Consumer giant SCA has joined the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and set out a range of new initiatives including both tripling the production of biofuels from its forests and increasing wind power production on its forest land to 5 TWh by 2020.

In addition, it will take many steps to further promote its hygiene knowledge base in a bid to increase access to affordable, sustainable hygiene solutions, especially in emerging countries.

“The middle class is expected to grow by three billion consumers in the next 20 years, primarily in emerging markets,” said Kersti Strandqvist, SCA’s SVP of corporate sustainability. “This represents a major opportunity for us to improve hygiene and health standards for millions of people at the same time as ensuring our commercial success.

“Innovation and sustainability 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 are proud to announce that we have decided to join the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, where global corporations go from words to action on sustainability matters.”

As it continues its expansion in Asia, SCA’s binding offer for Everbeauty, a Taiwanese manufacturer of personal care products with sales in China and Southeast Asia has now been accepted.
Everbeauty produces and markets baby diapers and incontinence care products with strong brands such as Dr P for incontinence care products and Sealer for baby diapers.

Following the signing of the sale and purchase agreement by the parties, the process will continue towards completing the acquisition, which will include seeking the approvals and clearances from relevant authorities in Taiwan. Closing of the deal is expected to take place in the summer of 2012.