Leading in sustainability

For Essity, sustainability is a strategic priority for long-term profitable growth. Our initiatives contribute to a better environment while increasing the competitiveness of the company. Demand for sustainable solutions and the willingness to pay more for these is increasing among customers and consumers.

Raised ambitions

For many years, Essity has had ambitious targets for the company’s sustainability work, for example, our Science Based Targets were approved in 2018. In 2021, new and updated sustainability targets were set that included a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050.

We also raised our ambitions for our existing Science Based Targets. Other updated targets include sustainable innovations, occupational safety and responsible sourcing. Essity values and works to increase diversity, equity and inclusion, which contributes to our success. During the year, we presented new ambitions in this area.

Strategy for target fulfillment

Essity has a clear strategy and plan for how it will achieve these targets. The most important areas have been identified for the Science Based Targets 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. Action will be taken throughout the value chain, from raw materials, production and distribution to used products. Within raw materials for example, Essity is working to find alternatives to fresh wood fiber pulp and to reduce the use of oil-based raw materials. At our production facility in Mannheim, Germany, pulp production has begun using wheat straw, which reduces carbon emissions compared with tissue from fresh wood fiber pulp. We are also working with solutions whereby used products become new products. One example is Tork PaperCircle, where used paper hand towels are made into new tissue. The business model was introduced to additional markets and more customers in 2021. Fossil fuel is being replaced by alternatives with a smaller environmental footprint, such as hydrogen from renewable energy, biogas and geothermal steam at several of Essity’s production facilities around the world. Our continuous work to increase resource efficiency through programs for energy savings and material rationalization also helps to achieve the targets.

Essity’s sustainability agenda is determined by such factors as customer and consumer demand, our own Group targets, policies, stakeholder expectations and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Read more about Essity’s sustainability work under Sustainability.

Key action areas for net-zero emissions 2050