The European Investment Bank (EIB) said it is lending €400 million to support Swedish health and hygiene company Essity’s research, development and innovation (RDI) activities in three European Union countries.
Essity is a repeat EIB client. The EIB financed multi-year RDI programmes completed by the company in 2016 and 2024.
The new loan will support Essity research centres in Sweden, Germany and France.
“The goal is to develop goods and production processes for personal care, professional hygiene and medical wound care solutions in ways that replace plastics with bio-based materials and cut emissions of greenhouse gases, while also improving digital solutions,” said the EIB.
“Essity’s RDI programme underpins the development of global brands such as Tempo handkerchiefs, Libresse menstrual pads, Libero diapers, TENA urine absorbers, Tork hand-towel dispensers and Leukoplast wound care including bandages and dressings.
“The EIB financing for the company, which employs around 36,000 people, advances EU goals to green and strengthen Europe’s industrial base as well to make the European economy more ‘circular’ by minimising waste …
“The financing falls under EIB’s ‘innovation, digital and human capital’ policy area and contributes to the organisation’s climate action and environmental sustainability objectives. It is also aligned with the TechEU programme, which aims to reinforce Europe’s industrial and technological leadership, as well as with the EU’s ‘Green Deal’, bioeconomy strategy and circular-economy initiatives …
“In addition, the project makes a significant contribution to gender equality, with approximately 30% of the project cost supporting RDI in feminine care. This covers research and innovation in menstrual protection and incontinence products, based on user research, clinical evidence and product testing, to improve everyday health outcomes for women and reduce environmental impacts.”
EIB Vice-President Karl Nehammer said: “Europe’s competitiveness depends on sustained investment in innovation that improves people’s everyday lives,.
“By supporting Essity’s research and innovation programme, with a strong base in Sweden, we are strengthening Europe’s technological leadership in health and hygiene while advancing the green transition and the circular economy.”
Essity CEO Ulrika Kolsrud said: “The agreement with the European Investment Bank supports Essity’s aim to further strengthen the innovation capabilities across the Group.
“From value‑enhancing upgrades to breakthrough product launches, we are committed to combining sustainability and performance to deliver innovations that truly make a difference and raise the bar for hygiene and health.”