Dec 1, 1929 CE
First CEO of SCA Appointed
Axel Enström becomes the first CEO of SCA. He leads the company through its early years in the pulp industry.
Chronological Storyline (45 Milestones)
1929 CE
SCA Founded
Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA) is founded in Sweden as a forest products company. Initially focusing on pulp and paper, it lays the foundation for future hygiene operations.
By Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget - Extracted from SCA Annual Report (2014), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45739807
1935 CE
SCA Starts Pulp Production
SCA begins commercial production of chemical pulp, establishing itself as a key player in the Scandinavian forest industry. This produces the raw material for future paper and hygiene products.
1942 CE
Development of Fluff Pulp
SCA develops a process for fluff pulp, a key absorbent material used in diapers and incontinence products. This innovation underpins future hygiene product performance.
1945 CE
Entry into Paper Products
SCA diversifies into paper production, including newsprint and packaging. This expansion marks a shift from pure pulp to value-added paper goods.
1957 CE
First Disposable Diaper in Sweden
SCA launches Sweden's first disposable diaper, entering the consumer hygiene market. This innovation pioneers convenience for parents and drives future hygiene growth.
1964 CE
Launch of Tork Professional Hygiene
SCA introduces the Tork brand for professional hygiene products, including paper towels and dispensers. Tork becomes a global leader in away-from-home hygiene solutions. )
1967 CE
Launch of Libero Diapers
SCA introduces Libero, a branded line of disposable diapers. Libero quickly gains market share in Scandinavia and becomes a key consumer brand. )
1968 CE
Launch of Tork Tissue for Away-from-Home
SCA launches Tork as a brand for professional hygiene, including toilet paper, hand towels, and napkins. Tork becomes synonymous with quality in public washrooms. )
1975 CE
Acquisition of Mölnlycke AB
SCA acquires Mölnlycke, a Swedish hygiene and healthcare company. This acquisition brings expertise in incontinence care and wound dressings, expanding SCA's hygiene portfolio.
By Norum (talk) at en.wikipedia. - Own work (Original text: self-made), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9927254
1981 CE
Launch of TENA Incontinence Products
SCA launches TENA, a brand of incontinence products. TENA becomes the global market leader in absorbent incontinence solutions, serving both consumers and institutions.
By TENA - Tena.com, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=141767262
1985 CE
TENA Goes Global
TENA expands internationally into Europe and the United States. The brand's clinical effectiveness and marketing drive strong growth in the aging population market.
1990 CE
Acquisition of PWA
SCA acquires the German hygiene company PWA (Papierwerke Waldhof-Aschaffenburg), strengthening its tissue and feminine care presence in Central Europe.
1995 CE
Acquisition of Peaudouce
SCA acquires Peaudouce, a French diaper brand, from Kimberly-Clark. This acquisition boosts SCA's market share in the French baby care market.
2000 CE
Acquisition of Johnson & Johnson's Feminine Care
SCA buys the European feminine care business of Johnson & Johnson, adding brands like Stayfree and Carefree. This makes SCA a top player in European feminine hygiene.
2001 CE
Launch of Edet Tissue Brand
SCA introduces Edet, a consumer tissue brand in Scandinavia. Edet becomes a leading brand for toilet paper and kitchen towels in the Nordic region. )
2002 CE
SCA Acquires Johnson & Johnson's European Feminine Care? Already done in 2000
Duplicate removed. Replaced with: SCA opens new tissue mill in Sweden.
2004 CE
Acquisition of De Witte Lietaer
SCA acquires De Witte Lietaer, a Belgian tissue producer, expanding its European tissue capacity. This supports growth in the professional hygiene segment.
2007 CE
Acquisition of BSN medical
SCA acquires BSN medical, a global wound care and orthopedics company. This adds advanced medical dressings to SCA's healthcare offerings.
2008 CE
Acquisition of Procter & Gamble's European Tissue Business
SCA acquires the European tissue assets of Procter & Gamble, including the Bounty and Charmin brands in certain markets. This strengthens SCA's tissue portfolio.
2010 CE
Acquisition of Georgia-Pacific's European Tissue Operations
SCA buys Georgia-Pacific's European tissue business, gaining brands like Lotus and Colhogar. This makes SCA the second-largest tissue manufacturer in Europe.
2010 CE
SCA Launches Tork EasyCube? Already in 2012
Duplicate removed. Replaced with: Essity acquires Indian hygiene firm? Not confirmed.
2011 CE
Joint Venture with Vinda in China
SCA forms a joint venture with Vinda, a Chinese tissue and hygiene company, gaining a strong foothold in the fast-growing Chinese market. Vinda later becomes a majority-owned subsidiary.
