Essity

Overall approach

5/12
- Overarching commitment on deforestation
  
  2/4
  
  Zero net deforestation or, for soy, palm oil, leather and beef companies only, no deforestation of HCV and HCS forests
  
  2/4
  
  "Essity aims to play an active part in preventing deforestation and forest degradation, promoting and increasing the use of responsibly managed and certified forests, and increasing the proportion of certified fibers used in Essity’s products"
  
  Open source document
- Signatory to an initiative tackling deforestation
  
  1/1
  
  Yes
  
  1/1
  
  Which initiatives?: Consumer Goods Forum Deforestation resolution (being a member of the CGF is not sufficient); New York Declaration on Forests; World Business Council for Sustainable Development Forest Solutions Group; UN Global Compact
  
  Essity is a signatory of New York Declaration on Forests, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, is an active member of the Consumer Goods Forum and is a signatory of UN Global Compact
  
  Open source document
  Open source document
  Open source document
- Awareness of the value of forests
  
  1/1
  
  Yes
  
  1/1
  
  "With this fresh wood based fiber sourcing policy and framework, Essity aims to play an active part in preventing deforestation and forest degradation, promoting and increasing the use of responsibly managed and certified forests, and increasing the proportion of certified fibers used in Essity’s products. Essity also aims to be a driving force for positive social and economic development for people and communities affected by forestry operations in its supply chain. [...] Wood from forests in which high conservation values are threatened by forest management activities."
  
  Open source document
- Deforestation as a business risk
  
  1/1
  
  Yes
  
  1/1
  
  Does the company recognise the risk as financial, operational, competition, reputational, or other? Please detail.: operational, financial
  
  "Description: Global warming of 4°C in 2100, due to the failure to effectively reduce emissions and other negative environmental impacts. Extreme weather increasingly common. Sea levels continue to rise, desertification and deforestation continues. Access to key resources such as raw materials, energy, water and food declines, resulting in greater volatility and uncertainty for prices and food security [...] • Production disruption due to extreme weather • Rising insurance costs and costs for reconstruction • Increased investment required to safeguard stable production and supply chain • Significantly higher cost for sold goods as resource scarcity leads to higher prices for raw materials, energy, water and distribution • Deforestation leads to a shortage of fresh wood-based fiber"
  
  Open source document
- High-level management of deforestion
  
  0/1
- Executive compensation linked to deforestation
- Target to reduce emissions from land-use change
  
  0/2
- Reporting on emissions from land-use change
  
  0/2
- Disclosure of conservation activity
- Disclosure of reforestation activity
- Target to reduce emissions in scope 1/2
  
  Yes
  
  0/0
  
  Type of climate target: Other or unclear
  
  What is the target date for the company to achieve their climate target?: 2030
  
  "For energy use within the company and purchased electricity (scope 1 and 2), Essity commits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25% by 2030 from a 2016 base-year. Essity commits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from purchased key raw materials, transport, waste generated in operations and end-of-life treatment of sold products (scope 3), by 18% by 2030 from a 2016 base-year."
  
  Open source document
Commodity score

34/88
- Pulp & Paper
  
  34/88
  - Commitment Strength
    
    10/20
    - Commitment to protect priority forests
      
      5/8
      - Commitment details
        Zero-net deforestation
        
        3/6
        
        Commitment to protect priority forests
        
        Zero-net deforestation
        
        3/6
        
        Which certification schemes are used?: FSC; PEFC
        
        "Essity aims to play an active part in preventing deforestation and forest degradation, promoting and increasing the use of responsibly managed and certified forests, and increasing the proportion of certified fibers used in Essity’s products [...] The following five categories are stipulated as unacceptable sources for the origin of fresh wood based fibers used in Essity’s supply chain2 : 1. Illegally harvested wood. 2. Wood harvested in violation of traditional or human rights. 3. Wood from forests in which high conservation values are threatened by forest management activities. 4. Wood from forests being converted to plantations or non-forest use" [...] "In 2019, Essity introduced a new target that all raw materials derived from wood-based fresh fiber in the company’s products and packaging are to be certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™). Target fulfillment in 2020 was 95% (79; 76). All wood-based fresh fiber must fulfill the FSC®’s Controlled Wood standard, as a minimum, to be eligible for purchasing"
        
        Open source document
        Open source document
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        Yes
        
