H11. Waste

Essity’s target is that all production waste will be subject to material and energy recovery by 2030. In 2019, Essity’s production waste amounted to a total of 1.68 (1.65; 1.67) million tons. In Essity’s production process, particularly when recovered fiber is used as input goods, waste is generated in the form of ash, sludge, organic waste and plastic. The production sites work to reduce waste and to find alternative solutions for their waste. Recycled waste can be used as raw materials for other industries, such as the cement, brick-making and construction industries. Waste can also be used for energy extraction. Waste that cannot be recovered, is sent to landfill or composted. In 2019, 63% (60; 62) of Essity’s waste was recovered.

By reducing the amount of production waste sent to landfill and instead recycling the waste or extracting energy from it, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced, thereby helping Essity to achieve its Science Based Targets (Scope 3).

A small proportion (1% or 16,000 tons) is hazardous waste, which is primarily waste oil, but also includes organic solvents, batteries and strip lights.

Waste