Essity’s net sales decreased 4.1% in the first quarter of 2024 compared with the corresponding period a year ago and amounted to SEK 34.85 billion ($3.18 billion). Sales growth decreased 4%. Volumes were lower, mainly related to restructuring in Professional Hygiene and exited contracts with insufficient profitability in Incontinence Products Health Care. Excluding these, volumes increased 0.6%. All categories in Consumer Goods reported higher volumes and the underlying volume growth in Professional Hygiene and Health & Medical was positive. Sales prices were lower, primarily in Consumer Tissue and Professional Hygiene. Health & Medical reported higher prices. Compared to quarter 4 2023, sales prices were stable for the Group. Health & Medical and Professional Hygiene contributed to a positive mix for the Group. In emerging markets, which accounted for 26% of net sales, organic growth was positive, mainly driven by Latin America.

In Consumer Goods, net sales decreased organically by 4.8%, primarily as a result of lower prices in Consumer Tissue. Volumes increased for all categories and in particular for Incontinence Products Retail, where prices were also higher. The mix was slightly negative in Consumer Tissue. In Europe, organic growth decreased which was mainly related to Consumer Tissue. Conversely, Feminine Care and Incontinence Products Retail reported high organic growth with both increased volumes and prices. Growth was also positive for Baby Care, driven by volume. In Latin America, Incontinence Products Retail reported high growth.

In the Professional Hygiene segment, net sales decreased organically by 6.9%, primarily as a result of lower volumes due to restructuring in North America and Europe. Excluding the effect of this, volume growth was 0.9%. A higher share of premium products contributed to a positive mix, while sales prices were lower. In Latin America, growth was high, driven by higher prices and a better mix.

In the Health & Medical segment, net sales increased organically 2.6%, driven by higher prices and an improved product mix. Prices increased for both Incontinence Products Health Care and Medical Solutions. The favorable product mix was largely related to increased sales of pants in Incontinence Products Health Care. Volumes were lower, primarily due to the earlier decision to exit contracts with insufficient profitability in Incontinence Products Health Care. Excluding the effect of these, volumes increased for Health & Medical by 0.2%. The organic growth was mainly attributable to Europe. Latin America and Asia also reported high organic growth.