Essity Signs New Healthcare Contract with US-based Non-Acute Supply Chain Partner Provista

Essity, formerly SCA, a global hygiene leader that produces the Tork brand of professional hygiene products, has been awarded a contract with Provista.

Effective July 1, the new contract expands Essity's presence in the healthcare industry, connecting the company's innovative products with a new segment of customers. Provista is the leading non-acute supply chain partner with extensive product coverage and more than $100 billion in purchasing power. This contract allows Provista distributors and customers to take advantage of special pricing and terms for Essity's Tork brand of paper towels, tissues, napkins and dispensers.

"This exciting opportunity with Provista expands and enhances our customer relationships with increased access to Tork products," said Matthew Urmanski, vice president, Key Accounts North America for Essity's Professional Hygiene business. "Provista has wide-ranging distribution that ensures our products and services are now available to a vast network of healthcare facilities."

Healthcare is one of the largest and most sustainable areas of growth for Tork's AfH business in North America. Essity ensures that its healthcare offering meets rigorous standards for quality, hygiene and environmental considerations. This includes third party certifications by Green Seal and ECOLOGO, the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI), as well as the Forest Stewardship Council.

By working alongside Provista, Essity extends its commitment to providing sustainable solutions in healthcare environments throughout the U.S. Through its Tork brand of professional hygiene products, the company has acquired significant knowledge on the challenges and responsibilities of this industry. This can be credited to Essity's long-standing dedication towards helping healthcare facilities work smarter and supporting them through day-to-day critical moments.

Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company that develops, produces and sells personal care (baby care, feminine care, incontinence products and medical solutions), consumer tissue and professional hygiene products and solutions. Its vision is: Dedicated to improving well-being through leading hygiene and health solutions. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under many strong brands, including the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other brands, such as Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, Vinda and Zewa. Essity has about 48,000 employees and net sales in 2016 amounted to approximately $12 billion. The business operations are based on a sustainable business model with focus on value creation for people and nature. The company has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. Essity used to be part of the SCA Group.

The Tork brand offers professional hygiene products and services to customers ranging from restaurants and healthcare facilities to offices, schools and industries. Products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, napkins, and industrial and kitchen wipers. Through expertise in hygiene, functional design and sustainability, Tork has become a market leader. Tork is a global brand of Essity, and a committed partner to customers in over 90 countries.

Founded in 1994, Provista is a proven supply chain partner. It offers customers extensive product coverage and billions in purchasing power across a multitude of industries including surgical, extended, diagnostic and preventive care facilities and businesses of all sizes.