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Essentra

esnt · LSE Financial Services
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Sector Financial Services
Industry Insurance - Specialty
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2022 Annual Report · Essentra
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Accelerating 
our potential  
as a pure-play 
Components 
business

Annual Report  
& Accounts  
2022

Annual Report & Accounts 2022

We are
Essentra

Our vision 

To be the world’s leading 
responsible hassle-free 
supplier of essential 
industrial components

I am excited to be leading Essentra into 2023, 
the only global Components business to combine 
the expertise and flexibility of a manufacturer  
with the broad range and customer centricity 
of a distributor.”

SCOTT FAWCETT
Chief Executive

Essentra at a glance

Global footprint balancing customer service with operational scale

Hub Warehouse

Manufacturing

Local Sales Centre

13

manufacturing 
sites

24

distribution 
centres

33

sales and service 
locations

c.3,000

employees 
worldwide

80m

parts produced 
per week

1bn

parts in stock

1.8m

order lines per 
year

1
11

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Strategic Report

Essentra at a glance 
Chair’s statement 
Our strategic journey 
Our business model 
Investment case 
Chief Executive’s review 
The Components business journey 
Market trends 
Components Operational review 
Key performance indicators 
Environment, social and governance  
Non-financial key performance indicators 
Stakeholder engagement  
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures 
Financial review 
Alternative Performance Measures 
Risk management report 
Group Executive Committee 

Directors’ Report 

Chair’s Corporate Governance statement 
Board of Directors 
Corporate Governance report 
Sustainability Committee report 
Nomination Committee report 
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee’s letter 
Audit and Risk Committee report 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee’s letter 
Remuneration at a glance 
Annual Report on Remuneration 
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy report 
Other statutory information 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities  
in respect of the Financial Statements 
Independent Assurance Statements to Essentra plc 

Financial Statements

Consolidated Income Statement 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
 Critical Accounting Judgements and Estimates 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Essentra plc Company Balance Sheet 
 Essentra plc Company Statement of Changes  
in Equity 
 Essentra plc Company Notes 
 Independent auditors’ report to the members  
of Essentra plc 

1
4
6
8
9
10
14
15
16
20
22
36
38
40
47
50
52
66

68

69
70
72
88
91
95 
98
105
110
111
122
126

132
133

138
139
140
141
142
150
152
184

185
186

193

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA AT A GLANCE CONTINUED

Financial highlights

Revenue 

Components adjusted 
operating profit 

*  Prior year has been re-presented to 
show the Group on a continuing 
basis only

£337.9m

£63.7m

(2021*: £301.7m)

(2021: £56.9m)

Components adjusted 
operating margin 

Reported operating 
(loss) / profit

18.9%

(2021: 18.9%)

(£11.3m)

(2021*: £7.7m)

Adjusted basic 
earnings per share 

1.9p

(2021*: 3.7p)

Reported loss per 
share

(10.3)p

(2021*: (1.6)p)

Dividend per share 

Adjusted operating 
cash conversion 

3.3p

(2021: 6.0p)

80% 

(2021*: 67%)

Net funding surplus / 
(debt) ratio 

Net funding surplus / 
(debt)

2.3x¹ 

£113.8m1

(2021: 1.7x net debt)

(2021: (£234.7m) net debt)

1 

 Before £150m shareholder return announced 2 February 2023

22

  Adjusted measures

Adjusted results exclude certain items 
because, if included, these items could 
distort the understanding of Essentra’s 
performance for the year and the 
comparability between periods. In 
management’s view, such alternative 
performance measures (APMs) reflect 
the underlying performance of the 
business and provide a more 
meaningful comparison of how the 
business is managed and measured on 
a periodic basis. Our APMs and KPIs are 
aligned to our strategy and business 
segments, and are used to measure 
the performance of the Company and 
form the basis of the performance 
measures for remuneration. See page 
20 for KPIs and page 50 for APMs.

Cautionary forward-looking 
statement
This Annual Report contains 
forward-looking statements based 
on current expectations and 
assumptions. Various known and 
unknown risks, uncertainties and 
other factors may cause actual results 
to differ from any future results or 
developments expressed or implied by 
the forward-looking statement. 
Each forward-looking statement 
speaks only as of the date of 
this Annual Report. The Company 
accepts no obligation to revise 
or publicly update these forward-
looking statements or adjust them  
to future events or developments, 
whether as a result of new 
information, future events or 
otherwise, except to the extent  
legally required.

The numbers presented in 
this Strategic Report reflect 
the continuing operations  
of the Company unless 
otherwise stated.