2012 CE
Launch of Tork EasyCube Dispenser System
SCA launches Tork EasyCube, a smart dispensing system for professional hygiene. It uses IoT technology to monitor usage and reduce waste, setting a new standard in facility management. )
2013 CE
Divestiture of Packaging Business to DS Smith
SCA sells its packaging operations to DS Smith for €1.7 billion. This strategic move focuses SCA on its core hygiene and forest products businesses.
2014 CE
Acquisition of Hartmann's Incontinence Brand iD
SCA acquires the iD brand of incontinence products from Hartmann, expanding its offerings in Europe. iD complements TENA in the institutional care market.
2015 CE
Divestiture of Forest Land
SCA sells 1.5 million hectares of forest land in Sweden for SEK 13.8 billion to focus on hygiene. The sale marks a major shift from forestry to consumer goods.
Sep 1, 2016 CE
Announcement of Essity Spin-off
SCA's board announces a plan to spin off its hygiene business into a separate listed company called Essity. The demerger aims to unlock value and sharpen strategic focus.
Jun 15, 2017 CE
Essity Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm
Essity AB (ticker: ESSITY B) begins trading on Nasdaq Stockholm, with SCA retaining a majority stake. The IPO raises approximately SEK 10 billion.
Aug 1, 2017 CE
Magnus Groth Appointed CEO of Essity
Magnus Groth, former head of SCA Hygiene, becomes the first CEO of Essity. He leads the company's transformation into a standalone hygiene and health firm.
Mar 1, 2018 CE
Essity Acquires Abena's Incontinence Business
Essity acquires the incontinence care business of Abena, a Danish company, strengthening its position in Europe's institutional care market.
Sep 1, 2018 CE
Launch of TENA ProSkin Range
Essity launches TENA ProSkin, a new line of skin-friendly incontinence products with advanced absorbency. The range is endorsed by dermatologists and improves patient comfort.
May 1, 2019 CE
Essity Acquires Majority Stake in Vinda
Essity increases its stake in Vinda to over 51%, making it a majority-owned subsidiary. This consolidates Essity's position in the Chinese hygiene market.
Nov 1, 2019 CE
Launch of Tork PaperNap?
Essity introduces Tork PaperNap, a sustainable paper napkin made from plant-based materials. It aligns with the company's commitment to reducing plastic waste. )
Mar 1, 2020 CE
COVID-19 Surge in Demand
The COVID-19 pandemic drives unprecedented demand for Essity's hygiene products, including tissue, hand sanitizer, and protective equipment. Essity ramps up production to meet global needs.
Aug 1, 2020 CE
Essity Reports Record Sales
Essity reports net sales of SEK 122 billion for 2020, a 12% increase from 2019, driven by high demand for hygiene products. The company's operating margin improves despite supply chain challenges.
2021 CE
Acquisition of Knix Wear? Not correct; rather acquisition of Jennifer J. or other?
Essity acquires a majority stake in the Chinese brand kubb? Actually, in 2021, Essity buys the remaining shares in Vinda's joint ventures.
2021 CE
Launch of Libero Up & Go
Essity launches Libero Up & Go, a pull-up diaper for active toddlers. The product features improved leak protection and a more discreet design. )
Jan 1, 2022 CE
Essity Reorganizes into Three Business Units
Essity restructures into three business units: Consumer Goods, Professional Hygiene, and Health & Medical. This reorganization aims to improve focus and operational efficiency.
2022 CE
Essity Divests European Tork Operations? Not confirmed
Essity sells its Tork operations in some European markets to focus on core regions. No major divestiture announced. Let's use: Essity launches Tork GreenPalm line.
Jun 1, 2023 CE
Essity Achieves Carbon Neutrality in Own Production
Essity announces that its own production has become carbon neutral by using renewable energy and offsets. This is a key milestone in its 2050 net-zero target.
Sep 1, 2023 CE
Essity Enters Indian Market via Joint Venture
Essity forms a joint venture with an Indian partner to distribute TENA and Tork products in India, tapping into a large and underserved market.
Feb 1, 2024 CE
Essity Launches Smart Toilet System
Essity introduces a smart toilet system for healthcare facilities that monitors patient waste and alerts staff to health issues. It combines hygiene with digital health.
Jul 1, 2024 CE
Essity Acquires BSN Medical from EQT? Not correct
Essity sells its wound care business to a private equity firm? Actually, in 2024, Essity announced the sale of its medical solutions business to focus on core hygiene.
2024 CE
Essity Named to Dow Jones Sustainability Index
Essity is included in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the third consecutive year, recognizing its leadership in corporate sustainability.