Suzano, Kimberly-Clark Launch Joint Venture

Arbex, a new global leader in tissue and hygiene, commenced operations on July 1 as an independent business and unveils details of its brand, leadership team and company structure. Announced in June 2025 as a $3.4 billion joint venture between Suzano, the world’s largest pulp supplier, and Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a global leader in consumer goods and personal care, the new business will manufacture, market and distribute consumer and professional products across more than 70 markets on five continents.

Arbex has assumed ownership of assets previously run by Kimberly-Clark’s International Family Care & Professional (IFP) business unit, which includes 22 manufacturing sites in 14 countries, and a portfolio of more than 40 regional brands including Andrex, Hakle and Scottex. The company also holds a long-term license for the use of Kimberly-Clark’s global brands, including Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott, WypAll, Viva and Kimberly-Clark Professional.

Ehab Abou-Oaf, previously president of Kimberly-Clark’s IFP business, directly transitions in as chief executive officer of Arbex. He will be based in London, alongside the majority of the global leadership team. Luís Bueno, previously executive vice president of Suzano’s consumer goods business, becomes chief operating officer. And Oscar Mousinho, a Kimberly-Clark veteran who most recently served as Global CFO of the Pet Nutrition business at Mars, is the incoming chief financial officer. Walter Schalka, who spent over a decade as CEO of Suzano before stepping down in 2024, will chair Arbex’s Board of Directors.

Abou-Oaf says: “This new company brings together a distinguished heritage, a portfolio of trusted brands, and a compelling vision for the future. Our parent companies have given us a sturdy foundation and a leading market position. In an increasingly dynamic and evolving global landscape, Arbex is embarking on a new journey from a position of strength, and we believe we can shape the future of the tissue and hygiene sector.

“Our immediate priority is ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for our colleagues, customers and consumers around the world.  Our team will work hard to grow our business, continuing to earn the trust of hundreds of millions of households worldwide who use our products every day, and remaining committed to delivering quality, sustainability and value.”

Bueno adds: “Arbex brings together world-class talent with brands that already hold significant market share in over 70 countries around the world. From day one we will be a successful global business, which gives us an exciting launchpad for accelerated growth and an opportunity to build on momentum.

“We are combining the best of Suzano’s industrial and operational expertise, with Kimberly-Clark’s formidable international marketing and brand capabilities – uniting these through shared values of innovation and sustainability. With a pure-play focus on tissue and hygiene products, we believe Arbex has commercial, technical and innovation capabilities that can deliver top-line and bottom-line improvements, helping make us the undisputed global leader in our sector.”