Essity presents the world’s first tissue machine to run on geothermal steam

Global hygiene and healthcare company Essity has unveiled the world’s first tissue machine running entirely on geothermal steam at its production facility in Kawerau, New Zealand. The plant’s annual CO2 emissions have been reduced by two thirds.

In total, more than 100 people attended the official opening of the newly upgraded tissue machine, including business leaders from New Zealand and Australia from the manufacturing, distribution, sustainability and retail sectors, and business and community representatives from Kawerau.

“We’ve invested NZD $20 million to upgrade our paper machine, which is the world’s only tissue machine using 100% geothermal steam drying in replacement of fossil fuels,” said Sid Takla, managing director of Essity Australasia.

“This has enabled us to reduce the carbon footprint by 66% since 2009 at the Kawerau production facility, including a 25% reduction with our new technology upgrade. That’s the equivalent of removing 2,200 cars from the road annually,” added Takla.

Essity is New Zealand’s only tissue manufacturer, producing paper on site and converting it into finished products. The Kawerau mill produces toilet paper products used every day by New Zealanders, including Sorbent and Purex toilet paper and Handee paper towels. The factory also produces Tork brand products, Essity’s global brand specializing in professional hygiene.

As well as celebrating the world’s first innovation in Kawerau, 2025 also marks 70 years of manufacturing excellence for Essity in the region. The company currently has 300 employees in New Zealand, including 200 in Kawerau.

The production of tissue from geothermal steam is part of Essity’s work to use less energy and achieve zero net emissions by 2050.