2012-3-23   Source: WBCSD

Geneva, March 14, 2012– SCA - one of the world´s largest hygiene products companies, Europe´s largest forest owner and a recognized leader in sustainable business operations - has joined the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Peter Bakker, President, WBCSD, said: “I have been impressed by the great strides SCA has taken in putting sustainable operations at the center of its business strategy, and the recognition it has received internationally through awards and ratings. I am delighted that this leading, progressive company has joined our membership, and I very much look forward to working with SCA.”

SCA will be a core member of the WBCSD’s Forest Solutions working group which is concerned with helping ensure current and future needs for wood, paper and other bio-based products, as well as ecosystem services, are met. It also aims to find ways to help sustain local livelihoods and support global approaches to climate mitigation and adaptation.

Kersti Strandqvist, Senior Vice President Corporate Sustainability, SCA, said: “Sustainability and innovation are strongly intertwined, and sustainable innovations are essential if we are to surpass customer and consumer expectations. In order for us to further emphasize the importance of this area, we have decided to join the WBCSD. Sustainability activities are business-critical for SCA.”

SCA is a Sweden-based, global hygiene and paper company that develops and produces personal care products, tissue, packaging solutions, publication papers and solid-wood products. SCA is Europe´s largest private forest owner with 2.6 million hectares of forest land. Sales are conducted in some 100 countries with Germany, US and the UK being the largest markets. SCA has many well-known brands, including the global brands TENA and Tork. Sales in 2011 amounted to SEK 106 billion (EUR 11.7 billion) of which the bulk is related to the hygiene business. SCA has approximately 44,000 employees.