Celebrating 70 years of the Kawerau Mill

To commemorate seven decades of operation, Tork is bringing to life our story and connection to the local area through limited edition packaging. Created by local Māori artist, Sarah Hudson (Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe and Ngāti Pūkeko), the Whakatupu leaf and Korohū Mutunga Kore designs symbolise connection to land and transformation. From humble beginnings, to employing over 200 locals today, we’re proud to celebrate our connection to the community.

Kawerau staff standing next to reels of paper.

Supporting the local community since 1955

For over 70 years, the Kawerau site has supported the local economy. Today, we employ more than 200 workers and engage on the support of other businesses and contractors in the region.

The evolving Mill and its rejuvenated surroundings demonstrate our commitment to the local community through investments in production capabilities and the renewal of the local Tarawera river land.

In 2010 Essity decommissioned natural gas steam boilers and began using geothermal steam through a partnership with local Iwi and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets.

Two workers sitting on a bench looking out at the Tarrawera River.

Explore our 70-year journey in Kawerau

For 70 years, the Kawerau Paper Mill has been the heart of the community, providing jobs and supporting families, and driving local economic growth.

At Essity, we are dedicated to enhancing health and hygiene while responsibly managing our environmental resources. Kawerau reflects our commitment to harnessing cleaner energy, sustainability and innovation.

Explore our journey and the proud history of the Kawerau Paper Mill in this timeline.

1955 - Caxton Paper Mills Established

In 1955, the Caxton Paper Mills company established a mill to process timber from maturing stands of Radiata Pine. Pulping operations commenced.

Paper Machine One (PM1) Roars to Life

The Kawerau Mill’s first paper machine started production, making the mill’s first paper reels.

1965 - Launch of Paper Machine Two (PM2)

1965 marked the beginning of a new chapter with the launch of our second paper machine. PM2 expanded our production capabilities and paved the way for future growth.

1974 - Paper Machine Three (PM3) Powers Up

The third paper machine started running in 1974. Originally designed to produce a range of paper grades including carbon copy paper and fruit wrap.

1988 - Site Acquired by Carter Holt Harvey

Carter Holt Harvey successfully acquired the business.

2000 - Tork Converting Factory Commissioned

The business achieved a significant milestone with the commissioning of the Tork Converting Factory in 2000.

2004 Acquired by SCA of Sweden

The company was acquired by Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget (SCA), a Swedish timber, pulp and paper manufacturer.

2010 - Embracing Geothermal Steam

In 2010, steam made in gas-fired boilers was replaced with naturally occurring geothermal steam purchased from the local Iwi, reducing site carbon emissions.

2013 - Modernisation of Tissue Converting for Tork, Purex, Sorbent and Handee

State of the art equipment and a new converting hall were installed to deliver improvements in quality and productivity.

2014 - Asaleo Care launches

SCA Australasia becomes Asaleo Care and is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

2019 - New Tork Converting Line

The new Tork Converting line launches, further demonstrating our commitment to innovation in quality and productivity.

2021 - Giving Plastic a Second Life

Giving Plastic a Second Life

In 2021 we began using 20% recycled

plastic in our packaging.

Essity acquires Asaleo Care

Essity acquires Asaleo Care, signaling a new period of growth and expansion for the Australia and New Zealand businesses.

2024 - Paper Machine Three (PM3) Geothermal Rebuild

$20 million investment was made to upgrade Paper Machine Three (PM3). The upgrade replaced 100% of the natural gas with renewable geothermal steam. The modernisation of various components enhanced the overall product quality, improving both sustainability and performance.

Geothermal Steam Powered Production

The Kawerau Mill has been utilising geothermal energy since 2010, reflecting our strategic commitment to sustainability.

This commitment is further exemplified by the 2024 rebuilding of one of the Kawerau paper machines, which became the world's first tissue machine with full geothermal steam drying. This innovation reduced site carbon emissions by 25%¹, supporting Essity's vision of net-zero emissions by 2050.

By 2025, Kawerau emissions will be 66% lower than in 2009, marking a significant step toward environmental sustainability.²

Having an impact today

66% lower emissions in 2025 compared to 2009²

Our transition from natural gas to geothermal steam is a game-changer in reducing the Kawerau site's carbon footprint. This shift helps reduce the carbon footprint of the products our customers use.

Packaging made from recycled materials

In 2023, we pioneered the use of 20% recycled plastic packaging with some of our conventional toilet paper products, reducing the demand for virgin plastic and promoting a circular economy. In 2025, we will incorporate 30% recycled plastic packaging in a large range of Tork products.

The world's first paper machine to use geothermal steam to dry paper

Our unique location has enabled us to innovate new production methods using Geothermal steam. Making Essity the only manufacturer globally to commercialise this technique.

Leading the way in sustainable paper production

We are the first in our industry to adopt a No-Deforestation, No-Peat, No-Exploitation (NDPE) policy consistent with the palm oil industry.

Honouring our heritage

To celebrate 70 years of the Kawerau Mill, local Indigenous artist Sarah Hudson was commissioned to bring to life the area's rich heritage and connection to the land.

Sarah is a renowned Indigenous artist, researcher, and mother. Her bold and vibrant designs incorporate Indigenous iconography.

These designs are featured on the Tork T4 conventional Toilet Paper and Tork H2 Xpress Multifold hand towel.

The Whakatupu leaf design symbolises growth, the flourishing of life and the connection to the natural world.

The Korohū Mutunga Kore design adapts the Takarangi spiral form. It represents the seen and unseen during the transformation of geothermal energy into power.

About Sarah Hudson

Sarah Hudson is an artist and researcher of Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, and Ngāti Pūkeko descent. Her artistic practice is deeply connected to her ancestral lands and is conceptually grounded in her relationships with people and place.

Based in Whakatāne, Sarah is a member of the highly acclaimed Mataaho Collective. She has widely exhibited her work through her solo practice, which explores themes of tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty), play, whenua (land), reciprocity, and relationships across various mediums, including painting, performance, video, and sculpture.

Sarah completed her Master's in Fine Arts with distinction from Massey University in Wellington in 2010. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Kauae Raro Research Collective, an organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Māori paint-making technologies. Recently, Sarah was announced as a selected artist for the Naoshima Artist in Residence program and the Setouchi Triennale 2025.

Reducing our impact on the planet

Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time, with far-reaching global effects. Addressing it is urgent for the global economy and the well-being of people and society. Essity is committed to becoming net zero by 2050, aligned with our mission to improve the well-being of all. We are evolving our offerings and business accordingly, with a near-term science-based emissions target set for 2030.

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References

¹Projected 25% emissions reduction as a result of switching to geothermal steam from natural gas for Kawerau Paper Machine 3 based on 2025 planned production data and NZ

²Tork Kawerau scope 1 & 2 emissions reduction between 2009 actual and 2025 projected emissions data

Celebrating 70 years of the Kawerau Mill