Suzano and Kimberly-Clark partner to launch new USD 3.4B tissue company

NETHERLANDS – Suzano and Kimberly-Clark have launched Arbex, a new independent global tissue and hygiene company that has begun operations with a broad portfolio of trusted consumer and professional brands and a footprint in more than 70 markets across five continents. 

Formed as a USD 3.4 billion joint venture between Suzano, the world’s largest pulp supplier, and Kimberly-Clark, a global leader in consumer goods and personal care, Arbex will manufacture, market and distribute products across the world while combining Suzano’s industrial scale with Kimberly-Clark’s brand and market expertise. 

The company has assumed ownership of assets previously managed by Kimberly-Clark’s International Family Care & Professional business, including 22 manufacturing sites in 14 countries, and it carries a portfolio of more than 40 regional brands such as Andrex, Hakle and Scottex, alongside long-term rights to global brands including Kleenex, Cottonelle, Scott, WypAll, Viva and Kimberly-Clark Professional.

The company said its portfolio includes household and professional products sold in more than 70 countries, with brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle, WypAll, Andrex and Viva forming part of its offering. 

Arbex described itself as a global tissue and hygiene business built to combine local market insight with global scale across 22 manufacturing facilities in 14 countries on five continents.

Suzano holds a 51% stake in Arbex, while Kimberly-Clark owns the remaining 49%. 

The transaction was first announced in 2025 and was expected to close in mid-2026, with the launch now confirming the venture’s move into independent global operations.

Arbex leadership lineup

Ehab Abou-Oaf, who previously led Kimberly-Clark’s International Family Care & Professional business, has taken over as chief executive officer and will be based in London with most of the global leadership team. 

Luís Renato Bueno, formerly executive vice president of Suzano’s consumer goods business, is chief operating officer, while Oscar Mousinho, who had been global chief financial officer of Mars’ Pet Nutrition business, is chief financial officer. 

Walter Schalka, Suzano’s former chief executive officer, will chair the board of directors.

The wider senior leadership team includes Caroline Carpenedo as chief people, sustainability, communications and corporate brand officer; Chris Burniston as chief legal counsel; Andrew Behles as chief of strategy and transformation officer; Fiona Emmett as chief growth officer; Pablo Cadaval as chief technology officer for supply chain and R&D; Dan Howell as president, Europe; Rez Hassan as president, Asia; Marina Negrisoli as president, Latin America; and Mark Taylor as president, UK and Ireland.

The company said the structure brings together talent, operational experience and regional leadership to support growth across key markets.

Abou-Oaf said Arbex combines a distinguished heritage, trusted brands and a strong foundation from its parent companies, adding that the business is entering its next phase from a position of strength in a fast-changing global environment.

He said the immediate priority is to ensure a smooth transition for colleagues, customers and consumers worldwide, while continuing to earn household trust and deliver quality, sustainability and value.

Bueno said Arbex brings together world-class talent and brands that already hold significant market share in more than 70 countries, giving the company a strong launch platform and room for accelerated growth.

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