Kimberly-Clark Professional™ Launches Thrive™ Program to Help Businesses Reduce Waste and Divert Dispensers from Landfills
Kimberly-Clark Professional™, a global leader in workplace hygiene and facility solutions, has announced the launch of its new Thrive™ sustainability service, a program designed to make it easier for organizations to reduce waste, improve reporting on environmental progress, and achieve measurable impact on their sustainability goals. At the core of this initiative is a first-of-its-kind dispenser recycling and replacement service in North America, which not only helps companies modernize their restroom facilities but also diverts qualifying used dispensers from ending up in landfills.
The company recognized that one of the biggest obstacles businesses face in upgrading equipment is the concern about how to dispose of old dispensers responsibly. Traditional disposal methods often lead to large amounts of plastic waste being sent to landfills. With the launch of Thrive™, Kimberly-Clark Professional aims to remove this barrier by offering a streamlined service that manages collection, shipment, and recycling in an environmentally conscious way.
A Simple and Effective Process
Through the Thrive™ Dispenser Service, Kimberly-Clark Professional team members work directly with customers to collect qualifying used plastic dispensers from their facilities. Once gathered, these units are carefully prepared for shipment and sent to one of the company’s trusted sustainability partners for processing. This eliminates the need for customers to arrange complicated waste-handling logistics on their own.
One of the most unique aspects of this program is that customers do not need to remove leftover materials before sending their dispensers for recycling. Dry, unused paper towels or tissues can be left inside the units. Once at the facility, the dispensers and any remaining contents are sorted, shredded, and repurposed into an alternative fuel source. This fuel acts as a substitute for traditional fossil fuels and is used in energy-intensive industries such as cement and building materials manufacturing. By turning old dispensers into usable energy, Kimberly-Clark Professional provides a circular solution that goes beyond simple waste disposal.
This innovative approach allows organizations to contribute meaningfully to landfill diversion and broader environmental goals without interrupting their day-to-day operations.
Meeting Customer Demand for Measurable Sustainability
“Our customers are looking for practical, measurable ways to meet their sustainability goals,” explained Susan Gambardella, President of Kimberly-Clark Professional. “Thrive offers a solution that’s easy to implement and makes a tangible, positive impact toward waste reduction. By combining convenience with accountability, we’re helping organizations take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable future.”
The demand for corporate sustainability programs continues to grow across industries. Companies are under increasing pressure from employees, customers, and regulators to demonstrate measurable progress in reducing environmental impact. Thrive™ addresses this by providing both the infrastructure and reporting tools needed to track results.
Who Can Participate
The Thrive™ service is currently available to commercial customers in the U.S. and Canada. To participate, facilities must be replacing 100 or more eligible dispensers at a time. Once enrolled, Kimberly-Clark Professional coordinates the installation of new dispensers from trusted brands such as Scott®, Kleenex®, and ICON™, ensuring that customers not only benefit from responsible disposal but also upgrade to modern, efficient restroom solutions.
Traceable Results and Recognition
A major advantage of the Thrive™ program is its fully traceable service model. Businesses receive detailed tracking that quantifies how much waste has been diverted from landfills through their participation. This data can be integrated into sustainability reports, helping companies showcase progress to internal and external stakeholders.
To further highlight achievements, participating organizations also receive an Environmental Impact Achievement Certificate, which they can display to employees, visitors, and customers. This recognition not only validates sustainability efforts but also strengthens a company’s brand reputation as an environmentally responsible organization.
Supporting Broader Environmental Goals
The launch of Thrive™ aligns with Kimberly-Clark Professional’s larger commitment to reducing environmental impact across its operations and customer base. By addressing one of the most overlooked waste streams—commercial dispensers—the company is encouraging businesses to take small but impactful steps that collectively add up to significant change.
According to the program guidelines, all qualifying products must be non-hazardous as defined by federal, state, and local regulations in order to be eligible for landfill diversion. This ensures that safety and compliance remain at the forefront of the initiative while maximizing the potential for sustainable outcomes.
