Plastics

Nations worldwide, with the European Union at the frontline, are placing bans on single-use plastics and transitioning towards a circular economy. However, plastic is required to ensure necessary levels of sanitation, safety and functionality for hygiene and health products. 

Our industry must change how we design, use, and reuse plastic by transforming a linear function to a circular. This calls for creative thinking, new business models and partnerships to develop new solutions where less goes to waste. This approach is vital to stop plastic pollution, and offers strong economic, social, and climate benefits. This is also aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 Climate action, SDG 15 Life on land and SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production. 

• In 2022, Essity’s packaging for hygiene and health products contained on average 80% renewable or recycled material. By 2025, we aim to achieve 100% recyclability, 85% renewable or recycled materials in our packaging, of which 25% recycled content in plastic packaging.

• We reduce our carbon footprint primarily by using recycled plastic packaging materials. To achieve more rapid results in the development of better packaging material, Essity is part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) and Circular Plastic Alliance, among other organizations.

The UN began negotiations for an International legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution in November 2022. This global treaty will focus on all plastic products, including packaging. The multilateral negotiations on the treaty are expected to conclude in mid-2025. Essity joined the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty. This new Coalition led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and WWF endorses a common vision, by providing a clear voice in the treaty negotiations to amplify the call for an ambitious and effective global treaty.

By developing smarter designs, new services, and innovating to find alternative materials, we ensure less use of primary fossil plastic in general while also reducing the environmental impact through the product life cycle. 

Essity constantly develops smarter product design to enable more sustainable consumption during use. One example is how we dispense our Tork tissue, which can reduce consumption with more than 25%. In 2022, we also launched TENA Lights Sensitive, pads with skin care emulsion designed for sensitive skin. The pads come in a new and renewable paper packaging contributing to less plastic waste and reduces the carbon footprint by using at least 50% plant-based materials in product and packaging.

We are broadening our collaboration with customers and consumers to better understand how we can help them make more sustainable choices. Essity aims to create more value by innovating and designing products that fit into a circular society. We currently work to replace primary fossil-based plastics with renewable materials derived from plants such as corn or sugar cane.

Read more about alternative materials