MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on a proposed Green Tier contract with Kimberly-Clark Marinette Mill. Specifically, this proposal covers activities at the facility located on Riverside Avenue in Marinette. Kimberly-Clark has been a Tier 1 Green Tier participant since 2021; this contract transitions them to Tier 2. The DNR will welcome comments through Feb. 15, 2026.
Employing 230 highly skilled workers, Kimberly-Clark produces Scott® Shop Towels, Scott® Rags-in-a-Box, Wypall® wiping products and Viva® paper towels. Kimberly-Clark has a robust sustainability program that drives its efforts to continually improve its environmental performance. Currently, they divert 100% of their manufacturing waste from landfills, utilize 100% virgin pulp obtained from environmentally responsible sources and reduce their Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions to support Kimberly-Clark’s corporate goal of a 50% reduction by 2030 over 2015 emissions. Along with continuing these past efforts, Kimberly-Clark aims to reduce freshwater consumption levels below the 2015 baseline usage, assess the potential for future solar energy installations on-site and increase the use of post-consumer recycled content in plastic packaging.
The DNR’s Green Tier program provides Tier 2 participants with credible recognition for doing more than regulations require and achieving improved environmental outcomes in their continual improvement strategy. Tier 2 participants negotiate customized contracts with the DNR that enable significant environmental improvements by providing incentives and support for integrating an environmental management system (EMS) into their operations. Kimberly-Clark operates an Environmental, Health and Safety Management System that meets the requirements of a Green Tier Functionally Equivalent EMS. This contract will allow Kimberly-Clark to continue to operate under the Green Tier Registration Permit, ROP-G, for its air emissions.
“Green Tier participation complements our many initiatives helping advance sustainability efforts,” said Mike Rettler, Marinette Kimberly-Clark facility manager.
The DNR will hold a virtual public information meeting concerning the proposed contract for Kimberly-Clark Marinette Mill at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. The public can join this meeting via Microsoft Teams or by phone at 608-571-2209, phone conference ID: 376 713 035#.
The DNR will accept written comments until Feb. 15, 2026. Comments and requests should be directed to Jenni Birkholz at JenniferA.Birkholz@wisconsin.gov or 608-266-8226.
