# Sorbent to acquire Kenvue's Stayfree and Carefree business in Australia and New Zealand

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/pr-news/sorbent-to-acquire-kenvues-stayfree-and-carefree-business-in-australia-and-new-zealand
- Published: 2026-09-14T10:58:00+07:00
- Author: PR Newswire

MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sorbent Paper Company Pty Ltd("
Sorbent") has signed an agreement with Kenvue’s Singaporean subsidiary to acquire
its Stayfree and Carefree feminine care business in Australia and New Zealand. Following
completion of the transaction, the business in New Zealand will be managed by Sorbent’s
affiliate, Cottonsoft.

The acquisition marks Sorbent and Cottonsoft’s entry into the feminine hygiene category
and represents a further step in their strategy to strengthen their positions in
the consumer tissue category while expanding their portfolios through established
consumer brands in adjacent categories.

Stayfree and Carefree are well-established feminine hygiene brands with strong consumer
recognition and longstanding retail presence across Australia and New Zealand.

Following completion of the transaction, Sorbent and Cottonsoft intend to leverage
their respective local market expertise, customer relationships, commercial capabilities
and integrated supply chain to support the continued development of the Stayfree
and Carefree businesses in Australia and New Zealand.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval in Australia and New Zealand and
other customary closing conditions, as well as the completion of the Kimberly-Clark
and Kenvue transaction. Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

_"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Kenvue to add Stayfree and Carefree
to our growing consumer portfolio in Australia and New Zealand. This acquisition
reflects our focus on investing in established consumer brands with strong local
positions and deep consumer recognition._

_Stayfree and Carefree would be great additions to our heritage brands Sorbent and
Handee in Australia, as well as Paseo, Cottonsoft and KiwiSoft in New Zealand. As
we continue to strengthen our product offering and bring the best of the world to
discerning consumers across ANZ, we will also be able to serve our customers even
more closely through our expanded portfolio."_

– **Nishant Grover, Co-Chair, Investments**

**About Stayfree and Carefree**

Stayfree and Carefree are established feminine hygiene brands serving consumers 
across Australia and New Zealand. Their product portfolios include pantyliners, 
pads and tampons.

Carefree has a long history as a pioneer in the pantyliner category, while Stayfree
is recognised for its range of ultra-thin pads and rapid absorption technology. 
Together, the brands have built strong consumer awareness and longstanding retail
presence in the Australian and New Zealand feminine care markets.

**About Sorbent Paper Company**

Sorbent Paper Company is an Australian consumer tissue business with a heritage 
dating back to 1952. Sorbent manufactures (in Melbourne & Sydney) and distributes
bathroom and facial tissues under the Sorbent brand, while kitchen towels are sold
under the Handee brand. Sorbent Professional and Livi branded products are sold 
to Away From Home customers. Sorbent is focused on building trusted consumer and
professional brands and serving customers across Australia through its local manufacturing,
commercial and distribution capabilities.

**About Cottonsoft**

Cottonsoft is a New Zealand-operated and managed tissue converting company with 
a heritage dating back to 1986. The company manufactures and distributes tissue 
and hygiene products for consumers and businesses across New Zealand, with operations
in Auckland and Christchurch. Cottonsoft’s consumer portfolio includes established
brands such as CottonSofts, Paseo, Tuffy, EarthSmart and KiwiSoft, alongside its
professional and Away From Home product offerings. The company has built longstanding
relationships with customers across the New Zealand retail, wholesale and commercial
markets, supported by local manufacturing and distribution capabilities.

---

  |  This article was produced by Cision PR Newswire, our trusted news partner. The views expressed and the content presented here are solely those of the author and may not fully reflect the opinions of Thailand Business News. |

---

 
**Read the original article :** [Sorbent to acquire Kenvue's Stayfree and Carefree business in Australia and New Zealand ](http://www.prnasia.com/story/archive/5046644_AE46644_0?rand=184833)