A household stalwart is changing.
Tissue maker Kleenex is to rebrand its ‘Mansize’ boxes, after the company received a complaint that the name is sexist.
Kleenex For Men tissues were launched in 1956 and the company has taken this decision after various complaints were made on social media.
The boxes will now be labelled as ‘Extra Large’ instead.
Thank you for sharing your concern. We recently made changes to our Mansize branding and will now be labeled as Extra Large keep an eye out in shops. If you would like more information please fill up our form https://t.co/Qcpf8jokzY or call our consumer service 0800 626 008.
— Kleenex (@Kleenex_UK) October 12, 2018
As described in their product description, Kleenex Mansize Tissues were created because “sometimes we need a little softness with our strength. Kleenex Mansize is comfortingly soft and strong so you can be confident it won’t let you down.”
When queried on Twitter if this brand was specific to men, the company replied by saying: “this extra-large, strong and gentle tissue is not just for men. Kleenex Mansize tissue is ideal for everyone.”
In a statement given to The Telegraph, a spokesman for Kleenex’s parent company, Kimberly-Clark, has said that the firm was aiming to provide “a consistent increase of complaints on gender concern”.
It states: “Kimberly-Clark in no way suggests that being both soft and strong is an exclusively masculine trait, nor do we believe that the Mansize branding suggests or endorses gender inequality.
Nevertheless, as we remain committed to developing the best possible products for our consumers and take any feedback extremely seriously, we decided to renovate our current product and update the product subbrand as Kleenex Extra Large.”
This being said, changes have now been introduced and some people have queried this decision.
For example, a Twitter user stated that: “You do realise you don’t need to be a baby to use Baby Wipes? Or to be Irish to drink Irish Whisky?”
Hi Douglas – This extra-large, strong & gentle tissue is not just for men. Kleenex Mansize tissue is ideal for everyone! You've reached Kleenex US, but please connect with our Kleenex UK team if you have more questions or concerns: https://t.co/HXE7tQJ2g8 . Thanks.
— Kleenex® Brand (@Kleenex) October 7, 2018
Lol this is a bit silly isn't it?
Mansize because men are physically bigger/taller than females..
Mansize Kleenex are named so because they are bigger than the regular size.
I'm all for equal rights but this is getting petty.
— LOLGotVerTags (@LOLGotYerTags) October 18, 2018
How is "Mansize" offensive? You do realise you don't need to be a baby to use Baby Wipes? Or to be Irish to drink Irish Whisky? Newsflash – tall people can eat "Fun size" snacks too. And I'm pretty sure I'm allowed to Cornish pasties (even though I'm Irish)
— Mark Whelan (@Mark_A_Whelan) October 18, 2018
Do you know what.. it’s actually okay to NOT BE OFFENDED BY EVERYTHING! I actually hate my generation of serial offenders! ??♀️ I’m female, and I don’t feel “unequal” by using a product named ‘Mansize’. I actually prefer these ones! ?https://t.co/AkzGpOnIif
— Sammy Jade ?? (@sammyyjadee) October 18, 2018
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