Operational highlights

• Realisation of strategic 

• Value enhancing 

goal to become a  
pure-play Components 
business operating 
from 1 January 2023

• Sale of the Filters 

business to a wholly 
owned subsidiary of 
Centaury Management 
Limited for an enterprise 
value of approximately 
£262.1m including initial 
cash consideration of 
£200m1

• Sale of the Packaging 

business to Mayr-
Melnhof Group, a leading 
producer of carton board 
and folding cartons 
based in Austria, for a 
cash consideration of 
£312m1

• Strong balance sheet 
supporting organic 
growth and driving a 
bolt-on M&A strategy

acquisition of Wixroyd 
Holdings Limited, a 
leading UK supplier of 
industrial parts for  
the automation 
sector, for an initial 
consideration of £29.5m2. 
Integration plans are  
on track

• Continued improvement 
in customer satisfaction 
and service levels 
through ongoing focus 
on enhancing hassle-free 
proposition

• Continued progress in 
all areas of ESG and a 
refreshed strategy 
to better align with a 
Components-focused 
business 

• Successful pricing 
and proactive cost 
management actions 

1  On a cash-free, debt-free basis subject to customary adjustments
2  £27.9m, net of cash acquired

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA AT A GLANCE CONTINUED

A resilient and diversified business

Revenue by region

Revenue by channel

Revenue by offer type

Asia
14%

Americas
35%

Distributors
21%

Europe 
and Rest 
of World
51%

Custom
8%

End users
79%

Configured
28%

Standard
64%

Revenue by customer segment

Sales

Industrial 
manufacturers
72%

SME 
consumers
31%

Larger 
consumer 
manufacturers
2%

Customers

Industrial 
manufacturers
67%

SME consumers
7%

Larger 
consumer 
manufacturers
21%

33

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIR’S STATEMENT

Chair’s 
statement

The next chapter for Essentra is now 
underway with a clear ambition to 
accelerate our potential as a pure-
play Components business using 
our unique manufacturing and 
distribution capabilities.”

Our strategic journey
2022 has been a significant year for 
Essentra and a very busy one for the Board, 
management team and all employees. 

Towards the end of 2021, the Board decided 
to undertake a strategic review process to 
decide the best ownership structure for Filters 
and Packaging. In October 2021, we therefore 
announced a strategic review of the Filters 
business, followed by a further announcement 
in November 2021, to do the same with 
the Packaging business. The Board had 
concluded that it was in the best interests of 
shareholders and stakeholders, for Essentra to 
become a pure-play Components business. 

By the time 2022 drew to a close, the Board 
was pleased to have announced that both 
businesses had successfully completed 
their strategic reviews, with the Packaging 
business having been sold to Mayr-Melnhof 
Group for £312m on a cash-free, debt-free 
basis subject to customary adjustments and 

44

the Filters business sold to Frank Acquisition 
Four Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary 
of Centaury Management Limited, for an 
enterprise value of approximately £262.1m, 
including an initial consideration of £200m 
(on a cash-free, debt-free basis subject to 
customary adjustments) and up to £20m 
deferred earn-out consideration and amounts 
attributable to non-controlling interests. 

The Board reviewed the options for each 
business, evaluated the bids for each of the 
businesses and took full account of not only 
the financial terms but also the impact on 
all stakeholders, from employees to suppliers 
and customers, as well as shareholders. It was 
important to the Board that the new owners 
would be able to fully support these businesses, 
and you can learn more about how we made 
those decisions in the Principal Decisions 
section, on page 78 as well as our Stakeholder 
engagement section on page 38.

PAUL LESTER, 
CBE
Chair

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIR’S STATEMENT CONTINUED

For the Packaging business, as you can read in 
the Audit and Risk section (from page 95), the 
Board considered the effect of accounting for 
the discontinued operations and unfortunately 
considered it necessary to recognise an 
impairment charge of £182.7m, in respect of 
the carrying amount of goodwill (£181.6m) and 
intangible assets held in India (£1.1m) relating 
to the packaging business prior to its disposal.

Our use of proceeds
Having put in place the essential building 
blocks for the future Essentra, the final 
significant step for the Board was to consider 
the use of proceeds from the sale of the 
Filters and Packaging businesses. When we 
announced the sale of the Packaging business, 
we explained that we intended to reduce 
Essentra’s debt position, which we have now 
completed, repaying $247m Private Placement 
notes. The remaining portion of the funds 
would be returned to shareholders. Following 
consultation with shareholders and advisors, 
the Board decided to pay a Special Dividend 
of £90m and undertake a Share Buyback 
programme for up to £60m, which was 
announced on 2 February 2023.

Essentra believes that its 
approach to sustainability is a 
competitive advantage. There 
is significant opportunity to 
differentiate Essentra from its 
competitors through the use of 
recycled content and providing 
assurance over the end to end 
supply chain.”

55

Our sustainable growth
The sale of the Filters and Packaging 
businesses provided Essentra with a unique 
opportunity to focus on achieving its full 
potential as a pure-play Components 
business. Scott Fawcett, and the new Group 
Executive Committee (GEC), held a Capital 
Markets Event in November 2022 where they 
set out their plan on how, over the next five 
years, they intend to double the revenue and 
triple operating profit of the business through 
both organic and inorganic growth. We were 
pleased to demonstrate the commitment 
that the team have to this ambition with the 
acquisition of Wixroyd Group, a UK supplier 
of industrial parts for the automation sector, 
which was announced on 1 December 2022. 
The acquisition expands Essentra’s capabilities 
in hardware components and creates 
significant cross selling opportunities across a 
range of Essentra’s current end markets with 
the initial focus on Essentra’s customer base 
in Continental Europe. 

Essentra believes that its approach to 
sustainability is a competitive advantage. 
There is significant opportunity to 
differentiate Essentra from its competitors 
through the use of recycled content and 
providing assurance over the end-to-end 
supply chain. The business has made good 
progress in this area and will continue driving 
this forward to achieve meaningful change. 
One of the ways in which Essentra will do 
this is through its commitment, made in 
September 2022, to set Science Based Targets 
for GHG emission reductions in scope 1,2 and 
3 within a two-year time frame.

