Brazilian pulp and paper manufacturer Suzano and US company Kimberly-Clark have announced in a joint statement that their new tissue joint venture has started operations on 1 July. It will act as an independent business, headquartered in the Netherlands, under the name of Arbex.The two companies had announced the formation of the $3.4bn joint venture in June 2025.
Arbex is described asone of the world’s largest players in the tissue and hygiene products market. The company was formed by combining Suzano’s business with Kimberly-Clark's International Family Care and Professional (IFP) business. The two companies earlier reported that Suzano would acquire a 51 per cent stake in the new company, while Kimberly-Clark would retain the remaining 49 per cent. Kimberly-Clark's family care and professional business lines in North America were not part of the deal and remained with the company.
Arbex runs 22 production sites in 14 countries which can produce around 1 million t of tissue per year. The portfolio consists of household and professional hygiene products, including more than 40 regional brands such as Andrex, Hakle and Scottex. Arbex also holds a long-term license for the use of Kimberly-Clark's global brands such as Kleenex and Cottonelle, amongst others, the joint statement says. The new company employs approximately 9,000 people and is expected to generate around $3.3bn in annual sales.
Ehab Abou-Oaf becomes CEO of Arbex
The new company will be led by Ehab Abou-Oaf, who previously served as President of Kimberly-Clark's IFP business, the statement says. 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 COO of Arbex, while Oscar Mousinho, most recently Global CFO of the Pet Nutrition business at Mars, was reportedly named CFO. Walter Schalka, who spent over a decade as CEO of Suzano before stepping down in 2024, will chair Arbex’s Board of Directors.
