The next generation of plush paper towels, toilet paper and diapers could be made with a plant with long, pointy leaves that grows in arid climates. After scouring the Earth for two decades, Kimberly-Clark, the maker of Scott, Cottonelle, Kleenex and Huggies brands, says hesperaloe could replace wood fiber in paper-based products, Natasha Khan reports.

The long, slender fibers from the plant could be used to make products that are both stronger and softer than wood-based equivalents. It could also be cheaper and less environmentally damaging than cutting down trees.

A viable alternative to wood fiber would be a scientific breakthrough that could reshape the consumer-products landscape. Many American shoppers find current alternatives to traditional wood fiber in paper-based products—mainly bamboo and recycled paper—too rough.