Essity around the world - September 2025

Growing in markets

Argentina - In the western province of San Juan, Essity launched a new production line making paper towels and toilet paper for professionals (hotels, restaurants…) under its world leading brand Tork. In addition to meeting local demand, enhancing logistics and improving customer service, Essity’s initiative contributes to boosting the local economy. The new production line is added to a plant already producing feminine care and incontinence products. The expansion positions San Juan as a key production hub for Argentina and neighboring countries.

USA - In SoHo, New York City, Knix has entered the brick-and-mortar market by opening a 1,400-square-foot store selling feminine intimate underwear. This expansion is part of Knix's strategy to grow its physical presence in New York and the U.S. in addition to its 19 stores in Canada. Knix has been in expansion mode since its acquisition by Essity in 2022. The brand also launched the marketing campaign “You’re good” featuring actor Kristen Bell to promote its core leakproof and washable underwear products.

Spain - In its facility in Valls, Tarragona, Essity is installing a new production line for intimate hygiene, feminine care products and incontinence pads under the global leading brand TENA. The new line is expected to be operational in the last quarter of the year, producing more than 1 million pieces per day. This follows last year’s investment in Valls increasing the production capacity of moderate and heavy incontinence products.

Reducing Essity’s environmental footprint

The Netherlands - In its Hoogezand plant making incontinence products and baby pant diapers, Essity will roll out a series of initiatives over the next three years, implementing the latest safety standards and ensuring high predictability to meet customer demands consistently. This will include a new production line by 2027, automatic smart vehicles for raw material delivery, the modification of equipment for better material efficiency and energy consumption reduction, and state-of-the-art palletizers.

Germany - Essity’s plant in Mannheim is taking a significant step to reduce CO₂ emissions with the installation of a new steam storage system. This initiative will cut the plant's greenhouse gas emissions by up to 13,000 tons annually, improve energy efficiency, and streamline operations. The steam storage system, weighing 100 tons and measuring 34 meters in length, will manage excess steam and reduce energy waste. This initiative highlights Essity's broader efforts to achieve ambitious environmental goals.

USA - Essity’s production facility in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, significantly improved its water conservation by reducing its reliance on fresh water to make hygiene paper products. Since 2022, the plant reduced its water usage per ton of paper produced by 25%. Between 2022 and 2024, the plant effluent flow decreased by nearly 100,000 cubic meters (40 times the volume of the Eiffel tower), while production increased. This success was achieved through optimization, coordination, and substitution, reflecting Essity's commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

Improving everybody’s well-being

UK - Essity launched the "Ban the Ban" campaign to combat social media censorship of women's health content. The campaign highlights the issue of shadow banning, where posts about women's health are disproportionately blocked or suppressed compared to men's health content. An experiment conducted in June 2025 revealed that posts on women's health topics are three times more likely to be blocked. This censorship stifles innovation in the FemTech industry, impacts businesses and charities, and perpetuates stigma around women's bodies. Essity calls for transparency and collaboration with social media platforms to address this issue.

Colombia - Employees from Essity and of the Foundation “Grupo Familia” participated in a volunteer event benefiting over 100 waste pickers. The Health and Hygiene Rally included activities like menstrual hygiene education, hand washing, and wound care. More than 70 volunteers experienced the daily work of waste pickers by sorting materials and repairing carts, highlighting the importance of their role in environmental care. This initiative is part of Essity's "Pride in Being" strategy to empower employees, address taboo topics, and support vulnerable communities. Essity's Corporate Volunteering program has over 1,000 volunteers in Latin America benefiting more than 17,000 people.

South Africa – The event “Chefs with Compassion” broke records on Mandela Day 2025 by cooking 142,462 litres of soup, feeding 609,848 people across the country. The initiative brought together culinary schools, community kitchens, companies, chefs, and volunteers to transform surplus food into nourishment. Corporate partners like Essity played a pivotal role by cooking soup and donating essential hygiene products. This effort highlights the power of collective actions in the field.

Hungary - The “Symbol of Sustainability 2025” awards organized by “Trade Magazin” recognize companies contributing to a more sustainable future. After a rigorous evaluation process by a professional jury, Essity was rewarded for its Libresse Women’s Health in the Corporate Social Responsibility category. Essity raises awareness about endometriosis and women’s health issues while supporting communities through donations and campaigns. The awards highlight projects with measurable positive impacts beyond core business activities, serving as role models for other organizations.