DNR Seeking Public Comment on a Proposed Green Tier Contract With Kimberly-Clark Marinette Mill

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.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.