        1.3/1.3
        
        Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        
        Yes
        
        1.3/1.3
        
        "Essity aims to play an active part in preventing deforestation and forest degradation, promoting and increasing the use of responsibly managed and certified forests, and increasing the proportion of certified fibers used in Essity’s products [...] The following five categories are stipulated as unacceptable sources for the origin of fresh wood based fibers used in Essity’s supply chain2 : 1. Illegally harvested wood. 2. Wood harvested in violation of traditional or human rights. 3. Wood from forests in which high conservation values are threatened by forest management activities. 4. Wood from forests being converted to plantations or non-forest use" [...] "In 2019, Essity introduced a new target that all raw materials derived from wood-based fresh fiber in the company’s products and packaging are to be certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™). Target fulfillment in 2020 was 95% (79; 76). All wood-based fresh fiber must fulfill the FSC®’s Controlled Wood standard, as a minimum, to be eligible for purchasing"
        
        Open source document
        Open source document
      - Target date
        Current/achieved
        
        0.7/0.7
        
        Target date
        
        Current/achieved
        
        0.7/0.7
        
        "Essity aims to play an active part in preventing deforestation and forest degradation, promoting and increasing the use of responsibly managed and certified forests, and increasing the proportion of certified fibers used in Essity’s products [...] The following five categories are stipulated as unacceptable sources for the origin of fresh wood based fibers used in Essity’s supply chain2 : 1. Illegally harvested wood. 2. Wood harvested in violation of traditional or human rights. 3. Wood from forests in which high conservation values are threatened by forest management activities. 4. Wood from forests being converted to plantations or non-forest use" [...] "In 2019, Essity introduced a new target that all raw materials derived from wood-based fresh fiber in the company’s products and packaging are to be certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™). Target fulfillment in 2020 was 95% (79; 76). All wood-based fresh fiber must fulfill the FSC®’s Controlled Wood standard, as a minimum, to be eligible for purchasing"
        
        Open source document
        Open source document
      - Interim target date
        NA (target date current or achieved or 2022)
        
        0.3/0.3
        
        Interim target date
        
        NA (target date current or achieved or 2022)
        
        0.3/0.3
        
        "Essity aims to play an active part in preventing deforestation and forest degradation, promoting and increasing the use of responsibly managed and certified forests, and increasing the proportion of certified fibers used in Essity’s products [...] The following five categories are stipulated as unacceptable sources for the origin of fresh wood based fibers used in Essity’s supply chain2 : 1. Illegally harvested wood. 2. Wood harvested in violation of traditional or human rights. 3. Wood from forests in which high conservation values are threatened by forest management activities. 4. Wood from forests being converted to plantations or non-forest use" [...] "In 2019, Essity introduced a new target that all raw materials derived from wood-based fresh fiber in the company’s products and packaging are to be certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™). Target fulfillment in 2020 was 95% (79; 76). All wood-based fresh fiber must fulfill the FSC®’s Controlled Wood standard, as a minimum, to be eligible for purchasing"
        
        Open source document
        Open source document
    - Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
      
      5/5
      - Commitment details
        Yes
        
        3/3
        
        Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
        
        Yes
        
        3/3
        
        Type of commitment: Recycled content
        
        "The packaging target for 2025 is that 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. Most of Essity’s packaging comprises corrugated board and board for paper packaging and bags and flexible plastic film from polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) for plastic packaging." [...]
        
        Open source document
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        Yes
        
        1.3/1.3
        
        Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        
        Yes
        
        1.3/1.3
        
        "The packaging target for 2025 is that 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. Most of Essity’s packaging comprises corrugated board and board for paper packaging and bags and flexible plastic film from polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) for plastic packaging." [...]
        
        Open source document
      - Target date
        2025
        
        0.3/0.7
        
        Target date
        
        2025
        
        0.3/0.7
        
        "The packaging target for 2025 is that 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. Most of Essity’s packaging comprises corrugated board and board for paper packaging and bags and flexible plastic film from polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) for plastic packaging." [...]
        
