Fiber sourcing

Essity's ambition is for all fresh wood-based fibers to be certified according to the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) or the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). At a minimum, all fiber must meet the FSC Controlled Wood standard, ensuring the fiber's origin has been independently verified and is not associated with unacceptable forestry practices. 

Essity recognizes that sustainability risks in the fiber supply chain are primarily linked to forest management and may include illegal logging, unsustainable forestry, impacts on biodiversity, violations of land and indigenous peoples' rights, forest conversion, and labor-related issues. To address these risks, Essity applies a comprehensive due diligence process that includes supplier questionnaires, certification requirements, traceability systems, risk assessments, audits, and careful supplier selection. When Essity identifies non-conformities, it works with suppliers to implement corrective actions. 

In addition to requiring FSC or PEFC certification and chain-of-custody verification, Essity maintains a dedicated fiber sourcing policy and actively participates in stakeholder dialogues on responsible forest management involving environmental organizations and other relevant stakeholders. 

Close to half of Essity's virgin fiber originates from Europe, while South America and North America account for most of the remaining volumes. Through its responsible sourcing program, Essity aims to ensure that all wood fibers are sourced from legal, traceable, and sustainably managed forests. 

Recycled fibers

Around 40% of all fibers used in our tissue products globally come from recycled paper. Essity invests in technology to allow the use of a broader range of paper grades for recycling. In doing so, we extend the types of recycled materials we can use while meeting the stringent quality requirements of our consumers and customers. 

Cotton

A small share of Essity's products contains cotton fibers. Although volumes are limited, cotton production in some regions can carry sustainability risks. Essity's ambition is that all sourced cotton, and materials containing cotton, come from sustainable sources. This includes certified, organic, recycled cotton, or cotton sourced from low-risk areas. Essity is a member of BCI Cotton, the world's largest cotton sustainability program. BCI Cotton is Essity's preferred sourcing standard, while other recognized sustainability schemes are also accepted.