Essity Reports Sales Growth

Essity’s net sales increased 2.6% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the corresponding period a year ago and amounted to SEK 35.1 billion ($3.6 billion). The acquisition of the feminine care business in North America increased the group’s net sales by 1.7%.

Organic sales increased 0.3%, driven by higher volumes in Health & Medical, Personal Care and Professional Hygiene. Sales prices had a negative impact on growth, primarily due to previous price reductions in Consumer Tissue as a result of lower costs of goods sold in previous quarters. Prices were also lower in Personal Care and Professional Hygiene.

Growth was high in North America, with positive growth in all business areas with presence in the region. Stable growth was reported in Latin America. Growth was slightly negative in Europe, primarily due to lower sales in Consumer Tissue.

In the Health & Medical business, net sales increased organically by 3.1%, primarily driven by higher volumes but also positive price development. Growth was high in North America and good in Europe. In Incontinence Products, organic growth was good, attributable to higher volumes. The strong organic growth in Medical Solutions was driven by higher volumes combined with a positive price development. Growth in wound care was high, and compression therapy also had good sales development.

In the Personal Care business, net sales increased organically by 3.8%, primarily driven by strong volume growth. The product mix was also favorable, with increased sales of high-margin products in all three categories. Sales prices were lower. Growth was high in North America. Growth was good also in Europe and Latin America. Incontinence Products and Feminine Care reported high organic growth, primarily driven by increased volumes but also a positive product mix. The Baby Care market remained challenging. Growth in its Baby Care business was negative, mainly due to lower volumes in retailer brands. However, the positive sales performance of its Libero brand continued, and the company strengthened its market positions further.

In the Professional Hygiene business, net sales increased organically by 2.1%, driven by higher volumes. The product mix also remained favorable with an increased share of premium products. Sales prices were lower. Growth was positive in Europe, North America as well as Latin America.

“Higher volumes and an improved product mix resulted in sales growth for the quarter,” says Ulrika Kolsrud, president and CEO. “Our focus on growth by developing our offerings, investing in marketing and selective price adjustments continued, and we reported good growth in Health & Medical, Personal Care as well as Professional Hygiene. Profitability was healthy even though the geopolitical situation causes higher cost inflation. The execution of launched initiatives is continuing, with the aim to accelerate progress towards the company’s financial targets.”