Cascades Antibacterial Paper Towel Gains Multiple Product Recognitions

The first-of-its-kind paper towel recently gained a “4-Star” Environmental Leader Technology Review score and is a finalist for the prestigious 2013 Edison Awards

WATERFORD, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Cascades Tissue Group announced its Cascades Antibacterial paper towel secured a “4-Star” Environmental Leader Technology Review Score and has been named a 2013 Edison Awards Finalist in the Consumer Packaged Goods: Cleaning Solutions category. Both mark prestigious recognition for the novel paper towel that was launched in October 2012 on the U.S. away-from-home market.

“genius! What a great way to get people to clean their hands and get double protection against cold and flu germs. It’s like getting a flu shot booster several times a day. It’s made of recycled paper also, so it’s a sustainable product and creates demand for recycled fiber.”

The Cascades Antibacterial Paper Towel provides a simple and effective way to further reduce bacterial contamination and transmission. Unlike ordinary paper towels, it almost instantly kills over 99.99 percent of harmful bacteria. By integrating a safe active ingredient into a dry format, the distinctly green-colored paper towel compensates for people’s imperfect hygiene habits without changing how they wash or dry their hands.

“We are honored the Cascades Antibacterial paper towel is gaining such tremendous recognition among so many other great products and services,” said Suzanne Blanchet, CEO of Cascades Tissue Group and product champion. “While our Antibacterial paper towel breaks new ground in terms of innovation, we’re also very excited about the positive social impact it can have on human health. Without even changing habits, everyone can now help control the spread of bacteria!”

About the Environmental Leader Technology Review program
The Environmental Leader Technology Reviews is a program that recognizes excellence in products and services that provide companies with energy and environmental benefits. Only products earning a score of 3.5 or better are included in the publication’s report, and by earning “4 Stars”, the Cascades Antibacterial paper hand towel effectively placed within the top 20 products recognized for excellence, technical features and performance that provide clear and substantial benefits. Scores were determined by a panel of independent judges from companies including PepsiCo, Staples, the University of California Berkeley, ISS Facilities Services, The Green Grid, LNS Research, Owens Corning, Yahoo! Inc., GlaxoSmithKline, Legrand, Petco, and New Belgium Brewing Company.

The review included anonymous feedback from the judges. Among the insights, one judge noted, “genius! What a great way to get people to clean their hands and get double protection against cold and flu germs. It’s like getting a flu shot booster several times a day. It’s made of recycled paper also, so it’s a sustainable product and creates demand for recycled fiber.”

About The Edison Awards
Since its beginning in 1987, the Edison Awards™ have recognized and honored some of the most innovative new products, services and business leaders in America. The ballot of nominees for the Edison Awards is judged by more than 3,000 senior business executives and academics from across the nation. Votes acknowledge the Finalists’ success in meeting the award criteria of concept, value, delivery and impact.

The Cascades Antibacterial paper hand towel is one of four Finalists in the Cleaning Solutions section of the Consumer Packaged Goods category. Award winners will be announced on April 25, 2013 at the Edison Awards Annual Gala, held in Chicago.

“More than any year, this year's slate of Finalists demonstrate the enormous value of teamwork, experimentation, consumer focus, market awareness and game-changing success,” said Frank Bonafilia, Edison Awards’ executive director. “It’s exciting to see companies like Cascades continuing Thomas Edison’s legacy of challenging conventional thinking.”

About Cascades Tissue Group
Cascades Tissue Group, a division of Cascades, ULC, is the fourth largest manufacturer of tissue paper in North America. Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fiber. The company employs more than 12,000 employees, who work in more than 100 units located in North America and Europe. With its management philosophy, half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous efforts in research and development as driving forces, Cascades continues to serve its clients with innovative products. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol CAS. For more information about Cascades Tissue Group and its environmental product line, visit www.afh.cascades.com/en/. For information specific to the Cascades Antibacterial paper hand towel, visit www.cascades.com/bacteria/antibacterial_hand_towel.php.