Essity obtains €400 million EIB loan to drive innovation

Global hygiene and health company Essity has obtained a €400 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), with a seven-year maturity, aimed at strengthening its research, development and innovation initiatives across all business areas.

According to both organizations, the agreement is designed to enhance Essity’s innovation capabilities, supporting both value-enhancing improvements and new product launches, while combining sustainability with performance.

Ulrika Kolsrud, President and CEO of Essity, stated that the company remains committed to delivering innovations that make a meaningful difference, raising hygiene and health standards through solutions that integrate performance and environmental responsibility.

Essity’s innovation process combines deep consumer insights with advanced technologies to develop solutions that improve wellbeing, increase customer value and strengthen competitiveness, while reducing environmental impact.

 

EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer emphasized that Europe’s competitiveness depends on sustained investment in innovation. By supporting Essity’s research and innovation program — with a strong base in Sweden — the EIB reinforces Europe’s technological leadership in hygiene and health, while advancing the green transition and circular economy.

The European Investment Bank is the European Union’s long-term lending institution, owned by its Member States. One of its core missions is to strengthen competitiveness, technological innovation and sustainable development through financing R&D projects carried out in Europe.