International News

Introducing Arbex: A New Global Leader in Tissue and Hygiene

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Upon launch, Arbex becomes one of the world’s largest tissue and hygiene businesses, operating across more than 70 markets on five continents, with its headquarters in the Netherlands and an operational office in London.

  • The company will produce and sell leading global and regional brands including Kleenex®, Scott®, Cottonelle®, Andrex®, and Viva®, with 22 manufacturing sites in 14 countries.
  • Ehab Abou-Oaf, previously President of International Family Care & Professional at Kimberly-Clark, will directly transition in as Arbex’s CEO, with the role to be based in the United Kingdom alongside the majority of the global executive team.

Arbex recently commences operations as an independent business and unveils details of its brand, leadership team, and company structure. Announced in June 2025 as a USD3.4 billion joint venture between Suzano and Kimberly-Clark Corporation, the new business will manufacture, market and distribute consumer and professional products across more than 70 markets on five continents.

Arbex has assumed ownership of assets previously run by Kimberly-Clark’s International Family Care & Professional (IFP) business unit, which includes 22 manufacturing sites in 14 countries, and a portfolio of more than 40 regional brands including Andrex®, Hakle®, and Scottex®. The company also holds a long-term license for the use of Kimberly-Clark’s global brands, including Kleenex®, Cottonelle®, Scott®, WypAll®, Viva®, and Kimberly-Clark Professional.

Ehab Abou-Oaf, previously President of Kimberly-Clark’s IFP business, directly transitions in as Chief Executive Officer of Arbex. He will be based in London, alongside the majority of the global leadership team. Luís Bueno, previously Executive Vice President of Suzano’s consumer goods business, becomes Chief Operating Officer. And Oscar Mousinho, a Kimberly-Clark veteran who most recently served as Global CFO of the Pet Nutrition business at Mars, is the incoming Chief Financial Officer. Walter Schalka, who spent over a decade as CEO of Suzano before stepping down in 2024, will chair Arbex’s Board of Directors.

This new company brings together a distinguished heritage, a portfolio of trusted brands, and a compelling vision for the future. Our parent companies have given us a sturdy foundation and a leading market position. In an increasingly dynamic and evolving global landscape, Arbex is embarking on a new journey from a position of strength, and we believe we can shape the future of the tissue and hygiene sector.

Ehab Abou-Oaf, CEO of Arbex

“Our immediate priority is ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for our colleagues, customers and consumers around the world.  Our team will work hard to grow our business, continuing to earn the trust of hundreds of millions of households worldwide who use our products every day, and remaining committed to delivering quality, sustainability and value,” added Ehab Abou-Oaf.

Luís Renato Bueno, Chief Operating Officer of Arbex, said, “Arbex brings together world-class talent with brands that already hold significant market share in over 70 countries around the world. From day one we will be a successful global business, which gives us an exciting launchpad for accelerated growth and an opportunity to build on momentum.

“We are combining the best of Suzano’s industrial and operational expertise, with Kimberly-Clark’s formidable international marketing and brand capabilities – uniting these through shared values of innovation and sustainability. With a pure-play focus on tissue and hygiene products, we believe Arbex has commercial, technical and innovation capabilities that can deliver top-line and bottom-line improvements, helping make us the undisputed global leader in our sector,” commented Luís Renato Bueno.

About Arbex
Arbex is one of the leading global tissue and hygiene businesses, that is home to some of the world’s most trusted consumer brands. It has a portfolio of household and professional products sold in more than 70 countries, including Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle, WypAll, Andrex and Viva.

Arbex is joint venture between Suzano, one of the world’s largest pulp suppliers, and Kimberly-Clark, one of the global leaders in consumer goods and personal care. It combines local market insight with global scale and expertise, with 22 manufacturing facilities across 14 countries on five continents.