Attindas Acquires Italy's SILC in Major European Hygiene Market Push

RALEIGH, NC – January 09, 2026 – Attindas Hygiene Partners, a global manufacturer of absorbent hygiene products, today announced a significant expansion of its European operations with the acquisition of Societá Italiana Lavorazione Cellulosa (SILC S.p.A.). The deal sees the Raleigh-based company acquire all shares of the 53-year-old, family-owned Italian firm, marking a pivotal step in its international growth strategy.

SILC, a prominent producer of high-quality absorbent hygiene and skin care products, operates from a key manufacturing facility in Trescore Cremasco, just southeast of Milan. The acquisition is poised to fortify Attindas' position across the continent, blending its existing strength in northern and southern Europe with SILC's established customer base and diverse product portfolio.

“Our strategy at Attindas focuses on meeting the growing demand for essential hygiene products in North America and Europe. The acquisition of SILC will allow us to accelerate our growth agenda,” said Esther Berrozpe, chief executive officer of Attindas. “Given the geography, markets served, reputation and core values, SILC is a perfect fit to help us achieve our growth ambition.”

A Strategic Fit in a Growing Market

The timing of the acquisition aligns with powerful demographic and consumer trends shaping the European hygiene sector. The continent's aging population is a primary driver for the adult incontinence market, which was valued at over USD 4.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to surge past USD 8 billion by 2031. With more than one in five Europeans aged 65 or older, the demand for discreet, comfortable, and effective incontinence solutions is steadily increasing. Italy, SILC's home market, is anticipated to see some of the highest growth in this segment in the coming years.

Beyond adult care, the European baby diaper market remains robust, with analysts projecting it to exceed USD 21 billion by 2030. A key trend driving this market is a pronounced consumer shift toward sustainability, with a rising demand for eco-friendly, biodegradable, and plant-based diaper options. Similarly, the European feminine hygiene market, valued at over USD 6.2 billion in 2023, is experiencing strong growth fueled by a demand for organic and natural products.

SILC's product lineup directly addresses these burgeoning markets. The company manufactures a wide array of goods, including adult incontinence products, baby diapers, feminine hygiene pads, and personal care cosmetics. This portfolio not only complements Attindas' own well-known brands like Attends and Comfees but also diversifies its offerings, positioning the combined entity to capitalize on multiple growth avenues. The deal provides Attindas with SILC's established brands, such as Soffisof and Laurella, along with a significant private-label business that is crucial for competing in the European retail landscape.

Integrating a Half-Century Italian Legacy

The acquisition marks the end of an era for SILC as an independent, family-owned enterprise. Founded in 1972, the company has grown into a significant regional player with deep roots in its community. In 2024, SILC reported revenues of €96.23 million and employed over 300 people at its Trescore Cremasco facility. The integration of this half-century-old Italian business into a large American-based global entity represents a major cultural and operational transition.

Attindas has signaled its intent to manage this transition smoothly. Company officials stated that SILC’s customers, suppliers, and business partners will “continue to experience business as usual” as the company is integrated over the next few months. This approach suggests a strategy focused on preserving the operational continuity and brand equity that made SILC an attractive target. The manufacturing plant near Milan is a critical asset, providing Attindas with a strategic production and distribution hub in Southern Europe, enhancing its ability to serve the continent and various export markets efficiently.

For the workforce and the local community in Trescore Cremasco, the promise of operational stability is a welcome sign. The future of SILC's brands under the new ownership will be closely watched, but Attindas' history of managing a diverse portfolio of brands suggests they will likely leverage the strong regional recognition of names like Soffisof to maintain and grow market share.

Reshaping Europe's Competitive Landscape

This transaction is more than a simple acquisition; it is a strategic maneuver in the highly competitive European hygiene market. The sector is dominated by global giants such as Essity (owner of the TENA brand), Procter & Gamble, and Kimberly-Clark, who collectively hold a commanding market share. By absorbing SILC, Attindas bolsters its scale and strengthens its competitive posture against these industry leaders.

The deal also reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the consumer goods industry, where scale, supply chain efficiency, and a diverse brand portfolio are essential for success. The European market is particularly complex due to the high penetration of private-label products, which account for over 40% of the market in some Western European nations. SILC's expertise in both branded and private-label manufacturing provides Attindas with the flexibility needed to compete across different price points and retail channels, from pharmacies and hospitals to large supermarket chains.

The combined entity will be better equipped to invest in the innovation required to meet evolving consumer demands, particularly concerning sustainability. As consumers increasingly favor products with certified eco-labels and transparent, health-focused material compositions, larger, well-capitalized companies are better positioned to fund the necessary research and development. This acquisition enhances Attindas' capacity to innovate and deliver the next generation of absorbent hygiene products to an increasingly discerning European consumer base.