Kimberly-Clark Professional Joins DSM Dyneema's Global Licensing Program for Protective Gloves
Plan is to Expand KLEENGUARD* Brand Product Line With Gloves Featuring Ultra-strong and Soft Dyneema® Fiber
ROSWELL, Ga. (September 30, 2008) - DSM Dyneema today announced that Kimberly-Clark Professional has joined its licensing program for protective gloves made with Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber(TM).
Kimberly-Clark Professional plans to expand its KLEENGUARD* brand protective glove offerings with additional cut-resistant gloves featuring Dyneema® fiber. The licensing program sets high standards for abrasion and cut-resistant gloves. A prototype of the gloves is independently tested, and, if found compliant, the gloves may be branded "with Dyneema®." The Kimberly-Clark Professional KLEENGUARD* brand offers limited-use, comfortable "head to toe" protective gear for industrial workers.
"Industrial workers need durable, high-performing gloves that provide dexterity and comfort, while also protecting against hand injuries," said Lori Shaffer, Marketing Manager for KLEENGUARD* Industrial Gloves. "The licensing agreement with DSM Dyneema will help us create more new and innovative products that can help our customers improve worker safety and increase compliance."
Dyneema® polyethylene fiber, which provides unsurpassed strength combined with light weight, and softness, is increasingly being used in protective gloves. By incorporating Dyneema® in additional KLEENGUARD* brand gloves for industrial workers, Kimberly-Clark Professional will be able to offer its customers more new products with higher levels of both comfort and protection. Kimberly-Clark Professional currently offers KLEENGUARD* G60 Purple Nitrile* Cut Resistant Gloves with Dyneema®.
"We are very pleased to welcome Kimberly-Clark Professional as a licensing partner," said Henri Oeseburg, Business Manager at DSM Dyneema. "As well-established brands in their respective industries, KLEENGUARD* and Dyneema® will enhance each other's market position and together will help expand the safety and productivity benefits of high-performance, cut-resistant gloves to more workers. We look forward to collaborating with Kimberly-Clark Professional in the development of new KLEENGUARD* products featuring Dyneema® fiber."
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 DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber(TM). Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel. Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com and thesofterstrength.com.
DSM - the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM's products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual sales of almost EUR 8.8 billion and employs some 23,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information on DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.
Dyneema®, Dyneema Purity® and Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber(TM) are trademark(s)
(applications) owned by Royal DSM N.V.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