Our people
Essentra’s footprint means that it has always 
had a diverse and culturally rich community. 
As well as bringing cultural insights, this 
community provides employees with comfort 
and support. 

Each year there are more examples of this, 
often brought about due to external crises, 
but nonetheless, the sense of community 
shared by employees is clear. In the last 
year, our Polish site showed their support for 
their Ukrainian neighbours, fund-raising and 
using their distribution capabilities to ensure 
key supplies were delivered where they were 
needed most. Following the earthquake in 
Turkey at the start of 2023, which fortunately 
did not affect our site, employees reached out 
to support each other where family members 
were impacted and contributed funds to 
local charities. Fund-raising provides the 
opportunity for the Essentra community to 
come together and give back to the causes 
that matter the most to employees. 

Our performance
Whilst I have so far focused on the 
transformation of the business, I would 
also like to briefly reflect on the results. The 
continuing business achieved revenue growth 
of 9.5% on a full year constant currency 
basis. More information on the business 
performance can be found page 18.

Our Board: Welcomes and farewells
Our Board and the leadership of Essentra 
more broadly has seen two significant 
changes, with the departure of Paul Forman, 
and appointment of Scott Fawcett as Chief 
Executive from the start of 2023, and also 
the arrival of Jack Clarke in 2022, as 
Chief Financial Officer, following Lily Liu’s 
resignation. The Board would like to thank 
both Paul and Lily for their considerable 
contribution and leadership of this business. 
Paul worked closely with Scott over a number 
of months to ensure a smooth and seamless 
transition and our thanks go to Paul for his 
leadership and vision in setting Essentra on its 
course to become a pure-play Components 
business. As planned and previously 
communicated, Nicki Demby retired from 
her role as Remuneration Committee Chair 
and Non-Executive Director following the 

Company’s 2022 AGM on 19 May 2022. 
Ralf K. Wunderlich has been appointed as 
Remuneration Committee Chair, adding to 
his existing role as ESG Committee Chair.

In addition, we welcomed Dupsy Abiola, our 
former Board Trainee, as a Non-Executive 
Director and continue to find her insights 
very valuable. As a result, and as promised 
in our 2021 Annual Report, we have started 
recruitment for a new Board Trainee and look 
forward to reporting on this in due course. 
We also announced the appointment of Kath 
Durrant as a Non-Executive Director at the 
end of 2022, and we look forward to working 
with Kath in 2023 as we continue our work 
on our social initiatives and ensuring our 
approach to remuneration is both challenging 
but rewarding for all of our employees. We 
also announced the appointment of Emma 
Reid as Company Secretary, with effect from  
1 January 2023.

Our future
Essentra has a clear focus on its future 
and over the next five years, the business 
has laid out its ambition to create strong 
returns for shareholders through increased 
profit margins, capitalising on expansion 
opportunities and efficiencies, differentiating 
itself through its approach to operating 
sustainably, driving organic and inorganic 
growth and market share gains. The Board is 
confident that the resilience of the business 
and motivation of the team will support 
its ambitions to create a world-leading 
Components business.

Thank you to our employees, shareholders, 
customers and other stakeholders for their 
ongoing support. 

Paul Lester, CBE
Chair
28 March 2023

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR STRATEGIC JOURNEY

Our strategic journey
Essentra has grown and developed over the last eighty 
years through a combination of organic growth and 
acquisition activity. 

FY2021 
Components 
only 

Revenue2

Adjusted1 operating 
profit3

£302m £57m

before central costs

Adjusted1 operating 
margin4

18.9%

before central costs

 Please refer to page 50 for further information on Adjusted Performance Measures.

1 
2  2021 Total Group revenue as reported £960m. 
3  2021 Total Group adjusted operating profit as reported £84m.
4  2021 Total Group adjusted operating margin 8.7% as reported.

FY2022 
Components 
only

Revenue

Adjusted1 operating 
profit

£338m £64m

before central costs

Adjusted1 operating 
margin

18.9%

before central costs

Our strategic journey so far

1940s

1950s

2005

2013

Austrian business  
Bunzl commenced its 
manufacturing operations in 
Jarrow, United Kingdom

Filtrona Corporation formed in 
the United States 

Filtrona demerged from Bunzl 
plc and becomes a separately 
listed company on the London 
Stock Exchange

Filtrona plc rebranded as 
Essentra plc 

Our destination
By 2021 Essentra was comprised of 
three strong distinct divisions that were 
leaders in their respective markets but 
were at different stages of their 
development and with limited overlap.

Reflecting on this context and the 
existing size and scale of Components, 
in October 2021 the Essentra Board 
concluded that shareholder value was 
likely to be maximised by Essentra 
becoming a pure-play Components 
business over time. The Board believed 
that Filters and Packaging were likely 
to thrive under a different ownership 
structure where they would be better 
able to access the specific markets and 
investments they would need to grow.

