Essity’s net sales increased 0.4% in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the corresponding period a year ago and amounted to SEK 34.9 billion ($3.6 billion). Organic sales growth increased by 2.1%. All business areas reported positive organic growth. Volumes were higher in Health & Medical and Consumer Goods. However, volumes were lower in Professional Hygiene, mainly due to lower demand in North America. Higher prices in all business areas had a positive impact on growth. The product mix was also favorable with increased sales of premium products in Professional Hygiene. Growth was good in Europe, with positive growth in all business areas. Growth was also positive in Latin America, with high growth in Consumer Goods and Professional Hygiene. Growth was negative in North America.
 
In the Health & Medical segment, net sales of SEK 6.9 billion ($717 million) increased organically by 1.7%. Volumes were higher and prices developed positively. The product mix was stable. Growth was good in both Europe and North America. In Incontinence Products Health Care, volumes were slightly higher while sales prices and the product mix were marginally negative. Organic growth in Medical Solutions was mainly driven by higher volumes combined with increased sales prices. The product mix was stable. Growth was good in all three therapeutic areas (wound care, compression therapy and orthopedics).
 
In the Consumer Goods segment, net sales of SEK 19.3 billion ($2 billion) increased organically 2.9%, driven by higher volumes and sales prices. Growth was good in Europe and high in Latin America. Incontinence Products Retail and Feminine Care reported high organic growth, primarily driven by strong volume growth and also higher sales prices. In Baby Care, volumes were lower and the mix was negatively affected by an increased share of retailer brands. Growth in Consumer Tissue was mainly due to higher sales prices.
 
In the Professional Hygiene segment, net sales of SEK 8.8 billion ($914 million) increased organically by 0.7%, primarily driven by higher sales prices. The product mix also remained favorable with an increased share of premium products. Volumes were lower, negatively affected by lower demand in North America. Growth was good in Europe and high in Latin America.