Essity, a global hygiene and health company with operations in Mexico, has joined PROTEUS, a European flagship project backed by the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), to develop a new generation of bio-based superabsorbents derived from sustainably harvested brown macroalgae.
Superabsorbents are critical components in baby diapers, feminine care and incontinence products, enabling the effective absorption of urine and menstrual blood. These materials are currently produced mainly from fossil-based plastics. Through PROTEUS, Essity is evaluating raw materials derived from Laminaria hyperborea, an underutilized European brown macroalgae, as a renewable alternative for absorbent hygiene and medical products.
The initiative aims to establish the world’s first fully integrated industrial-scale biorefinery dedicated to brown macroalgae. Coordinated by Norway-based Alginor ASA, the project brings toobtainher 11 European organizations to unlock the full potential of Laminaria hyperborea across value chains including personal care, food, animal feed and industrial applications.
Using formaldehyde-free harvesting and extraction technology, PROTEUS seeks to increase biomass utilization from the roughly 15% currently utilized by the indusattempt to nearly the entire algae resource. Operations are supported by a hybrid electric vessel designed to lower emissions and reduce environmental impact during harvesting.
By participating in PROTEUS, Essity advances its strategy to reduce reliance on fossil-based inputs and support the transition to a circular bioeconomy. Although the project is developed in Europe, its implications are global. For Essity Mexico, involvement aligns with its strategy to strengthen sustainable innovation across a portfolio that serves both domestic and international markets.
“Continuous innovation is essential to improve people’s hygiene, health, and well-being, and to contribute to a more sustainable and circular society. We actively collaborate with established suppliers and start-ups to access, develop, and implement innovative and sustainable materials for our current and future products,” states Anke Renz, Vice President of Research and Development, Essity.
ESG Strategy: Education, WASH and Menstrual Health in Mexico
In Mexico, Essity is also advancing its ESG strategy through a six-year partnership with UNICEF under the initiative La higiene es nuestro derecho (Hygiene Is Our Right). The program focutilizes on improving school environments through water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure, menstrual health management and behavior alter communication.
Over six years, more than 220,000 children and adolescents have participated in interventions combining infrastructure, education and social and behavioral alter strategies. Additionally, 500 teachers have been trained on menstrual health topics.
In collaboration with education authorities, 10 schools have implemented WASH infrastructure models adapted to local contexts, featuring safe spaces, climate-resilient infrastructure and gfinisher-sensitive design to promote healthy practices. The program has also supported public policy and strategic frameworks on water, sanitation and hygiene in states including Chihuahua and Chiapas, where WASH working groups coordinated by education authorities have integrated these principles into school development plans.
The partnership has produced 13 technical studies, baselines and sector analyses, as well as educational materials to strengthen menstrual health education. These include facilitator and student manuals on menstrual health; the massive open online course, Beyond Menstruation: A Guide to Menstrual Health; and the radio series, My Moon Days, promoted by Saba and broadcast on more than 23 community and educational radio stations, reaching over 9 million people.
“We believe that health, hygiene and education go hand in hand. Our collaboration with UNICEF in Mexico reflects how joint efforts between the private sector and international organizations can generate deep and sustainable transformations. We will continue promoting school environments where girls and boys learn and grow with dignity,” stated Palmira Camargo, Vice President of Corporate Communications, Essity.
“The collaboration with Essity has been key to continuing to strengthen water, sanitation and hygiene services in schools. Menstrual health and hygiene are part of everyday learning. WASH services in schools are not just infrastructure: they are an enabler of rights. Ensuring safe water, sanitation and hygiene spaces reduces disease, prevents absenteeism and creates safe and inclusive environments where children learn without barriers,” stated Astrid Hollander, Head of Education, UNICEF Mexico.
Leave a Reply