Suzano has completed the acquisition of a 51% equity interest in FamPro Tissue Holdings B.V. from Kimberly-Clark, officially launching the new global tissue and hygiene company Arbex.

The joint venture, which began operations on 1 July 2026, marks one of the largest structural changes in the global tissue industry in recent years, combining Suzano’s leadership in pulp production with Kimberly-Clark’s established consumer tissue and professional hygiene business across international markets.

New Global Tissue Platform Begins Operations

First announced in June 2025, the transaction established a US$3.4 billion joint venture between the two companies.

Under the agreement, Arbex assumes ownership of Kimberly-Clark’s former International Family Care & Professional (IFP) business, including 22 manufacturing facilities across 14 countries and operations serving more than 70 markets worldwide.

The new company also acquires a portfolio of more than 40 regional tissue brands, while securing long-term licensing rights for several globally recognized Kimberly-Clark brands, including Kleenex®, Scott®, Cottonelle®, Viva®, WypAll® and Kimberly-Clark Professional.

Leadership Team Combines Experience from Both Companies

Arbex has assembled a leadership team with experience from both parent organizations.

Former Kimberly-Clark International Family Care & Professional President Ehab Abou-Oaf assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer and will lead the business from London.

Former Suzano Executive Vice President of Consumer Goods Luís Bueno has been appointed Chief Operating Officer, while Oscar Mousinho joins as Chief Financial Officer after previously serving in senior finance roles within the consumer goods sector.

Former Suzano Chief Executive Officer Walter Schalka has been named Chairman of Arbex’s Board of Directors.

According to the company, the immediate priority is ensuring a smooth operational transition for employees, customers and supply chain partners as the new organization begins operating independently.

Vertical Integration Strengthens Tissue Value Chain

The formation of Arbex represents a significant example of vertical integration within the global tissue industry.

Suzano is the world’s largest producer of market pulp, while Kimberly-Clark has built a strong international presence in consumer tissue, hygiene and professional products.

By combining upstream pulp production with downstream converting, manufacturing and consumer brands, the joint venture creates an integrated business spanning fibre supply, tissue production and finished consumer products.

Industry analysts have increasingly identified this type of integration as a strategy for improving supply chain resilience, operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness.

Global Tissue Market Continues to Consolidate

The launch of Arbex reflects broader consolidation taking place across the tissue and hygiene products sector.

Manufacturers continue to optimize global production networks, strengthen regional manufacturing capabilities and expand branded product portfolios in response to changing consumer demand and rising sustainability expectations.

The combination of large-scale pulp production, established manufacturing assets and internationally recognized tissue brands positions Arbex as a significant participant in the global tissue market.

Focus on Long-Term Growth

Company executives said the new organization begins operations with an established manufacturing footprint, an extensive brand portfolio and global market access.

As demand for tissue, hygiene and professional wiping products continues to evolve, the joint venture is expected to focus on operational integration, product innovation and sustainable growth across both consumer and professional market segments.

For the global pulp and paper industry, the creation of Arbex highlights the continued strategic importance of combining fibre resources, manufacturing expertise and consumer brands to strengthen competitiveness in the international tissue sector.

Last Updated on 03/07/2026 by Jota Machinery