France: Essity invests in R&D centre

Swedish hygiene and health firm Essity has announced that it is investing in a new research and development centre in France’s Alsace region.

In a press release, the company said the state-of-the-art centre will focus on tissue products in order to meet evolving demand of branded tissue in both the Consumer and Professional Hygiene markets.

Commenting on the decision, Magnus Groth, President and CEO of Essity, said: “Essity’s research and development is re-shaping paper making to contribute to a more sustainable and circular society, while improving people’s hygiene and health. The new global R&D centre in France, will enable us to continue to develop innovative new paper hygiene products and solutions that meet the needs and high expectations of customers and consumers”.

The firm currently operates another R&D centre in Kunheim, France, which has filed 25 patents in recent years, including for innovations such as the Lotus Aqua Tube flushable toilet roll core. The new centre will be located near the current facility, aiming to create a larger and more efficient operation.

Besides France, the company owns R&D centres in Mexico, Sweden, Germany and the USA. Essity said it had invested 1.7 billion SEK ($158 million) in research and development in 2023.

Source: Essity