Our innovation approach
Innovation starts with understanding people's needs. Explore how Essity turns insights into solutions that people rely on every day and how innovation across the value chain drives business impact, strengthens competitiveness and supports sustainable progress.
Innovating for the future
As a global leader, we are transforming hygiene and health while setting new standards for our industry. From enhancing existing products and developing new solutions to accelerating operational excellence and reducing climate impact, we leverage innovation to drive continuous improvement and breakthrough progress.
Product innovation
Product innovation
At Essity, product innovation means solving real human challenges at a global scale with local relevance. Through smarter and more inclusive products, we meet evolving consumer and customer needs while delivering better care outcomes. We innovate beyond physical products, expanding our offerings through services and digital solutions.
In 2025, we invested SEK 1.8 billion in research and development and operated five brand innovation hubs worldwide.
Digital transformation
Digital transformation
Digital transformation is accelerating value creation across our entire value chain. By harnessing artificial intelligence (AI), data, and automation, we strengthen customer experiences, improve decision-making, and enhance operational excellence. From manufacturing and supply chain to sales and marketing, digital capabilities help us respond faster to changing needs while enabling new products and solutions.
Essity innovation. Guided by six principles.
Insights-led
Built on deep customer and user insights, grounded in data, research, and people's real-life experiences.
Superiority-driven
Designed to be better by intention, delivering superior performance, quality, and user experiences.
User-focused
Created to reach, support, and benefit more people through solutions that are accessible, relevant, and easy to use.
Margin-steered
Designed to support a smart portfolio mix and disciplined pricing, enabling profitable growth and strong returns.
More sustainable
Delivering environmental and social impact while driving long-term value for people, businesses, and society.
Ownable
Differentiated and protected through innovation leadership, strong capabilities, and intellectual property.
Innovating for sustainable progress
Innovating for sustainable progress
Innovation plays a critical role in enabling and accelerating progress toward our sustainability commitments across all areas of our business. In 2025, 80% of new product launches delivered social and/or environmental improvements, exceeding our annual target of 50%.
Innovation in action. Examples that create value and impact.
More sustainable solutions
Smarter product formats and more use of renewable materials across brands such as TENA, Tork, Zewa, and Familia reduce plastic use and environmental impact.
Digital hygiene systems
Data-driven solutions from Tork and TENA help improve hygiene outcomes, enable smarter workflows, and increase operational efficiency.
Designing for less waste
Reusable and recyclable products and solutions from brands such as TENA, Bodyform, and Tork help reduce waste and keep materials in use for longer.
Smarter manufacturing
Advanced production methods combining renewable energy, automation, AI, and virtual prototyping improve efficiency and reduce climate impact.
Medical products
Proprietary Sorbact® technology and hygiene solutions across Essity brands are designed to help reduce infection risk and support better care outcomes.
Digital learning platforms
Digital communities and immersive learning platforms from brands such as Libresse, Libero, and Tork help build awareness, develop skills, and expand knowledge.
Agile innovation
Agile innovation
By integrating consumer and customer needs, technical expertise, and commercial value into every stage of development, we accelerate innovation and create solutions that deliver meaningful impact. Our agile approach enables:
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Faster time to market
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Higher quality outcomes
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Increased employee engagement