ATLANTA, GEORGIA, February 18, 2003, (PRNewsWire)--In late 2002, Kimberly-Clark Worldwide donated proprietary technology to the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST). The technology, generally embodied in two U.S. patents, relates to a unique method for sulfonating cellulose fibers. As a result of the donation, IPST now owns the technology and related intellectual property rights.

“This gift from Kimberly-Clark will contribute to the Institute’s position of national and international leadership in the field of pulp and paper research,” said IPST’s president, Jim Ferris.

Research at IPST focuses on supporting the changing needs of the pulp, paper, and related industries. Specifically, it focuses on work that will lead to improved mill operations and more efficient and environmentally sound processes. “IPST researchers search for the best, most cost-effective technologies. This donation from Kimberly-Clark fits well with our research strategy and objective to move the industry technology base forward,” added Mr. Ferris.

K-C’s Cheryl Perkins gives patents to IPST President Jim Ferris

The donated technology covers a chemical treatment of fibers that could be implemented at pulp mills to provide cellulose materials that have a wide range of properties and applications. These range from stiffened fibers to thickeners. When fully developed, this technology could be used in the manufacture of products involving fluff pulp, paper, hydrocolloids, superabsorbents, and environmental sorbents.

According to Raj Wallajapet, a co-inventor of these technologies, “Our objective when we pursued this research was to create a novel absorbent using an environmentally friendly process that would fit well with pulp manufacturing assets. It is very satisfying to know this invention that we pioneered at Kimberly-Clark will be taken further by IPST to enable it to become an economic reality.”

Dr. Art Ragauskas, who heads the fiber modification research program at IPST, will lead the research effort to bring these technologies to commercialization. “This technology estate complements the research and development that we have conducted within the Institute. It will further accelerate the development of practical fiber modification technologies that can then be made available to manufacturers throughout the U.S. and the world.”

“We have a long-standing relationship with IPST,” commented Corrine Sukiennik director of the company’s Global Technology Transfer program located in Roswell, Georgia. “We believe that the Institute is very well equipped to further advance this technology as it has the fundamental understanding of pulp and paper technology. In addition, it has the infrastructure, personnel, and networks required for commercial transfer.”

“Kimberly-Clark Worldwide hopes to identify future areas of collaboration with IPST and other universities,” said Cheryl Perkins, senior vice president and chief technical officer of Kimberly-Clark. “We are very interested in developing strong partnerships with universities and research institutions engaged in education and research activities that align with our technologies. In the case of sulfonated pulp, it no longer fit our internal research program; however, it may be further developed and commercialized for economic advantage. We are excited to have IPST advance this technology in the future,” said Perkins.

ABOUT KIMBERLY-CLARK
Kimberly-Clark Worldwide is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Kimberly-Clark Corporation is a leading global consumer products company. Its tissue, personal care, and health care products are manufactured in 42 countries and sold in more than 150. Kimberly-Clark is home to some of the world’s most trusted and recognized brands, including Kleenex®, Scott®, Huggies®, Pull-ups®, Kotex® and Depends®.

ABOUT IPST
Founded in 1929, the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST) has established itself as the premier institute for the advanced study of pulp and papermaking processes in the United States. IPST is currently a privately funded graduate research institute whose scientific and educational purpose evolves from its unique relationship with the pulp and paper industry. IPST recently announced that it plans to integrate with the Georgia Institute of Technology in June 2003.

IPST’s multidisciplinary program emphasizes chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, biology, physics, and other natural sciences. The Institute has a student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, offering students direct access to the Institute's faculty members and researchers, many of whom are world-renowned for their commitment to innovation, education, and research. Commercialization, not publication, is the end result of research at IPST, which was recently ranked the 5th most innovative research institution in the United States by the Research Foundation of the State University of New York.