Essity strengthens environmental commitments with new sustainability initiatives

Essity, a global leader in hygiene and health, is intensifying its efforts to reduce its environmental impact throughout its value chain, according to its 2023 Annual and Sustainability Report. The company recognized the climate crisis as a critical issue with significant implications for both the planet and its operations.

In its commitment to addressing carbon emissions, Essity has reiterated its alignment with the global objective of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company’s targets, established by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) for 2030, cover Scopes 1 and 2, which involve energy and electricity, as well as Scope 3, which includes raw materials, transportation, and waste. Among the notable advancements in 2022 was the increased use of alternative fibers, such as pulp derived from wheat straw, which has been integrated into new products.

Essity is also dedicated to responsible forest management, contributing actively to the fight against forest degradation, deforestation, and the protection of biodiversity. The company has achieved 100% FSCTM and PEFCTM certification for its products. Additionally, Essity has set a milestone as the first company to produce tissue paper using a completely CO2-free process, powered by renewable hydrogen.

In its efforts to minimize the use of virgin fossil-based plastics, Essity is focusing on smarter designs and substituting these materials with renewable or recycled alternatives. In 2022, the company made significant strides by increasing the recycled content in its product packaging, reaching levels of up to 85%.

Essity’s waste management strategy is ambitious, aiming for zero production waste by 2030. The company is developing products and services that support a circular society, guided by the principles of “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle”. Notably, Essity has accelerated the development of reusable products in various categories, including leak-proof clothing and hybrid baby diapers.

Water management is another key priority for Essity. The company has invested in advanced wastewater treatment technologies to improve water usage and quality, contributing to ecosystem protection. In 2023, Essity launched a pilot phase of an exclusive partnership with Voith, a global technology company, to develop a new tissue paper manufacturing process that aims to reduce energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and water usage by up to 95%.