66

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIR’S STATEMENT CONTINUED

Our five-year journey

Components

Components

Porous 
Technologies

Specialist 
Components

Packaging

Specialist 
Components

Components

Packaging

Filters

2017

Filters

2019

Packaging

Filters

Components

2020

2023

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Acquisition of Hertila

Divestment of Swiftbrook

Paul Forman appointed as  
Chief Executive 

Introduction of Stability, 
Strategy, Growth roadmap 
and Six Principles (values)

Acquisition of Micro Plastics

Acquisition of Innovative 
Components Inc. and 
Componentes Innovadores 
Limitada

Acquisition of Nekicesa 
Packaging S.L

Divestment of the Card 
Solutions, Extrusion, Speciality 
Tapes and Pipe Protection

Acquisition of 49% minority 
interest in the Filters joint 
venture, Essentra (MEA) Pte. Ltd

Focus on response to 
COVID-19 pandemic 

Acquisition of  
3C! Packaging, Inc

Establishment of Filters JV  
in China, China Tobacco 
Essentra (Xiamen) Filters Co., 
Ltd

Strategic reviews of Filters and 
Packaging businesses 
launched

Sale of Packaging business to 
Mayr-Melnhof Group

Announcement of strategic 
goal to become a pure-play 
Components business

Acquisition of  
Jiangxi Hengzhu Electrical 
Cabinet Lock Co., Ltd. 

Sale of Filters business to a 
wholly owned subsidiary of 
Centaury Management 
Limited 

Acquisition of Wixroyd 
Holdings Limited

77

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OUR BUSINESS MODEL

Our business model

Our model is unique in the market. We combine the  
expertise and flexibility of a manufacturer with the  
service and range of a distributor.

Our purpose

Our values

What we do

Our products

Who we serve

Our vision

We care about  
our customers

We care about 
each other

We deliver

We are an  
effective team

We manufacture
We have the capacity and expertise to 
manufacture a wide range of products

13 
manufacturing 
sites globally

80m 
parts produced 
per week

45,000+ 
SKUs

We distribute
Our global scale and market knowledge 
means that we are able to anticipate 
and meet the needs of our customers, 
whether large or small, in a wide variety 
of end-markets and geographies
17k
1bn 
24 
orders shipped 
parts in stock
distribution 
per week
centres

We support
Our customers are manufacturers and 
our products are a small but critical part 
of their manufacturing bill of materials
c.74k 
33 
customers
sales and  
service  
locations

1.8m
order lines  
per year

Protective  
caps and plugs

Access 
hardware

Cable 
management

Plastic 
fasteners

Electronics 
hardware

Other 
hardware

Security seals

Other

Automotive 
and EV 
charging

Renewable 
energy

Medical 
devices

ConAgg

Automation

Telecomms

Consumer 
equipment

Other 
Industrial 
equipment

Our vision  
is to be the  
world’s leading 
responsible  
hassle-free 
supplier of 
essential 
industrial 
components

Our purpose 
is to help 
customers build 
a sustainable 
future

88

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022INVESTMENT CASE

Investment case

Our target is to double revenue and triple operating profit 
in the medium term.

1
Market leader with a 
unique proposition in a 
large but fragmented 
market.

Essentra’s unique model combines  
the expertise and flexibility of a 
manufacturer with the service and 
range of a distributor.

We operate in a highly fragmented 
£8-£10bn addressable market, with over 
one million potential customers. 

The breadth and depth of our offer is 
also unique, and enables us to serve a 
broad range of industrial customers, 
whilst our global manufacturing and 
distribution footprint balances local 
customer service with operational scale.

Our committed and engaged 
employees, extensive network, deep 
industry expertise and strong focus on 
innovation and sustainability are key 
differentiators.

2
Clear strategy to drive 
organic growth and 
market share gains 
supported by digitalisation 
and sustainability.

Our hassle-free approach is supported 
by our range, availability and on-going 
investment in our digital offering to 
support the customer experience. 

The implementation of CRM solutions, 
AI prompts and the upskilling of our 
commercial teams enables Essentra to 
drive cross-selling opportunities. 

Essentra’s focus on sustainability is a 
source of competitive advantage, by 
focusing on the sustainability of our own 
operations and the components we 
manufacture, we will be able to support 
our customers to achieve their own 
sustainability goals.

99

3
High margin business  
with scope to expand.

4
Strong returns and cash 
conversion enabling value 
enhancing M&A.

Essentra has significant margin 
expansion opportunities driven 
through scale efficiencies, operational 
effectiveness and pricing. 

We continue to optimise our global 
footprint for growth, balancing our 
costs with our commitment to service. 
Our scale also allows us to focus on 
buying better and operating efficiently. 

We are transforming our sourcing and 
purchasing capabilities and improving 
our processes and technology, 
underpinned by an improved ERP 
platform to drive efficiencies and 
support margin expansion.

Essentra also continues to deliver 
successful pricing management and 
cost control actions which enable us 
to mitigate cost inflation and enhance 
margin. 

A strong financial framework and 
healthy balance sheet provides Essentra 
with significant scope to pursue value 
creating opportunities.

After the initial shareholder return we 
expect to be operating between 0x - 
1.0x net debt / EBITDA leverage which 
is within our medium term targeted 
gearing range of 0x – 1.5x, providing a 
platform from which we can explore and 
drive further strategic opportunities.

The strength of our balance sheet 
means we are well positioned to 
invest in organic development such 
as accelerating digitalisation and 
expanding our sustainable product 
offering. 

