Tork launches initiative to enhance sustainability transparency for European businesses

Tork, a brand of Essity and a global leader in professional hygiene, has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing sustainability transparency for businesses across Europe. The program, named Tork Focus4 Sustainability, offers a detailed overview of the sustainability benefits associated with selected Tork systems, addressing the growing demand for clear and accessible sustainability information as legislation evolves and expectations rise.

The initiative provides materials that highlight sustainability benefits of Tork products and services in a consistent and reliable manner. By doing so, Tork aims to empower customers to make informed decisions that align with their business priorities and sustainability goals.

Tork Focus4 Sustainability is built around four core areas — materials and packaging, use and waste, carbon, and hygiene for all — reflecting a lifecycle approach, customer sustainability needs, and priorities outlined in the EU Green Deal. These focus areas demonstrate Essity’s circular approach to sustainability, a principle that has contributed to the company’s recognition as one of the world’s most sustainable corporations.

“Reducing environmental footprint and improving sustainability is a business imperative”, said Amelia Baker, Regional Brand Activation Manager at Tork. “However, decoding sustainability claims can be challenging. At Essity, we are continually evolving how we deliver even more transparent, simple-to-understand information to our Tork customers so they can compare our products and select those that fit their sustainability ambitions and what matters to their business”.

KEY RESOURCES OFFERED BY TORK FOCUS4 SUSTAINABILITY

The materials provided under Tork Focus4 Sustainability include:

• Summaries of sustainability benefits for Tork’s four focus areas: materials and packaging, use and waste, carbon, and hygiene for all.
• A European average carbon-in-use figure for napkins, toilet paper, and hand towels.
• A product information tool designed to streamline tender processes.
• Free access to interactive training modules aimed at improving sustainability knowledge.

Data from the 2024 Tork Insight Survey highlighted the relevance of such initiatives, revealing that 67% of public washroom users expect facility managers to prioritize sustainability and environmental considerations in washroom solutions and management.

PART OF A HOLISTIC SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY

Focus4 is part of Tork’s broader commitment to helping businesses integrate sustainable hygiene practices across their operations. This includes services such as Tork PaperCircle®, the world’s first recycling service for paper hand towels, which aids in waste reduction.

Tork’s product offerings also emphasize sustainability through features like reduced packaging, compressed products for lower transport emissions, and one-at-a-time dispensing to minimize paper use. Additionally, carbon-neutral certified dispensers are produced using renewable electricity and are supported by climate projects through ClimatePartner. Many Tork solutions also carry EU Ecolabel certification for reduced environmental impact and FSC® labels for responsibly sourced fibers.