Kimberly-Clark Launches New Technology to Revolutionize Restroom Management

Rhea-AI Summary

Kimberly-Clark Professional has unveiled Onvation® with SmartFit™ technology, a new smart restroom management innovation. The system features small, internet-enabled sensors that fit inside paper towel and bath tissue dispensers to provide real-time monitoring data.

The technology helps facility managers optimize janitorial staffing and reduce waste through predictive data-based insights. Key features include:

• Time of Flight Technology for real-time product level measurement
• Two-year battery life
• Compatibility with ICON®, SCOTT PRO® dispensers and select universal dispensers
• Mobile app integration for staff coordination

The launch responds to market demand, with 79% of decision-makers already investing or planning to invest in facility management technology optimization. The system builds upon Kimberly-Clark's existing Onvation platform, which previously featured SCOTT® towel and bath tissue and PURELL® hand soap products.

Positive

• Expansion of smart technology product line to wider range of dispensers
• Addresses growing market demand (79% of decision-makers investing in facility tech)
• Potential for increased operational efficiency and waste reduction for customers

Negative

• to restroom management applications
• Requires ongoing battery replacement every 2 years

Onvation® with SmartFit™ technology, offers commercial restroom facility managers an easy approach to enhance efficiency, reduce waste and improve the guest experience, now with more flexibility than ever.

ROSWELL, Ga., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Professional introduced a customer-centric innovation called Onvation® SmartFit™ technology consisting of a small, internet-enabled sensor that fits inside paper towel and bath tissue dispensers to provide real-time data that helps commercial facility managers schedule janitorial staff more efficiently and reduce waste.

"Restrooms are one of the most scrutinized areas of any facility," said Susan Gambardella, President, Kimberly-Clark Professional. "With Onvation SmartFit, we offer customers a valuable service bundle to enhance efficiency, prevent complaints, reduce waste and improve the guest experience."

Onvation was already known in the industry as a smart restroom management system featuring SCOTT^® towel and bath tissue and PURELL^® hand soap. Now, the compact SmartFit™ technology expands that capability to include a wider range of dispenser types including Kimberly-Clark Professional's ICON®, SCOTT PRO® dispenser collections and select universal dispensers.

The easily installed sensor tracks paper product levels and restroom traffic, providing predictive data-based insights that eliminate guesswork from restroom servicing. Sensors use Time of Flight Technology to measure product levels in real time, are flexible to be used in many dispensers, and have a two-year battery life. With advanced analytics and an intuitive interface, Onvation works with a mobile app to let the facility's staff know where they are needed most to ensure every restroom remains clean, stocked and running smoothly.

"Everything about this sensor was intentionally designed to better meet facility manager's needs," said Iris Schumacher, Director Restroom R&D, Kimberly-Clark Professional. "The thin sensor surface, rounded profile to minimize interference upon installation, and ergonomically designed features ensure precise and accurate placement to deliver an enhanced smart room management experience."

According to a recent study, 79% of decision-makers are already investing or planning to invest in technology to optimize facility management.¹ Onvation capitalizes on Kimberly-Clark Professional's rich history as an industry leader that transforms such insights and technologies into products that improve lives.

For more, visit Onvation™ Smart Restroom Solution | Kimberly-Clark Professional.

¹ Memoori 2023 https://memoori.com/3-25-bn-connected-devices-commercial-buildings-2028/

About Kimberly-Clark Professional 
Kimberly-Clark Professional partners with businesses to create exceptional workplaces. From innovative restroom solutions to sustainable products, we help businesses achieve their goals while enhancing the well-being of their employees and guests. Key brands in this segment include Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott and WypAll. To see how Kimberly-Clark Professional is helping people around the world to work better, please visit https://www.kcprofessional.com/en-us/.  

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere for the sixth year in a row and one of Fortune's Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's more than 150-year history of innovation, visit the Kimberly-Clark website.

About GOJO Industries
GOJO, the inventors of PURELL® Hand Sanitizer, is the leading global producer and marketer of skin health and hygiene solutions for away-from-home settings. The broad GOJO product portfolio includes hand cleaning, handwashing, hand sanitizing, skin care formulas and surface sprays under the GOJO®, PURELL® and PROVON® brand names. GOJO formulations use the latest advances in the science of skin care and sustainability. GOJO is known for state-of-the-art dispensing technology, engineered with attention to design, sustainability and functionality. GOJO programs promote healthy behaviors for hygiene, skin care and compliance in critical environments. GOJO is a family enterprise headquartered in Akron, Ohio, with operations around the world.

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SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Professional

FAQ

What is Kimberly-Clark's (KMB) new Onvation SmartFit technology?

It's an IoT-enabled sensor system that fits inside paper towel and tissue dispensers to provide real-time monitoring data for efficient restroom management.

How long does the battery last in KMB's SmartFit sensors?

The sensors have a two-year battery life.

Which dispensers are compatible with KMB's new SmartFit technology?

The technology works with ICON®, SCOTT PRO® dispenser collections and select universal dispensers.

What market demand is KMB addressing with Onvation SmartFit?

79% of facility management decision-makers are investing or planning to invest in optimization technology.