1924

Kleenex® facial tissues were introduced in the USA, initially as a cold cream remover. However, after much market research, it became apparent that consumers were using them as disposable handkerchiefs.

1925

Kleenex® facial tissues were launched in the UK and at that time they were imported from Canada and the USA.

1952

As a result of imports ceasing during the Second World War, Kimberly-Clark came to an agreement with the Reed Paper Group, to allow them to manufacture facial tissues in their mill in Larkfield, Kent, UK.

1956

Kimberly-Clark launched Kleenex® For Men tissues, with the claim that they "stay strong when wet." Kleenex® For Men tissues have been the number-one facial tissue brand in the UK for the past 50 years and are still going strong!

1978

Facial tissues moved into a new dimension with the launch of the first 3-ply mansize tissue — Kleenex® Super 3 Tissues.

1983

The next new invention to be introduced to the Kleenex® facial tissue range was Kleenex® travel tissues, packaged in a flexible polythene wrapper, designed to be used out of home.

1994

This was a very exciting year for Kimberly-Clark with the UK launch of the first "dry to the touch" lotion-treated tissue. Kleenex® Ultra tissues were launched in three boxed formats — mansize, regular and cube. This product was so popular that at launch over 20% of Ultra buyers were new to the facial tissue category.

1996

Kleenex® Ultra was re-branded as Kleenex® Ultra Soft. Innovation continued and a new product was introduced into the facial tissue market — Kleenex® UltraBalm. These were the first tissues to contain a microfine layer of calendula, a protective balm which helps prevent your nose from becoming red and sore. These have become a "must have" when suffering from a cold or flu.

1998

Kleenex® UltraBalm tissues were re-branded as Kleenex® Balsam tissues and a new pocket pack format was introduced.

2000

This year saw the launch of Kleenex® tissues mini pocket packs — full-size tissues in a handy mini pocket pack.

2001

Kleenex® Travelers tissues launched — designed especially for the car with a slim pack design and side opening, they are ideal for keeping in the door or glove compartment.

2002

The exciting new product launch for this year was Kleenex® Cosmetic tissues. The beautiful shimmery box was designed for the dressing table or bathroom, and the pure white un-fragranced tissues are perfect for removing make-up.

2003

The packaging for the Kleenex® Balsam range got a new look. The bright green, blue and yellow colours were enhanced and the nose profile was repositioned to the right-hand side of the design, making it even more distinctive.

The newest addition to the Kleenex® range was the soft and refreshing moist wipe product. Perfect for the hands and face, Kleenex® Wipes are great for use out and about, leaving you clean, confident and refreshed.

2005

The Kleenex® brand launched a major innovation — Kleenex® Anti-Viral tissues. The first tissue of its kind, it has a clever treated middle layer that kills 99.9% of cold & flu viruses in the tissue* before they spread.

2006

The Kleenex® brand and ©Disney/Pixar teamed up to launch cool Cars tissues in boxes and pocket packs featuring characters from the hit movie

* In the tissue within 15 minutes. Virucidal against: Rhinoviruses Type 1A and 2 (rhinoviruses are the leading cause of the common cold); Influenza A and Influenza B (causes of the flu); Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV, the leading cause of lower respiratory infection in children).