Essity’s net sales decreased 2.2% in the third quarter of 2024 compared with the corresponding period a year ago and amounted to SEK 36.3 billion ($3.4 billion).

Organic sales growth increased by 1.9%. Excluding restructuring in Professional Hygiene, growth for the Group increased 3.4%. Volume growth was good. All categories in Consumer Goods and Health & Medical reported higher volumes and the underlying volume growth in Professional Hygiene was positive. Professional Hygiene and Health & Medical contributed to a positive mix. Sales prices were lower, mainly related to price reductions in Consumer Tissue in 2023. Compared with the second quarter of 2024, sales prices increased. Organic growth in emerging markets, which accounted for 25% of net sales, was high.

In the Health & Medical segment, net sales increased organically 2.8% to SEK 7.1 billion ($671 million). Volume growth was good, prices developed positively and the product mix was favorable. In Incontinence Products Health Care, organic growth was favorable in Europe with higher demand in several countries. Growth was also favorable in North America and Latin America. Both volumes and prices were higher. The positive product mix was largely related to increased sales of TENA Pants. In Medical Solutions, organic growth was particularly high in Europe and Latin America. Sales of wound care products continued to show a strong trend. Volume growth remained high and prices were higher.

In Consumer Goods, net sales increased organically by 3% to SEK 19.4 billion ($1.8 billion), primarily driven by higher volumes in all categories. Sales prices were slightly lower. Incontinence Products Retail reported high organic growth, mainly due to higher volumes in both Europe and Latin America. Feminine Care also showed strong volume development in both regions, combined with higher sales prices. Baby Care reported slightly positive organic growth, driven by volume. In Consumer Tissue, volumes increased while the sales price was lower compared with the preceding year, mainly related to price reductions in 2023. Compared with the second quarter of 2024, sales prices increased.

In Professional Hygiene, net sales decreased organically 0.8% to SEK 9.7 billion ($917 million), primarily as a result of lower volumes due to restructuring in North America and Europe. Excluding the effect of this, growth was 4.7%. Sales prices were higher and the product mix was positive. The proportion of premium products, which are characterized by high margins and customer loyalty, increased. In Latin America, organic growth was high driven by higher volumes and higher sales prices.