We continue to develop our healthy 
pipeline of opportunities and to look 
for value enhancing and strategic 
acquisitions, including new product 
capabilities to support our organic 
growth initiatives.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW

The new 
Essentra
Accelerating our  
potential as a pure-play 
Components business

I am incredibly proud that the 
Components business is the rock on  
which the new Essentra has been built.  
I have no doubt that the next chapter  
will bring us even greater opportunities  
for future growth.” 

Medium term targets

Revenue (CAGR) 
Total

Revenue (CAGR) 
Organic

>10% >5%

Net debt to EBITDA

0x –1.5x 

Adjusted operating 
margin

Net Working Capital  
% Sales

c.18% c.18%

1010

SCOTT  
FAWCETT
Chief 
Executive

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW CONTINUED

I am excited to be leading Essentra into 
2023 having formally joined the Board and 
taken over as Chief Executive on 1 January. 
While the last year has brought a lot of 
change for the organisation as whole, for 
the Components business it has seen the 
culmination of a journey on which we have 
been for some time and which is outlined on 
page 14. 

As part of the wider Essentra group and 
under the strong and clear leadership of 
Paul Forman, we have been able to build a 
strong and resilient business with significant 
potential for future growth. As we now enter 
the next phase of our journey, we will benefit 
from a pure focus on Components, enabling 
us to accelerate our potential even further.

A unique business model
The business model we have developed 
(outlined on page 8) makes us truly unique. 
We are the only global Components business 
to combine the expertise and flexibility of 
a manufacturer with the broad range and 
customer centricity of a distributor. The 
breadth and depth of our offering is therefore 
a key differentiator.

Furthermore, we bring these unique 
characteristics together within a market 
that is highly fragmented, allowing us to 
create value for both our customers and our 
shareholders, demonstrating the opportunity 
for future market share gains.

A service led proposition
Our annual customer survey confirms what 
our broad base of customers value from 
us, with one theme in common; they want 
us to be easy to do business with. Service is 
important for our customers, and this is why 
innovating to be “hassle-free” is a key priority 
for us.

As manufacturers themselves, the cost 
of supply disruption can be costly for our 
customers. Therefore our products need to 
arrive on time and we are focusing much 
of our innovation on processes and skills to 
facilitate this service-led proposition. 

We are innovating digitally both the front 
and back end of our proposition, not least 
with the continued roll out and development 
of new generation websites across the globe 
and a new ERP system, as well as investing in 
sustainability as a great source of advantage – 
both in terms of our operations and products. 

A resilient business with potential for 
future growth
Our business has a strong track record of 
resilience, delivering strong operating margins 
and cash conversion through the cycle thanks 
to a clear focus on managing the cost base. 
Indeed, over the last ten years we have not 
only remained resilient but have also shown 
our ability to expand margins and deliver 
strong returns, including the completion of 
11 acquisitions. Therefore, we feel confident 
in our ability to double revenue and triple 
operating profit as we go forward. 

This growth will be built on both organic 
and inorganic initiatives and underpinned 
by the continued strong engagement of 
our employees and customers. We will 
further embed our investment in digital and 
sustainability as well as cross-selling tools and 
sales effectiveness. The acquisition of Wixroyd 
in December 2022 shows our continued 
commitment and discipline to invest 
in value-adding bolt-ons, broadening our 
product range and deepening our market 
expertise. 

All of this has been made possible by 
our continued high levels of employee 
engagement which at 83% (78% in 2020) 
now exceeds the industry benchmark by 7 
percentage points, allowing us to further 
increase our NPS by 11 points to 34.

As we look forward, I am incredibly proud that 
the Components business is the rock on which 
the new Essentra has been built. We have a 
strong platform, and I have no doubt that 
the next chapter will bring us even greater 
opportunities for future growth.

Scott Fawcett
Chief Executive
28 March 2023

Proven track record of revenue growth 

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

337.9m

301.7m

255.0m

£283.1m

£279.3m

£249.3m1

£224.2m

£209.4m

£196.6m

£224.2m

£169.9m

£104.7m

£83.6m

2009

£67.0m

As reported, pre-2019 restated to include the transfer of 
Reid from the dissolved Specialist Components division

1111

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW CONTINUED

Q&A

Scott Fawcett joined Essentra in 2010 and has led the 
Components business since January 2014. As the newly 
appointed Chief Executive from 1 January 2023, Scott 
reflects on both the business he has built and the 
one he and the team will grow in the future. 

Q     What was your proudest achievement 

of 2022?

A      2022 was a year of significant strategic 
change for Essentra as we transitioned 
from three global divisions to becoming a 
pure-play Components business. I’m really 
proud of the way the whole organisation, 
under the leadership of our outgoing 
Chief Executive Paul Forman, delivered 
two significant disposals and undertook 
significant separation work to deliver on 
this strategic intention.

 I’m also really proud of how we managed 
to not only maintain, but improve our 
already leading employee engagement 
scores through this process. This confirms 
to me that we have a fantastic global 
team who are aligned behind our vision 
to be “the world’s leading responsible 
hassle-free supplier of essential industrial 
components”.

Q     What do you mean by “world leading”? 

A      I truly believe that world-leading employee 

engagement leads to world-leading 
customer service which in turn leads to 
world-leading financial results. Therefore 
for me as Chief Executive, this is all 
about listening and recieving feedback 
from our people and from our customers 
about what we can do to shape the future 
that they want to see. 