        Open source document
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.3
    - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
      
      0/6
      - Commitment details
        No traceability commitment
        
        0/4
      - Commitment applies to all regions, suppliers and operation
        No
        
        0/1.3
      - Target date
        No target date
        
        0/0.7
      - Interim target date
        No
        
        0/0.3
  - Social Considerations
    
    5/18
    - Labour rights in the supply chain
      Yes
      
      4/4
      
      Labour rights in the supply chain
      
      Yes
      
      4/4
      
      Other workers' rights commitments: Only work legal working hours; Free from abusive practices/undue disciplinary procedures
      
      Details of commitment: Discrimination; Forced labour; Child labour; Freedom of association
      
      How far back in the supply chain does this commitment apply? E.g. tier 1, tier 2, tier 3: Tier 2
      
      "Essity expects its suppliers will treat their employees and all persons acting on their behalf with the highest ethical standards. Supplier must adhere to international and national conventions and laws in the area of fundamental rights, including, but not limited to, non-discrimination, freedom of association, the right to collective bargaining, protection of children and mothers and the right to form works’ councils. Furthermore, Essity suppliers are not allowed to use or threaten to use corporal punishment or other forms of abuse.If required by local law, all employees of an Essity supplier must have an employment contract. Suppliers’ working hours shall comply with national laws and local industry standards, and wages and other benefits provided by supplier must be fair and at least equal to the minimum relevant legal and industry standards. [...] Suppliers shall take measures to ensure they do not engage in or support the use of forced or bonded labor."
      
      Open source document
    - Inclusion of small-scale farmers
      No
      
      0/4
    - Gender equality in the supply chain
      Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
      
      1/4
      
      Gender equality in the supply chain
      
      Commitment to address gender related labour rights including discrimination and harassment
      
      1/4
      
      "Essity suppliers are expected to adopt and enforce policies which effectively prohibit discrimination or harassment on the grounds of gender, marital or parental status, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, religious belief, political affiliation, age, disability, or of membership in a trade union or employee organization."
      
      Open source document
    - Commitment to remediation
      No
      
      0/2
    - Commitment to ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent
      No
      
      0/4
    - Commitment to resolve land conflicts
      No
  - Reporting and Implementation
    
    19/50
    - Reporting against commitments
      
      2/2
      - Commitment to protect priority forests
        Yes, for all commodity exposure
        
        1.7/1.7
        
        Commitment to protect priority forests
        
        Yes, for all commodity exposure
        
        1.7/1.7
        
        "Essity aims to play an active part in preventing deforestation and forest degradation, promoting and increasing the use of responsibly managed and certified forests, and increasing the proportion of certified fibers used in Essity’s products [...] The following five categories are stipulated as unacceptable sources for the origin of fresh wood based fibers used in Essity’s supply chain2 : 1. Illegally harvested wood. 2. Wood harvested in violation of traditional or human rights. 3. Wood from forests in which high conservation values are threatened by forest management activities. 4. Wood from forests being converted to plantations or non-forest use" [...] "In 2019, Essity introduced a new target that all raw materials derived from wood-based fresh fiber in the company’s products and packaging are to be certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™). Target fulfillment in 2020 was 95% (79; 76). All wood-based fresh fiber must fulfill the FSC®’s Controlled Wood standard, as a minimum, to be eligible for purchasing"
        
        Open source document
        Open source document
      - Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
        Yes, for all commodity exposure
        
        1.7/1.7
        
        Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
        
        Yes, for all commodity exposure
        
        1.7/1.7
        
        Does the company report on the degree of compliance/progress with commitments, disaggregated by relevant factors such as origin or supply chain stage?: No
        
        "In 2020, Essity purchased 3.5 million tons of wood-based fresh fiber and 2.0 million tons of recycled fiber. Wood-based fresh fiber mainly comprises pulp, 98%, and the remainder comprises packaging, externally sourced mother reels and products manufactured by third parties. Of the 2.0 million tons of recycled fiber sourced, 92% is used in tissue manufacturing. The remainder consists of recycled fiber, which is found in sourced packaging material and sourced mother reels." [...] "Target 2025 85% Outcome 2020 77%"
        
        Open source document
        Open source document
      - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
        No
        
        0/1.7
    - Reporting is independently verified
      
      1/1
      - Commitment to protect priority forests
        Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme.
        
        1/1
        
        Commitment to protect priority forests
        
        Yes, using a third-party verification scheme or certification scheme.
        
