Kleenex is scrapping its 'Mansize' tissues branding after consumers complained that it is sexist.

The company said it is changing the name of the tissues to “Kleenex Extra Large” following feedback from customers.

Kimberly-Clark, which owns Kleenex, said it succumbed to growing public demand to change the name, despite not itself believing that the Mansize branding suggests or endorses gender inequality.

The new boxes are to be re-named ‘Extra Large’ following complaints the name was sexist

It comes amid a wider backlash against unnecessarily gendered products, with consumers and campaigners criticizing manufacturers of razors, pens, confectionery and other products over 'outdated' gender stereotyping.

Kleenex For Men first launched in 1956 with the claim that they would 'stay strong when wet'.

However consumers have tweeted Kleenex to ask them why its products still use the term Mansize, saying 'the world is changing and that it is 2018'.

A Kimberly-Clark spokeswoman said: 'Kleenex Mansize tissues have been on shelves for the past 60 years.

'The brand has been characterised by a much larger tissue size, which is both soft and durable.

'It was launched at a time when large cotton handkerchiefs were still very popular and Kleenex offered a unique disposable alternative.

Details of the change by Kleenex appeared on the company’s official Twitter feed and followed complaints from customers

'To this day, it remains one of our most popular products, with over 3.4 million people buying the tissues every year.

'We are always grateful to customers who take time to tell us how our products can be improved, and we carefully consider all suggestions.

'Thanks to recent feedback we are now rebranding our Mansize tissues to Kleenex Extra Large.

'Consumers may see the new name on our larger boxes in store already'.

Details of the change by Kleenex appeared on the company’s official Twitter feed and followed complaints from customers.

The move prompted complaints from Kleenex customers (pictured) who argued the name change was unnecessary

Twitter users vented their disbelief at Kleenex getting rid of the term 'man size' tissues

People accused the company of succombing to political correctness gone into overdrive

People poked fun at the Kleenex announcement which should apply to name places

Some were incensed and suggested complainants should 'get a hobby and get a life'

One of them demanded: ‘In this day and age, is it right for @Kleenex to have a product that is MANsized? The world is changing, maybe they should too?’

Another customer challenged the firm on the Mansize brand, writing: ‘Really @Kleenex? Do women have different colds to men which mean they have different tissues?’

Staff manning the company’s social media feeds revealed the change in name in response to customers, without offering any explanation.

It reads: ‘Thank you for sharing your concern. We recently made changes to our Mansize branding and will now be labelled as Extra Large, keep an eye out in shops.’

The company failed to respond to requests to explain the name change. However, it is not yet known if the change will apply to the Kleenex brand in the US.