Essity is expanding the use of its coreless technology to new product categories and markets, with the latest application being Lotus Just-1 toilet paper in France. The innovation eliminates the need for a central cardboard tube, allowing the production of double rolls with greater capacity while reducing waste and CO₂ emissions. The product, positioned in the premium toilet paper segment, is also packaged in paper, further contributing to its sustainability profile.
First introduced in 2018 following seven years of research and development, the proprietary and patented technology has gradually been incorporated into different product categories, including toilet paper and household towels. By removing the cardboard tube, the solution eliminates a component that would otherwise be discarded after use and enables each roll to hold twice as much toilet paper, offering a longer-lasting alternative for consumers.
Essity has introduced the technology in several European markets, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Benelux region, Finland and Switzerland. The rollout of Lotus Just-1 coreless toilet paper in France in 2025 was part of the company’s expansion strategy, which also included a launch under the Zewa brand in Germany in the fourth quarter of that year. Further expansion into other European markets was planned for 2026 and 2027.
In addition to eliminating cardboard tubes, the technology contributes to reductions in waste and carbon emissions. According to Essity, its coreless toilet paper and household towel products can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 6%. Their more compact format also makes it possible to reduce by one-third the number of trucks and the warehouse space needed to transport and store the same volume of products.
For Lotus Just-1, the company has combined the removal of the cardboard core with the replacement of plastic packaging by paper made from renewable materials. The approach is intended to address changing consumer needs while supporting Essity’s climate targets and efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Essity states that it is the first and only company to have established coreless toilet paper and household towels in consumer markets. The technology is part of the company’s strategy to drive growth and expand its market presence through product innovation, sustainability initiatives and improvements in product quality and consumer experience.
