Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

As a leading global hygiene and health company, Essity has an important role to play in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We are working to overcome global challenges through partnerships and cooperation. We support the UN Global Compact and continue to be a partner to the UN Foundation.

The global goals also indicate where new solutions are needed, which creates favorable business opportunities for Essity. We focus on goals 3, 5, 6, 12, 13 and 15 where we can make a contribution through Essity’s operations, offerings, expertise and experience.

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Essity contributes through its intensive work toward better global hygiene and health standards. By providing access to leading solutions and expertise, we are contributing to increased quality of life and improved well-being. Essity has been working for many years to promote and raise awareness of the importance of hand hygiene to avoid the spread of disease. Read more in the chapter Improved well-being.

Goal 5: Gender equality

By pursuing educational initiatives and collaborations to break taboos surrounding issues such as menstruation, incontinence and lymphedema, Essity works for greater gender equality. Our collaboration with UNICEF Mexico, “Hygiene is our right”, highlights the rights of children and young people in relation to health, education and gender equality focusing on hand hygiene and menstruation. Read more in the chapter Improved well-being.

Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation

>Essity works for efficient water usage and to improve water treatment and the quality of our facilities’ effluent water. The “Hand hygiene for all” initiative is run together with the WHO and UNICEF as part of Essity’s work to contribute to good sanitation worldwide. We work to offer girls and women access to feminine care products, clean water and toilets. Read more in the chapter Improved well-being.

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

Together with our business partners, we are working toward a sustainable and circular society. Reusable products have been added to our product range and we are increasing the share of renewable material in our packaging. Read more in the chapter Reduced environmental impact.

Goal 13: Climate action

In 2021, Essity raised its climate ambitions by committing to net-zero emissions by 2050. We address the challenge through investments in innovation and cooperation for more environmentally friendly raw materials and to achieve production with lower emissions. Read more in the chapter Reduced environmental impact.

Goal 15: Life on land

We require our fresh fiber suppliers to maintain and safeguard the principles of biodiversity and forest conservation. Essity prioritizes FSC as a certification scheme and encourages all suppliers to strive for certification. Read more in the chapter Biodiversity and ecosystems.