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Essity’s target is to achieve net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 and zero production waste by 2030. In 2018, our climate targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative for Scope 1, 2 and 3, and we raised our ambitions for Scope 1 and 2 in 2021. We take action throughout the entire value chain, from responsible procurement of raw materials to waste after use.
Sustainability targets
We have set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain, limit our burden on the environment and reduce our impact on biodiversity.
Targets and outcomes in 2023
In 2023, Essity introduced the “Sustainability Playing Field,” summarizing our social and environmental sustainability priorities. We focus on the social areas of hygiene and health, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), occupational health and safety, product safety, business ethics, human rights, and the environmental areas of emissions, forest and fiber, plastics, waste, and water. These are the most relevant topics for Essity regarding impact, and we have targets, roadmaps, and initiatives in place within all areas.
Sustainability targets
Science-based targets (compared with 2016):
Target 2030:
-35%
Scope 1 and 2
Outcome 2023:
-26%
Scope 1 and 2
Essity’s climate-affecting emissions are divided into three different classes (Scope) depending on origin. Scope 1 and 2 are directly linked to Essity’s production. Scope 3 reports indirect emissions in Essity’s value chain. In 2024, Scope 3 has been updated to -35% by 2030 and is in the validation process by SBTi.
Target 2030:
-18%
Scope 3
Outcome:
-10%
Scope 31)
Sustainable innovations
Target:
>50%
Outcome 2023:
85%
Share that yielded social and/or environmental improvements
Sustainable innovations are measured as the share of revenue from innovations launched in the most recent three years. For example, in 2023 Essity launched washable pads under the brands Saba and Nosotras, and natural colored paper towels and toilet paper made of 100% recycled fiber under the Tork brand.
Health and safety
Target 2025:
-75%
Outcome 2023:
-58%
Decrease in total recordable incident rate compared with 2019
The Total recordable injury (TRI) figure includes Lost time accidents (LTA), Restricted work cases (RWC) and Medical treatment cases (MTC). All of Essity’s production facilities are conducting purposeful and systematic work with safety issues.
Gender distribution at management levels
Target 2025:
40/60%
Outcome 2023:
32/68%
Essity’s target is that gender distribution at all management levels (Executive Management Team, senior management, middle management) is to be within the interval 40/60%, where the majority group based on gender is to constitute no more than 60%. The target is reported at an aggregate outcome level for the three management levels.
Fresh fiber
Target:
100%
Outcome 2023:
98%
Share of FSCTM or PEFC-certified fresh fiber
Through certifications such as the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™ C003255) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC/16-33-1406), Essity ensures sustainable fiber sourcing, thereby preventing deforestation and promoting biodiversity.
Production waste
Target 2030:
100%
Outcome 2023:
67%
Subject to material or energy recovery
Resource efficiency and the reduction of waste are important in Essity’s production facilities. The target is that all production waste will be subject to material and energy recovery by 2030, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Packaging
Target 2025:
85%
Outcome 2023:
78%
Share of packaging manufactured from renewable and/or recycled material
Essity is striving for 100% recyclability and 85% renewable or recycled material in the company’s packaging. This target applies to both paper and plastic packaging for Essity’s brands.
Responsible sourcing
Target 2025:
95%
Outcome 2023:
92%
Share of Essity's total purchase cost from suppliers that comply with Essity’s Global Supplier Standard
Essity has a Global Supplier Standard to ensure responsible business operations and respect for human rights in the company’s supply chain.
Business ethics and Code of Conduct
Target:
100%
Outcome 2023:
88%
Share of new employees who received training in the Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct describes how employees are to act, how the company operates, stakeholder expectations of Essity, and Essity’s commitment to human rights. All wholly owned subsidiaries are bound by the Code of Conduct.