SCA is one of the world’s largest companies in personal care products and has a portfolio of incontinence care, baby diapers and feminine care products. All three segments have a high innovation rate and new products are launched continuously. The company’s products are sold under SCA’s own brands, for example, the TENA global brand for incontinence care, or retailers’ brands and are distributed via the retail trade and care institutions in more than 100 countries.
Production and efficiency
SCA manufactures at 27 production plants in 23 countries. Products are distributed via the retail trade, chemists and care institutions in more than 100 countries. Production efficiency is consistently improved by means of modernisation and investments in new and existing facilities. As a result, these efforts enhance the cost structure and strengthen product quality and operational reliability.
During the year, an efficiency programme in SCA’s European baby diaper operations was initiated to strengthen the customer offering and competitiveness. As part of this work, a production facility in France was closed and manufacturing transferred to an existing plant in Poland. In addition, the efficiency of a plant in the Netherlands was enhanced. The manufacture of baby diapers commenced at a new production facility in Russia during the year. Production of incontinence care products will also start at the same plant in 2011.
Innovation and product development
SCA invests considerable resources in its efforts to gain deep insight into consumer and customer needs. This insight forms the basis for the Group’s innovations and product development. The number of launches of new and upgraded products has increased steadily in recent years. The emphasis is on function, fit, design, cost efficiency and sustainable products.
Growth
Several factors suggest the continuation of healthy growth in personal care products, particularly in emerging markets. Growth is driven by innovation, the global population increase, an aging population, higher market penetration and increased disposable incomes. SCA’s target is annual organic growth of 5–7%.
