Critical suppliers

Essity works with approximately 30,000 suppliers serving around 90 production facilities worldwide. We classify suppliers as critical based on sustainability, ethical, and business-related criteria, including environmental, climate, social, health and safety, human rights, modern slavery, and business integrity risks. We also assess them based on business impact, such as spend, strategic importance, quality, supplier capabilities, and ease of replacement. 

In 2025, 68 strategic Tier-1 suppliers were classified as critical, representing approximately 38% of total procurement spend across several categories. 

Essity also identifies critical sub-suppliers further upstream in the supply chain to manage ESG-related risks. In 2025, around 1,500 sub-suppliers were identified as critical. Essity implemented risk mitigation measures, including certifications and corrective action plans, where needed.