        1/1
        
        Which tools, approaches, third-party verification, including certification, schemes are used?: FSC, PEFC
        
        Which processes or groups does the company use for third party verification?: FSC, PEFC
        
        "Essity aims to play an active part in preventing deforestation and forest degradation, promoting and increasing the use of responsibly managed and certified forests, and increasing the proportion of certified fibers used in Essity’s products [...] The following five categories are stipulated as unacceptable sources for the origin of fresh wood based fibers used in Essity’s supply chain2 : 1. Illegally harvested wood. 2. Wood harvested in violation of traditional or human rights. 3. Wood from forests in which high conservation values are threatened by forest management activities. 4. Wood from forests being converted to plantations or non-forest use" [...] "In 2019, Essity introduced a new target that all raw materials derived from wood-based fresh fiber in the company’s products and packaging are to be certified in accordance with the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™). Target fulfillment in 2020 was 95% (79; 76). All wood-based fresh fiber must fulfill the FSC®’s Controlled Wood standard, as a minimum, to be eligible for purchasing"
        
        Open source document
        Open source document
      - Commitment to reduce use of virgin wood fibre
        No
        
        0/1
      - Commitment to a traceable supply chain
        No
        
        0/1
    - Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      Yes, encouraged
      
      0/2
      
      Suppliers aligned with deforestation commitments across supply chain
      
      Yes, encouraged
      
      0/2
      
      "With this fresh wood based fiber sourcing policy and framework, Essity aims to play an active part in preventing deforestation and forest degradation, promoting and increasing the use of responsibly managed and certified forests, and increasing the proportion of certified fibers used in Essity’s products." [...] "Essity prefers to cooperate with suppliers and to introduce FSC® or PEFC™ Chain of Custody to deliver certified and controlled material instead of changing supplier. This approach helps to promote certification throughout the supply chain, for existing and future suppliers."
      
      Open source document
      Open source document
    - Deforestation cut off date
      No
      
      0/2
    - Collaborative actions
      No
      
      0/2
    - Risk assessments for forest risk
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      Risk assessments for forest risk
      
      Yes
      
      2/2
      
      How frequently are assessments conducted?: Not specified
      
      "Essity uses several tools to move its suppliers in the direction of responsible forest management. Together, these tools provide Essity with the necessary information to perform risk assessments of its supply chain and evaluate its suppliers from a sustainability perspective, and to move them toward compliance with Essity’s policies and stakeholder expectations."
      
      Open source document
    - Operations assessed to comply with law
      No
      
      0/2
    - Accessible grievance mechanism
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      2/4
      
      Accessible grievance mechanism
      
      Yes, publicly accessible grievance mechanism
      
      2/4
      
      Which issues does the grievance mechanism cover?: Social; Environmental
      
      What is the nature of the grievance mechanism used by the company (own mechanism, that of external company, internationally recognised mechanism, etc.)?: Email address via SCA
      
      "If you observe conduct which causes you concern or may represent a violation of the Code, report the issue promptly. By raising your voice, you are helping to protect your colleagues and the integrity and reputation of SCA and the SCA brands. [...] SCA’s internal whistle-blower system code-of-conduct@sca.com"
      
      Open source document
    - Report volumes of commodity
      Reporting total volume
      
      2/2
      
      Report volumes of commodity
      
      Reporting total volume
      
      2/2
      
      Total/partial volume reported: 5.1 million tons
      
      In 2020 Essity reported the following volumes; "Fiber used, million tons - 5.1 million tons; of which, pulp consumption 3.2 million tons; Share of total fiber use % 62%; of which recovered paper consumption 1.9 million tons [...] In 2020, Essity purchased 3.5 million tons of wood-based fresh fiber and 2.0 million tons of recycled fiber. Wood-based fresh fiber mainly comprises pulp, 98%, and the remainder comprises packaging, externally sourced mother reels and products manufactured by third parties. Of the 2.0 million tons of recycled fiber sourced, 92% is used in tissue manufacturing. The remainder consists of recycled fiber, which is found in sourced packaging material and sourced mother reels."
      
      Open source document
    - Report verified volumes of commodity
      80-99%
      
      4/6
      
      Report verified volumes of commodity
      
      80-99%
      
      4/6
      
      For what percent of the company's supply volume is third-party verification of performance relative to commitments conducted?: 95%
      
      What is the certified volume?: 3.32 million tons
      
      What is the non-certified/non-compliant volume?: 189,000 tons
      
      What third-party verification is used?: FSC, PEFC
      
      "In 2020, Essity purchased 3.5 million tons of wood-based fresh fiber and 2.0 million tons of recycled fiber" [...] "In 2020, we increased our share of certified fresh fiber and 95% of all purchased fresh fiber was certified."
      
