Product safety

SCA follows strict requirements and procedures to ensure that all materials in the company’s products are safe for consumers, employees and the environment. SCA has a global product safety position in place for all products to ensure that they are safe for their intended purpose. SCA’s Global Supplier Standard (GSS) includes responsible business operations, quality, product safety, environmental and social requirements, and SCA works closely with its suppliers to ensure that its high standards are met.

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on issues related to product safety, a trend that continued in 2015. After a debate concerning chemicals in feminine hygiene products, SCA made the composition in its products public.

The food industry is an influential customer for SCA’s kraftliner business (packaging papers) and imposes stringent requirements on product safety. SCA ensures that all fibers in its packaging materials meet these requirements, regardless of whether they are fresh or recovered fibers.

The chemicals used in the production process are managed under strict controls, and potential exposure to employees, customers and the environment is evaluated. Only chemicals that meet SCA’s stringent safety requirements are chosen.

The regulations most relevant to SCA concern product safety, medical devices, materials for food contact, chemical substances, cosmetics, biocide products and electronics. SCA monitors the development of all relevant regulations and ensures the environmental and human safety of all its products.

Animal testing

SCA has a restrictive view on the use of animal testing and is committed to reducing animal testing to the very minimum. SCA does not test its products or materials on animals unless required by law, which for SCA is relevant in Brazil and China. SCA actively supports development of alternative testing methods and is an industry partner of the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal testing (EPAA).

Palm oil

SCA’s tissue, baby, feminine and incontinence care products do not intentionally contain palm oil or palm oil derivatives. A small share of the Group’s products, such as wet wipes and cosmetic products such as soaps, lotion or creams, may contain palm oil or palm oil derivatives.

SCA frequently reviews its product portfolio and its supply chain in relation to palm oil usage. The company is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and actively supports the development of sustainability criteria. SCA plants and suppliers that use palm oil and/or palm oil derivatives are requested to achieve RSPO certification. SCA strives to have only certified palm oil and palm oil derivatives in its supply chain.

In 2015, 86% of the palm oil used in SCA’s cosmetic products, such as soap and cream, was certified.

GMO

SCA recognizes the existing long-term uncertainties regarding environmental and health risks in relation to the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and takes a precautionary approach to using materials derived from GMOs.

SCA actively monitors ongoing research and an alternative GMO-free material should always be considered.

SCA does not use GMOs in its forest management practices and does not use wood fibers derived from GMO trees. SCA’s forest land is FSC® certified, and the Forest Stewardship Council Standards do not currently permit use of GMOs in forestry.

SCA uses recycled fiber in its cotton products and it could potentially contain GMOs. SCA is redirecting its cotton sourcing to Turkey where GMO cotton is not permitted. At year-end 2015, 70% of SCA’s cotton usage was sourced from Turkey.

Triclosan

Triclosan is commonly and globally used as an antibacterial ingredient or preservative in many consumer products such as soaps, detergents, toothpaste and medical devices. It is a chlorinated organic compound and has been safely and effectively used for over 30 years.

In recent years, questions have been raised concerning the potential environmental impact of Triclosan and whether there is a relationship between Triclosan and the development of bacterial resistance. To address customer and consumer concerns, together with our commitment to support safe and environmentally sound products, SCA has decided to not include Triclosan in any new products and has phased out Triclosan in all SCA products. Some SCA joint ventures use Triclosan in a small number of products.