Essity’s offering comprises complete hygiene solutions, including toilet paper, paper hand towels, napkins, hand soap, hand lotion, hand sanitizers, dispensers, cleaning and wiping products as well as service and maintenance. Essity also offers digital solutions, such as Internet of Things sensor technology. 

Customers consist of companies and office buildings, universities, healthcare facilities, industries, restaurants, hotels, stadiums and other public venues. Distribution channels consist of distributors and online sales.

Production facilities

At the end of 2018, Professional Hygiene had production at  45 sites in 18 countries.

Operations in 2018

Net sales increased 4.9% to SEK 28,017m (26,700). Organic net sales, which exclude exchange rate effects, acquisitions and divestments, increased 1.9%, of which volume accounted for –0.3% and price/mix for 2.2%. The increase was primarily related to Europe, Asia and Latin America. Organic net sales decreased 0.6% in mature markets. Organic net sales increased in Western Europe while it decreased in North America. In emerging markets, which accounted for 19% of net sales, organic net sales increased 13.7%. Acquisitions relating to the increase in the shareholding in associates in Latin America increased net sales by 0.1%. Exchange rate effects increased net sales by 2.9%.

Adjusted operating profit before amortization of acquisition- related intangible assets (adjusted EBITA) decreased 4% (8% excluding currency translation effects and acquisitions) to  SEK 3,841m (4,004). Earnings were impacted positively by higher prices, a better mix and cost savings. Higher raw material and energy costs as well as higher distribution costs had a negative impact on  earnings.

* Excluding exchange rate effects, acquisitions and divestments.
** Excluding items affecting comparability.