Based on this feedback we will 
be a Company that leads in the 
responsible production and supply 
of industrial components. This will 
include understanding and responding 
to opportunities to help create more 
sustainable products and processes and 
developing a work environment where  
our employees are valued as part of a 
diverse team. 

Q    What will be your focus areas for 2023?

A      We have a clear organic growth strategy 
to get more customers, grow them by 
cross-selling and keep them by delivering 
a “hassle-free” service. Therefore, our 
focus areas for 2023 are around enabling 
this strategy. This means continuing 
our programme of digital investment to 
support customer acquisition, the launch 
and embedding of cross-selling and 
sales effectiveness tools and continuing 
to improve and enhance the customer 
experience. 

 Clearly we will need to be alert to current 
market conditions and the challenges 
these present for the Components 
business, such as potential further 
lockdowns in China, economic inflation 
and continued supply chain challenges. 
Our disciplined approach to pricing will 
be central to offsetting these challenges 
as well as our experience in remaining 
resilient through recent cycles.

Q     Will M&A continue to be part of the 

strategy going forward? 

A      Absolutely, we have a successful record of 
acquiring new businesses, most recently 
welcoming Wixroyd in 2022, and this will 
continue to be an important way to grow 
the business as we move forward. Our 
pipeline is healthy and based on a clear 
criteria where targets offer new product 
capabilities that can be cross-sold.

Q     What excites you most as you move 
Essentra forward as a pure-play 
Components business? 

A      The strategic position of our business 
means the potential is huge - the 
production of low cost but critical 
components in a highly fragmented 
market that will only grow, as we move 
into new product ranges and customer 
categories. We also see significant margin 
expansion opportunities through a 
programme of incremental improvements 
underpinned by our new ERP. We have 
a strong financial framework with clear 
metrics to achieve our strategy and I am 
confident in our ability to double revenue 
and triple operating profit. 

 Our strategy has been consistent for 
a number of years and we are well 
positioned to take advantage of the 
opportunities ahead of us. We have highly 
engaged employees and customers which 
together with our unique business model 
and track record of resilience make us an 
attractive investment.

1212

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REVIEW CONTINUED

New Group Executive Committee 
We have spent much of 2022 building a strong 
executive team to lead the business into 
the plc phase, as a pure-play Components 
business. Some members of the team have 
moved “up” from the former Components 
division such as Gabriele, Hugues, Rob and 
Sam. Others bring with them significant plc 
experience either at Essentra, like Oshin and 
Emma, or externally such as Jack. We have 
also gone to market to find more specific 
expertise matching our strategic journey 
looking forward, such as Lynne who brings 
considerable consumer and B2B experience. 
We expect to appoint a new Chief People and 
Culture Officer once Oshin has seen us fully 
through the transition.

 From left to right: 

•  Gabriele Hannen, Chief Strategy Officer

•  Oshin Cassidy, Chief People  

and Culture Officer 

•  Scott Fawcett, Chief Executive

•  Lynne Vandeveer, Chief Marketing Officer 

and President, Americas 

•  Emma Reid, Company Secretary 

•  Jack Clarke, Chief Financial Officer

•  Hugues Delcourt, Chief Sales Officer  

and Director, EMEA

•  Sam Edwards, Chief Digital  

Information Officer

•  Rob Baker, Chief Operating Officer

1313

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022THE COMPONENTS BUSINESS JOURNEY

The Components 
business journey

Continued investment for organic growth

Over the last ten years we have been evolving our global manufacturing 
and distribution footprint, building a new ERP platform, developing new 
generation websites across the globe, embedding cross-selling and sales 
effectiveness tools and prioritising sustainability as source of competitive 
advantage – both in our products and operations.

Successful track record of acquisitions – adding expertise and range 

2011

2013

2013

2014

2014

2017

2018

2019

2021

2022

Electronics 
hardware

Protective  
caps and plugs

Access 
hardware

Security seals

Protective  
caps and plugs

Plastic 
fasteners

Protective  
caps and plugs

Other 
hardware

Access 
hardware

Industrial 
parts

Cable 
management

1414

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022MARKET TRENDS

Market trends

Monitoring and responding to key trends in our 
markets is important to us being able to help our 
customers build a sustainable future. We have 
multiple product expertise and a broad range of 
customer categories, creating opportunities in a  
wide variety of industrial markets. 

In 2022, we saw a challenging broader 
economic landscape, which impacted the 
macro environment and labour markets. We 
will continue to monitor these trends into 
2023 and respond accordingly, remaining 
agile to help our customers build a sustainable 
future in a volatile environment.

There continues to be an increased 
customer focus on ESG. Our customers in 
electrification and renewable energy markets 
saw an acceleration of growth. Sales to 
manufacturers of heat pumps, electric vehicle 
charging stations and solar panels registered 
double-digit growth, reflecting the conversion 
from fossil fuel to greener sources. This proved 
very beneficial for our European business as it 
boosted demand for our access hardware and 
cable management ranges. 

We expect the move to electrification, 
renewable energy and digitalisation to further 
accelerate towards 2025. 

Automotive and industrial electronics  
markets continued to face a shortage of 
electronic components in 2022, reducing their 
outputs and negatively impacting purchasing 
volumes, resulting in more subdued demand 
in the sector. 

We continue to see the telecoms and medical 
markets as areas of focus and strength, with 
opportunities to further cross-sell. 

