Essity Annual and Sustainability Report 2022

Essity – Essity’s company DNA includes socially responsible business practices. We have a zero-tolerance policy for unethical business practices and Human Rights breaches in the value chains over which we have influence.

Essity

Code of Ethics

Essity’s Code of Conduct outlines how workers should conduct themselves, how the firm runs, and what our stakeholders expect from Essity, as well as Essity’s dedication to human rights, especially children’s rights. The Code is based on international norms such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP), the International Labor Organization (ILO) Core Conventions, the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, the UN Global Compact Principles, and associated laws.

The Code of Conduct applies to all totally owned subsidiaries of Essity. We anticipate that joint-venture firms will develop a Code of Conduct and principles similar to those outlined in Essity’s Code of Conduct.

To guarantee that all workers follow the Code of Conduct, it is a required training course in all of the company’s onboarding programs. Essity offers an anti-corruption program that comprises due diligence activities for business partners, personnel training programs, and risk evaluations to combat the danger of corruption. Annual anti-corruption training is required for Essity workers who have frequent interaction with external stakeholders.

All of our other business partners are required to adhere to the same values outlined in the company’s Code of Conduct.

Monitoring and compliance

To guarantee compliance, systematic actions such as audits and other monitoring processes are carried out.

Compliance with the Code of Conduct is ensured for Essity’s own and totally owned manufacturing facilities by SA8000 audits undertaken by the Internal Audit unit. The most extensively used format in the world for social and ethical audits is SMETA, the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange’s (Sedex) social auditing methodology. Essity’s own and totally owned production facilities that have completed self-assessments in Sedex are available to Sedex clients.

We use a methodical methodology to guarantee that our worldwide suppliers follow our Supplier Code of Conduct. Essity requires its suppliers to utilize Sedex to complete self-assessments on working conditions, the environment, business ethics, and health and safety. Audits at suppliers’ facilities are used to check compliance and identify and resolve any social and ethical concerns in line with the OECD’s guiding principles for Multinational Enterprises and the UN Global Compact.

Collaboration for better global health and well-being

Collaboration with groups that share our desire to enhance global cleanliness, health, and equality can have a greater effect. We participate in initiatives where we can make the most difference, and they must be politically and religiously autonomous, according to Essity’s Community Relations Instruction. Essity will have financed around SEK 37 million in over 400 initiatives by 2022. For example, over the year, we worked closely and effectively with UNHCR to assist people in Ukraine.

We collaborate with partners to collect and exchange knowledge and insights. The goal is to develop answers to global social concerns and to promote global change, such as enhancing cleanliness and health standards, therefore improving the well-being of millions throughout the world, using our diverse viewpoints, knowledge, and resources. We work with key partners such as the United Nations Foundation to share expertise and raise awareness about what is required to accomplish the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our efforts in increasing awareness of stigmas and shattering taboos connected to cleanliness and health are examples of how Essity may play a vital role in society and engage in the worldwide public discourse on hygiene, health, and well-being concerns.

Essity has been a significant partner in the “Global Handwashing Partnership” for many years. We also support the “Hand hygiene for all” program in Mexico, which aims to ensure access to hand hygiene goods and services in nations and locations where awareness of and access to appropriate hygiene and handwashing solutions is restricted. We are addressing the rights of children and young people in connection to health, education, and gender equality in Mexico through our cooperation with UNICEF, with an emphasis on hand cleanliness and menstruation.

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