SCA is launching TENA incontinence products into two of the world’s largest countries, China and Russia. The Russian market for these products is promising, it says, as 39% of Russian women aged 35 and above face bladder weakness compared to 25% in Europe. Retail sales for 2008 show market growth for incontinence care growing faster feminine hygiene products or baby diapers, says SCA. China, the country with the world’s biggest population of old people, has a fast-growing economy and large unmet consumer needs.

FINE, the market leader in the Middle East’s hygienic paper industry expects to boost sales in the Gulf and East African regions by 25% this year. In 2008 it posted 20% growth based on strong sales of facial tissues and toilet rolls. This year Finee diapers and new export markets in 2008 should boost growth and profitability despite the economic downturn.

Massimo Franzaroli (left), president of the Fondazione Giuseppe Lazzareschi’s new Club Tecnologia & Passione, with Angelo del Carlo, general manager of Sofidel, the tissue company started by Giuseppe Lazzareschi, at the club’s launch in Lucca in June. The club exists to recognize the efforts of those who have had the courage to change and whose striving for technological excellence goes far beyond the call of duty.

Pampers, the Procter & Gamble brand, was the highest new entrant in this year’s BrandZ Top 100, according to an article in the Financial Times of 30 April. With a brand value of just under $19 bilion, it was placed in 31st place, one ahead of Nintendo, which also made its debut this year

Kimberly-Clark has announced that it ranks 14th overall in Reputation Institute's Reputation Pulse 2009 study of the most reputable companies in the US. The company, which appears on the list for the first time in 2009, ranked among the top 10 US companies in the area of citizenship.

A technician prepares a tissue sample treated with silicone softener in the Wacker Chemicals’ new Shanghai technical centre. The facility now houses over 10 labs for Wacker’s silicone and polymer activities, serving a wide range of industries from construction, coatings and adhesives to electronics, textile, cosmetics and home care. The €1 million investment is intended to boost the company’s local research & development competency and ensure optimum customer support on the Chinese market.

Greenpeace has announced the release of an iPhone application for its “Recycled tissue and toilet paper guide.” The tool, created by 3rd Whale, gives consumers a quick and easy way to choose what Greenpeace considers the greenest toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, and paper napkins sold at the supermarket The application is now available for download for the iPhone and Google Android at www.greenpeace.org/tissueguide.

Barry-Wehmiller International Resources (BWIR) has announced the signing of a letter of understanding with think3 of Milan, Italy, to transition and integrate think3’s Engineering Services Division with BWIR’s operations in Chennai, India. Think3 has been a leading provider of engineering products and services for more than 30 years. The agreement will allow current and future think3 customers to leverage BWIR’s broad service offerings, offshore model and global footprint to enhance their competitive market positions.

Jérôme Grassin has been named president of France’s Centre Technique du Paper. He has long experience in the paper industry, including stints with Condat, Papeterie de la Seine and Stora Enso Corbehem, as well as with CTP. Rémy Ruppel, vice president at Georgia-Pacific Kunheim, has been named CTP vice president.

Research conducted by microbiologist Dr Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona shows the average toilet paper dispenser has 150 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat. Paper towel dispensers have over 50 times more bacteria. To deal with the problem, Kimberly-Clark Professional has introduced a range of dispensers with Microban antimicrobial protection. They offer built-in antimicrobial protection against common bacteria, such as yeasts, moulds and fungi that can cause stains, odours and product deterioration. Unlike surface treatments, Microban antimicrobial product protection is added during the manufacturing process and is an integral part of the dispenser that will not wash off or wear away.