How Essity Advances Sustainable Supply Chains in Healthcare
Founded in 2017 with history reaching back to 1929, Essity plays a central role in the global hygiene and health landscape.
More than one billion people across 150 countries benefit daily from its extensive range of brands.
The international non-profit CDP names Essity a Supplier Engagement Leader, recognising its dedication to sustainability for a sixth successive year.
The path of Essity
Essity’s origins trace to 1929 within the Swedish company SCA.
The 1970s saw SCA diversifying from forestry and pulp into the hygiene and health industries.
Through acquiring Mölnlycke and Wisconsin Tissue, SCA grew into a worldwide enterprise.
In 2017, the company was divided, forming Essity, which focused purely on hygiene and health.
Essity has expanded by acquiring medical solutions businesses including BSN Medical, Novioscan and ABIGO Medical, establishing itself as a leader in the global hygiene and health sector.
Essity aims to achieve net zero by 2050. To enhance supply chain sustainability, Essity works toward full value chain decarbonisation and improving circularity.
Jessica Nordlinder, VP Global Procurement at Essity, says: "Our approach to supplier collaboration is built on clear expectations, robust support and the fostering of innovation.
“We communicate our environmental targets, provide the necessary tools and training, and encourage new solutions to reduce emissions.”
CDP’s recognition
CDP provides the only independent global environmental disclosure platform, aiming to influence companies, cities and markets towards transparency and sustainability.
CDP's Supplier Engagement Assessment (SEA) evaluates how companies tackle environmental matters within their supply chains.
This evaluation urges businesses to proactively work with suppliers on climate issues, fostering sustainable methods.
Essity appears in the SEA for a sixth consecutive year, recognised for its continuous work towards net zero.
The firm implements supply chain improvements, reducing emissions.
Jessica continues: “Open communication and strong partnerships ensure our suppliers are fully engaged and committed to our shared climate action mission.”
Fostering global alliances
With an operational footprint of approximately 70 production facilities, Essity sells in about 150 countries, ensuring people have access to secure and sustainable hygiene and health products.
Forward-thinking partnerships intend to decrease emissions and lessen environmental impact.
Essity targets a 35% reduction in Scope 3 carbon emissions by 2030, focusing on key raw material sources.
A reported 21% decrease in Scope 3 emissions is achieved in 2024.
Nicole Anderson Brodin, Sustainable Procurement Manager at Essity, says: “We are very proud to be recognised by CDP for our efforts in supplier engagement, or rather, partner collaboration.
“We are far from finished, but together with our supply partners we continue to forge ahead toward what is imperative: a low-carbon economy. The spirit of collaboration is alive and well.”
