In the fourth quarter of 2018, Suominen’s net sales increased by 11.2% from the comparison period to €109.8 million ($125.6 million). The increase in net sales was primarily due to improved sales prices, mainly thanks to the global price increases announced in September 2018. The strengthening of the US dollar compared to euro, Suominen’s reporting currency, increased the net sales by €1.8 million ($2 million) in the fourth quarter. 

Suominen has two business areas, Convenience and Care. Net sales of the Convenience business area were €102.9 million ($117.7 million) and net sales of the Care business area were €6.8 million ($7.8 million) in the fourth quarter. Convenience business area supplies nonwovens as roll goods for a wide range of wiping applications. Care business area manufactures nonwovens for hygiene products and medical applications.

For the full year in 2018, Suominen’s net sales increased by 1.2% from the comparison period to €431.1 million ($493.2 million), mainly thanks to improved sales prices. Sales volumes for the full year remained at the level of 2017. The weakening of the USD compared to euro, Suominen’s reporting currency, decreased the net sales of 2018 by €10.9 million ($12.5 million). 

Net sales of the Convenience business area were €396 million ($453 million) and net sales of Care business area €35.1 million ($40.2 million).

In 2018, the product portfolio developed in the right direction, as the share of products with relatively higher added value in Suominen’s product portfolio increased to 61%. The share of nonwovens for baby wipes declined to 39% from 41%. The share of nonwovens for personal care wipes grew to 22% from 21% and the share of home care wipes to 20% from 19%. The share of workplace wipes remained at 9% and medical and hygiene applications decreased to 8% from 9%.