Arbex has officially begun operations as an independent company following the completion of the US$3.4 billion joint venture between Suzano and Kimberly-Clark. The new business combines the former International Family Care & Professional (IFP) operations of Kimberly-Clark with Suzano’s industrial expertise, creating one of the world’s largest tissue and hygiene companies.
Headquartered in the Netherlands, with its main operational office in London, Arbex will serve more than 70 markets across five continents. The company operates 22 manufacturing facilities in 14 countries and manages a portfolio of more than 40 regional brands, while also holding long-term licenses for some of the world’s best-known tissue and hygiene brands.
Leading the new company is Ehab Abou-Oaf, formerly President of Kimberly-Clark’s International Family Care & Professional business, who assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer. He is joined by Luís Renato Bueno as Chief Operating Officer, previously Executive Vice President of Suzano’s consumer goods business, while Oscar Mousinho, formerly Global CFO of Mars’ Pet Nutrition business and a long-time Kimberly-Clark executive, becomes Chief Financial Officer. Walter Schalka, who served as Suzano’s CEO for more than a decade until 2024, has been appointed Chairman of Arbex’s Board of Directors.
Commenting on the launch, Ehab Abou-Oaf, CEO of Arbex, said: “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.” He added: “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.”
Chief Operating Officer Luís Renato Bueno highlighted the strategic strengths of the new company: “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.” He continued: “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.”
The launch marks the completion of a transaction first announced in June 2025 and establishes Arbex as a major global player focused exclusively on tissue and hygiene products, with a strategy centered on innovation, sustainability and long-term international growth.
About Arbex
Arbex is a leading global tissue and hygiene business, that is home to some of the world’s most trusted consumer brands. We have 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, the world’s largest pulp supplier, and Kimberly-Clark, a global leader in consumer goods and personal care. We combine local market insight with global scale and expertise, with 22 manufacturing facilities across 14 countries on five continents.