Geographically, through 2022 we have 
continued to serve our customers deploying 
on-shoring or near-shoring strategies in 
Europe and North America. We will continue 
to build on our strong presence while 
strengthening our position in selective fast 
growing Middle East and Asian countries.

We remain agile to help 
our customers build a 
sustainable future in a 
volatile environment.”

1515

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022COMPONENTS OPERATIONAL REVIEW

Components 
Operational review
The breadth and depth of our offering 
is a key differentiator as we launch as 
a standalone business with a service 
led proposition, innovating through 
digitalisation and sustainability. We have 
a clear strategy to accelerate growth 
organically and inorganically to grow our 
market share and to expand the total 
addressable market.

Resilience through the cycle

Who we are and what we do
Our components serve a very broad and fragmented 
industrial manufacturing market. We make and 
distribute small but essential industrial components, 
that are used by our customers in the production of 
industrial and consumer equipment. Typically catering 
to B2B manufacturers, our core markets range from 
data cabinet and telecoms station manufacturers to 
automotive suppliers and manufacturers. 

Uniquely, we combine the range and service of a 
distributor with the expertise and flexibility of a 
manufacturer. This brings the customer a hassle-free 
experience when buying components that are relatively 
low in cost, but have a high propensity to cause 
disruption if there is a problem with either delivery or 
quality.

35%

25%

15%

5%

-5%

-15%

-25%

-35%

1616

2007

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21 2022

1  Divisional operating margins are presented before central costs. Adjusted for currency movements

•  We have a robust business model which 
has delivered strong operating margins 
and cash conversion through the cycle

•  We have a track record of growth, and 
have historically accelerated out of a 
downturn cycle, as seen after 2009 and 
in 2021

•  Our organic growth strategy enhanced 
by M&A has expanded product, market 
and geographic diversity increasing 
resilience
  Operating margin % (before central costs)

  Organic revenue growth

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMPONENTS OPERATIONAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Who we serve

Financial KPIs

Non-Financial KPIs

Automotive 
and EV 
charging

Renewable 
energy

Medical 
devices

ConAgg

Automation

Telecomms

Consumer 
equipment

Other 
Industrial 
equipment

Revenue by customer segment

SME / 
Consumers
7%

Larger 
consumer 
manufacturers
21%

Revenue by region

Asia 
14%

Americas
35%

Revenue

£337.9m

(2021: £301.7m) 

Components 
adjusted operating 
profit1

£63.7m

(2021: £56.9m)

Components 
adjusted operating 
margin1

18.9%

(2021: 18.9%)

1   Excluding amortisation of 

acquired intangible assets and 
adjusting items. Presented for the 
Components business, excluding 
central costs. Adjusted measures 
have been used to reflect the 
underlying performance of the 
business. Please refer to page 50 
for further detail of Alternative 
Performance Measures (APMs)

Active 
customers

74k

(2021: 79k) 

Net Promoter 
Score (NPS)

34

(2021: 23) 

On Time in Full 

78.2%

(2021: 54.1%) 

Lost Time 
Incidents

22

(2021: 22) 

Why we measure it
Reflects marketing effectiveness and 
measures the potential population for 
further growth opportunities.

How we have done
We maintain focus on mid-size, scalable 
customers and we are deploying a 
focused digital marketing strategy.

Why we measure it
Reflects our customers’ overall 
satisfaction with our products and 
service, as well as loyalty to our brand. 

How we have done
The increase of 11 points reflects our 
continued focus on service recovery 
following recent global supply challenges 
and commitment to our hassle-free 
proposition. We remain focused on our 
customers and continue to work towards 
our target of 50.

Why we measure it
Demonstrates the ability to meet delivery 
demand. 

How we have done
We have seen improvements to our 
global supply chains and have focused on 
rebuilding our inventory levels to service 
customers. Our 2022 OTIF exit rate was 
82.4%, and we continue to work towards 
pre-pandemic levels of >95%. 

Why we measure it
Indicates our overriding commitment 
to health, safety and welfare in the 
workplace. 

How we have done
Our number of incidents remained high 
in 2022, although there has been a 
reduction in the severity rate. Action plans 
at three focus sites and the introduction 
of the safety leadership commitment 
showed a positive trend as the year 
progressed. 

Industrial 
manufacturers
72%

Europe and  
Rest of World
51%

1717

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022COMPONENTS OPERATIONAL REVIEW CONTINUED

2022 performance summary

In 2022 Essentra realised its strategic goal 
of becoming a pure-play Components 
business. Whilst it has been a year of 
transformation for the Group, we have 
continued to take steps towards the 
delivery of our vision and have made 
great progress with our financial and 
non-financial KPIs.

2022 was a contrasted year. The first quarter 
started with the same pace as H2 2021 with 
strong demand from most industry sectors 
and an element of global supply chain 
disruptions as the world emerged in a post-
pandemic recovery phase. The latter part of 
the year saw a change in business climate, 
with inflationary pressures rising sharply 
and devastating impacts of the war in 
Ukraine. The geo-political situation including 
local lockdown restrictions in China, which 
remained in effect until Q4 2022, led to 
customers reviewing their supply chain and 
go-to-market strategies.

We responded by adjusting our capacity and 
maintained an agile approach to changing 
circumstances. Our global manufacturing, 
procurement and distribution footprint 
gave us the flexibility to de-risk supply 
chains, minimise inflationary impacts and 
increasingly support our customers in a 
volatile environment. 

