers from Kimberly-Clark Professional designed to meet cleanroom operators' needs for head-to-toe process protection, improved productivity, operational efficiency and user comfort.

For more information on the new Kimtech Pure A5 Cleanroom Apparel and the entire Kimtech brand line of apparel, masks, gloves, and wipers for critical and controlled environments, visit www.kimtech.com or email to kimtech@kcc.com.

About Kimberly-Clark Professional

Kimberly-Clark Professional is an indispensable business partner, delivering leading-edge health, hygiene and productivity solutions that provide tangible value every day, everywhere. Known for innovative, quality solutions for away-from-home washrooms, "clean" and "industrial" manufacturing environments, and DIY settings, the global brands of Kimberly-Clark Professional include Kleenex, Scott, Kimcare, WypAll, KleenGuard, and Kimtech. Kimberly-Clark Professional, located in Roswell, Ga., is one of Kimberly-Clark Corporation's four business segments and can be visited on the web at www.kcprofessional.com.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. Every day, 1.3 billion people - almost a quarter of the world's population - trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in more than 80 countries.

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