6 Third party sustainability labelling 

Credibility and transparency are essential in our sustainability work for Essity materials and products. We are working with several external organizations to support our sustainability ambitions. this. It means that some of Essity´s products are labelled or certified by third parties. The scope is restricted to certain product types and market requirements.

Third party labels or certification means an independent organization (often referred to as competent body) has reviewed the manufacturing process of a product and has determined that the final product, materials or ingredients complies with specific requirements on safety, quality, social and/ or environmental performance and/or origin/provenance.

Essity is using several third-party sustainability labels or certifications with the purpose of labeling products and services. Their mark on Essity’s products provides different statements; either for the environmental impact, or social impact such as human rights and/or health and safety aspects. By using Third Party Sustainability Labels, Essity ensures transparency and external review of the Essity and suppliers’ sustainability work. 

For some of Essity’s tender processes, third party sustainability labels are a prerequisite as they directly show good environmental and social performance that impacts both the health of people and our eco systems, by setting strict requirements. 

Third party labels and certifications are awarded through various institutions, associations or independent testing institutes called competent bodies.

Documentation for fulfilling requirements of third-party labels will be requested by Essity. Such documentation may include strictly confidential information such as composition lists or production information in which also sub-suppliers will need to be disclosed. Third party labels often require information from sub-suppliers including sub-supplier's certificates and/or signatures. A supporting role of the main supplier is hereby expected by Essity. 

To find more information and the respective criteria for the different labels, please go to their official websites. Examples of third-party labels and certifications used by Essity are listed in Annex A4.