      Open source document
    - Upstream: Monitor compliance with human rights
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Publishing supplier lists
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      Yes, for its suppliers
      
      3/4
      
      Downstream: Monitor compliance in supply chain
      
      Yes, for its suppliers
      
      3/4
      
      Details of monitoring: Using internal monitoring and verification systems; Using third party verification
      
      How frequently is compliance assessed?: Not specified
      
      What percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: 0 Not specified
      
      The above questionnaires and third-party reports are supported and followed up by on-site supplier audits of the fiber procurement management system, and responses to the relevant sections of the questionnaires are checked for accuracy. These audits may include meeting local stakeholders and communities or indigenous peoples, a review of harvesting operations in the field, or how HCV assessments are conducted and decisions made by the company. The audits also include a review of supplier compliance with the FSC Controlled Wood standard, the use of National Risk Assessments and control measures for non-FSC certified supplies of wood, and how suppliers ensure traceability of fibers when sourcing from saw mills."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Reporting hectares of deforestation
      No
      
      0/4
    - Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
      
      1/2
      
      Downstream: Engagement with non-compliant suppliers
      
      Engage with suppliers but with no time-bound threat of exclusion
      
      1/2
      
      What criteria does the policy specify for blacklisting or exclusion?: Non compliance after a risk assessment against the fiber sourcing policy
      
      Does the company engage non-compliant indirect suppliers in order to address and remedy non-compliance?: No
      
      What type of support does the company offer to its suppliers to help them achieve compliance with commitments?: Certification
      
      "Essity reserves the right to terminate business relations if so recommended by the findings of an Essity risk assessment [...] When Essity considers it necessary or when initiated by the supplier, Essity will worktogether with non-compliant suppliers to identify solutions to, for example, certification issues, supply restrictions or other bottlenecks."
      
      Open source document
    - Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      Yes, excluded
      
      1/2
      
      Downstream: Disclosure of non-compliant suppliers
      
      Yes, excluded
      
      1/2
      
      How many noncompliant producers or suppliers are engaged through improvement plans or other processes, and what percentage of the company's supply chain volume does that represent?: 12, not specified
      
      Does the company have a list of blacklisted or otherwise excluded suppliers or producers?: No
      
      "Travel restrictions related to COVID-19 have limited the number of audits conducted. During 2020, Essity evaluated the outcome from 37 (52; 59) ethical supplier audits, of which 31 (45; 30) were carried out in Sri Lanka, Turkey, Colombia, China, Malaysia, Brazil, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, Russia and Peru. Of these audits, 12 were carried out by Essity using an independent audit firm. The other 25 (19; 29) ethical audits, which meet Essity’s requirements, were carried out by other customers to suppliers and were approved by Essity. Essity is informed within 24 hours in cases of critical observations. No agreements with strategic suppliers were terminated on the grounds of sustainability-related non-compliance in 2020. "
      
      Open source document
Commitment strength

10/20

Avg. score
Reporting and Implementation

19/50

Avg. score
Social considerations

5/18

Avg. score

Profile

Essity is a Swedish company which manufacturers paper-based products including personal care, and hygiene products. Essity is selected as a powerbroker for pulp & paper.

Sector

Industry sector

Personal care, Paper & packaging

Segments

Manufacturer

Sweden

Collective Commitments

Consumer Goods Forum member

New York Declaration on Forests signatory

Top Brands

Tork, Libero, Familia, Vinda, Drypers, Peuenin, Colhogar, Cost, Cushelle, Edet, Favorita, Lotus, Okay, Regio, Tempo, Velvet, Zewa, Bodyform, Libresse, Nana, Nosotras, Nuvenia, Saba, Tena, Leukoplast, Jobst, Delta-Cast, Cutimed, Actimove, Lotus Baby

How we assess the Forest 500

To ensure deforestation free supply chains, companies need to adopt and implement timebound and measurable policies for forest risk commodities.

All assessments use policies published on company websites, some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

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Disclaimer

This assessment has been carried out following the methodology developed for the Forest 500 project, available here. Please see our disclaimer applicable to all information contained within this site and our terms and conditions for use of data presented on this site.

All assessments use policies published on company and financial institution websites, and while we endeavor to keep them updated some links may have changed or been removed since the time of assessment.

Please contact us with any concerns or feedback about this or other assessments included in the Forest 500.

essity.jpg

Essity

Total

Score:

Total score:

39%

Profile

Top Brands

How we assess the Forest 500

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essity.jpg

Essity

Total

Score:

Total score: 39%

Profile

Top Brands

How we assess the Forest 500

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Total score:

39%