Kimberly-Clark Launches First-of-Its-Kind Poise Feminine Wellness Line

Brand Enters New Category With Innovative Products for Women Experiencing Menopause

TORONTO, July 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) today announced the national launch of the Poise Feminine Wellness line - a first-of-its-kind line of consumer products designed specifically with menopausal women in mind. This new product line represents the Poise brand's expansion into the feminine wellness category in Canada and the U.S., following the recent successful rollout of these products in parts of Latin America.

The Poise Feminine Wellness line includes five products designed to work naturally with a woman's body during menopause to provide comfort and help them feel feminine and confident throughout the day. The line includes:

• Roll-On Cooling Gel and Body Cooling Towelettes to help the more than 70 per cent of Canadian women who experience hot flashes feel comfortable and refreshed by providing a temporary cooling sensation.
• Personal Lubricant designed to enhance the intimate moments and help women who experience vaginal dryness.
• Panty Fresheners feature a fresh, clean scent to help menopausal women who experience odours feel more confident.
• Feminine Wash to provide daily freshness for women.

"Fifty million women across North America are approaching or experiencing menopause, but until now there has been no suite of consumer products that help them cope on a daily basis," said Rebecca Dunphey, Poise brand director at Kimberly-Clark.  "The Poise Feminine Wellness line is specifically designed to help women approach this life stage with confidence.  These products are a natural extension for the Poise brand, which millions of women already rely on for discrete protection from light bladder leakage."

"Many women are looking for non-medical options to help provide comfort from the symptoms of menopause," said Dr. Cindy Long, an OB/GYN and former OB/GYN Department Chair at North Suburban Medical Center. "It is great that Poise is demonstrating a commitment to providing options to help women go through menopause with comfort and confidence."

Poise Feminine Wellness products were initially launched in Chile in 2009 and were subsequently introduced in Colombia, and helped the Poise brand increase its net sales in the region.

"Kimberly-Clark is focused on innovation and developing strong brands for consumers," said Paula Montoya, Poise Brand Planning Manager, Kimberly-Clark Canada. "Previously there was a gap in feminine wellness products especially for use during menopause. We anticipate the Poise Feminine Wellness line will be well received by Canadian consumers who are approaching or have entered this stage of life."

The launch of the new line will be supported by an integrated marketing program, The 2nd Talk, a whole new way to talk about menopause designed to help women approach this life stage with confidence.

"Women probably remember having a 1^st talk that explained their changing bodies as they were approaching puberty," said Dunphey. "Kimberly-Clark and the Poise brand want to encourage women to have the 2^nd talk as they approach menopause, to begin and normalize the conversation about this life stage. By joining the conversation, women will gain more menopause knowledge, support and solutions."

The integrated program will include an online destination for women at www.The2ndTalk.com that shares menopause knowledge, support and solutions, as well as television, print and online advertising, media and expert partnerships, public relations and in-store support.

Poise Feminine Wellness products will be widely available in retail outlets across Canada and the U.S. beginning this month.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust K-C's 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. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 140-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

For further information or to book an interview, please contact:

Sydney Dare
Ketchum Canada
416.355.7427
[email protected]