Indirect purchases and services
Indirect purchases include services such as logistics, facility management, IT, human resources, marketing, and other corporate services that support Essity's operations and value chain.
Origin
Most services are delivered locally, close to Essity's operations. Services with a broader geographic scope are often provided by specialized companies with highly skilled expertise, such as legal, IT, media, and marketing service providers.
Sustainability Risks
The sustainability risks associated with indirect purchases vary by service type. Risks are generally higher in labor-intensive, low-skill activities such as cleaning, facility management, waste management, and logistics, particularly where subcontracting is common or work is performed outside Essity's premises.
Key risks may include occupational health and safety, wages and benefits, working hours, freedom of association, illegal labor practices, and corruption. Professional services typically present a lower level of human rights risk.
Risk Mitigation
Essity manages these risks through supplier selection and qualification processes, risk assessments, supplier requirements, training and awareness activities, and, where appropriate, ethical audits and corrective action plans. These measures support responsible business practices throughout the service supply chain.