RightCycle evolves into ReNew by Kimberly-Clark Professional

Kimberly-Clark Professional has introduced the ReNew service, the next evolution of its RightCycle programme. This brings a new chapter for the company reflecting its deepened commitment to sustainability by offering simplified and comprehensive, end to end solutions for hard to recycle hygiene products.

The new programme builds on the success of the RightCycle service and its established waste recovery and circular innovation solutions. The transformation is testament to the company’s dedication to consistently enhancing its sustainability and a renewed approach to environmental responsibility. From 1 January 2026, Kimberly-Clark will have transferred all customers to the new programme as it replaces the original service.

‘With Kimberly-Clark as your partner, you have the power to bring new life to your washroom waste and lower your environmental impact with ease and confidence,’ said Kristin Barrett, IFP growth – circularity programme manager. ‘We know how challenging waste management can be, so we have evolved existing programmes to deliver the same trusted service but now with expanded reach and a fiercer focus on circular solutions.’

From hand towels and dispensers to wipers, the ReNew programme collects used items and transforms them into new materials and goods, supporting customers’ zero waste targets, CO₂ reduction, and ESG commitments. Therefore, the programme gives customers the confidence to choose high performance washroom hygiene products knowing there is a responsible, recovery solution in place.

For example, paper towels are proven to be the most hygienic hand drying method, especially in healthcare settings.  The ReNew programme makes this choice even smarter by keeping used towels out of landfill and returning them to the circular economy as recycled paper products.

Kimberly-Clark’s Koblenz mill in Germany – which is on the path to 100% renewable energy by 2029 – handles most of the European processing. In other regions, local recycling partners are engaged for efficient, low carbon recovery. In the UK, the ReNew programme even accepts competitor products, demonstrating that this is about industry wide progress, not brand loyalty.

‘With our sustainable solutions, businesses no longer have to compromise between hygiene, sustainability, and practicality,’ added Kristin Barrett. ‘The ReNew programme is practical, scalable, and removes the burdens of waste management from our customers. The system supports better decisions from the start, with a complete, low effort recycling solution behind them.’

The programme is co-funded by Kimberly-Clark Professional and its customers. The service includes regular CO₂ and waste diversion reports, helping organisations quantify and communicate their sustainability efforts with clarity.

In a recent survey, over 95% of customers said they would recommend the service. Since its inception in 2011, the sustainable solutions programmes have grown to over 400 active customers. In 2024, the programme diverted more than 250 metric tonnes of hand towels and 90 metric tonnes of plastic from landfill.

The ReNew programme is expanding into new markets and regions across Europe, and the UK, with further growth planned for 2026 and beyond. Whether a long time participant or new to circular solutions, Kimberly-Clark Professional invites companies with waste management goals to be part of a growing community making a measurable difference.