We made good progress in our efforts to increase our use of renewable, biodegradable and recycled polymers.

In 2008, we converted 66 percent of total polymer waste back into K-C product, compared with 59 percent in 2007, and sold the rest for recycling or energy recovery. This increase was caused by more efficient polymer reuse as well as the ability to reuse elastic laminate materials in our products. We aim to reuse 72 percent of our polymer waste in 2009.

Flushing is a more convenient and hygienic way of disposing of used personal care products, especially those that contain bodily fluids, germs and odors. However, when people flush personal care products that are not designed for this, it can create problems for municipal and septic wastewater treatment as the synthetic fibers they contain do not break down.

Until 2008, there were no industry guidelines for flushable nonwoven fabrics. This year, industry associations including the International Nonwovens and Disposables Association (INDA) and the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA) published Flushability Guidelines for nonwoven products. K-C was involved in the development of these guidelines.

We have applied the principles of the guidelines to develop a flushable moist wipe made from 85 percent natural fibers, compared with 50 percent or less in competing products. This means our moist wipes break up as easily as dry bath tissue and can be flushed without causing problems during wastewater treatment, whereas some other products may clog up wastewater systems if flushed.