Manufacturer Kimberly-Clark, which has a site in Barrow, has said its second-quarter results for 2026 have been “negatively impacted by false allegations” surrounding its Huggies products in the China market.
Chinese media reported in June that Huggies and two other brands – Babycare and Bibabebe – tested positive for formamide, a substance that can irritate the skin and eyes.
Kimberly-Clark, which also produces Andrex and Kleenex, has labelled the allegations false – but said that sales have been impacted by the accusations which spread across social media.
In its second quarter and first half 2026 results, published in August, the business cut its sales and profit forecasts – saying it now expects annual adjusted earnings per share growth in a high-single-digit rate on a constant-currency basis. This is down from earlier forecast double-digit growth.
An official statement from Kimberly-Clark reads: “The Company noted that its second-quarter results were negatively impacted by a discrete disruption stemming from false allegations regarding the quality of certain diaper brands in the China market.
“Independent testing conducted by a government-certified third party confirmed the quality and safety of the Company's products, refuting the false allegations.
“While the Company is effectively navigating the situation, the impact from the spread of false claims across social media significantly impacted the Company's diaper sales in China in the second quarter and is expected...
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