Our order book backlog gradually reduced 
throughout the year to reach pre-pandemic 
2019 levels and we were able to offset 
cost inflation as a result of our consistent 
and disciplined pricing activities. These 
improvements were reflected in our 

1818

customer OTIF (On Time In Full) exit rate 
which was 82.4% and our 2022 NPS (Net 
Promoter Score) improving by 11pts vs 2021.

In terms of our digital presence, a new 
generation of websites have now been 
implemented globally with the roll-out of 
our remaining websites in Asia completed 
at the start of the year. Our next generation 
websites are now live in 26 sites and 
17 languages. A large majority of our 
customers’ journey starts online, and a 
strong digital front end has allowed us to 
generate more organic traffic and improve 
our customer conversion rates.

This year, we recommenced the roll-out 
of the new ERP platform after initially facing 
challenges as previously communicated in 
the 2021 Annual Report. Using learnings 
from our review of the programme including 
new resources, in-house talent and a revised 
Components focused approach, we have 
seen a more successful implementation in 
France. After taking the time to reassess our 
approach, confidence has increased moving 
forward. We now plan to accelerate the 
roll-out in 2023 using a phased deployment 
approach, targeting completion of the ERP 
implementation in 2024, leading to 
enhanced pricing and operational efficiencies 
that will support margin expansion. 

The business saw costs of c.£12m in 2022 
related to the ERP implementation, we 
anticipate further spend of c.£12m in 2023 
and £8m-£10m in 2024, in line with previous 
guidance.

Cross-sell is an important element of our 
organic growth strategy and we have further 
developed our digital expertise to enhance 
opportunities. 

We have continued to develop a learning 
management system to upskill commercial 
teams, as well as using AI solutions to deliver 
cross-selling prompts via our websites and 
CRM platforms. It is important for us to 
continue to digitalise our expertise as we 
expand our product offer organically and 
through M&A in 2023.

Our service driven distribution model has 
been enhanced, with the opening of a 
new Eastern Europe hub in Łódź, Poland in 
September. The new facility includes both 
an office and warehouse, services 20,000 
product lines and strengthens our service, 
expanding market presence. This has allowed 
us to merge the legacy Łódź warehouse and 
Bratislava warehouse into a purpose-built 
hub. The products previously held across 
multiple locations have now been  
centralised, enabling Essentra to distribute 
complete orders from a single source, 
improving service through improved lead 
times and reducing carbon footprint.

On 1 December, we were pleased to 
announce the acquisition of Wixroyd Group 
for an initial consideration of £29.5m. This 
was the first acquisition to be announced 
since outlining our new strategy, and 
continues a successful track record of 
acquisitions in the Components business 
over the last ten years. Wixroyd is a leading 
UK supplier of industrial parts for the 
automation sector and will expand Essentra’s 
capabilities in hardware components and 
create additional cross-selling opportunities 
across a range of Essentra’s current end 
markets. 

We also took time in 2022 to reassess 
ESG progress, and in particular how we 
could better shape and apply our strategy 

to a standalone Components business. 
This means reducing our impact on the 
environment, working with customers and 
suppliers to innovate our products as well as 
maintaining our ability to attract and retain 
talent, maximising colleague engagement 
and wellbeing. We have created five pillars 
which will help us to fulfil our sustainability 
ambitions. These pillars link closely to the 
UN Sustainable Development Goals. Further 
detail can be found on page 23.

Financial Performance
Revenue for the year increased by 12.0% to 
£337.9m. 

The Components business had a strong 
start to the year building on the positive 
momentum seen throughout 2021. Whilst the 
business delivered 12.7% LFL growth for H1 as 
a whole, there were signs of moderation with 
tough comparatives and a more challenging 
economic backdrop moving into H2. 

Adjusted operating profit1 increased by 12.0% 
to £63.7m, equating to a margin of 18.9% 
(2021: 18.9%). The stability in margin is a 
result of disciplined pricing actions, which 
offset cost inflation for the year. The related 
profit impact of the reduction in volume 
through H2 was also offset by mitigating 
actions, including managing the cost base 
proactively. 

Looking ahead to 2023, and as demonstrated 
on page 16, the business has a robust business 
model, which delivers profit margin resilience 
through the cycle. It has a clear strategy to 
drive organic growth and market share gains 
as well as a strong balance to sheet enabling 
it to pursue value enhancing M&A. 

1 

 Adjusted measures have been used to reflect the underlying 
performance of the business. Please refer to page 50 for 
further detail of Alternative Performance Measures (APMs).

2  £27.9m, net of cash acquired

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022COMPONENTS OPERATIONAL REVIEW CONTINUED

Packaging

DISCONTINUED 
OPERATION

Filters 

DISCONTINUED 
OPERATION

On 3 October 2022, Essentra announced the 
completion of the sale of Essentra Packaging 
to Mayr-Melnhof Group. As a result, for 
the period 1 January 2022 to 30 September 
2022 the business was accounted for as 
a discontinued operation. The Packaging 
business was sold for a total consideration of 
£312.0m, on a cash-free, debt-free basis, and 
subject to customary adjustments.

Revenue for the nine months to September 
2022 was £319.1m. The pharmaceutical 
market continued to recover in Europe and 
the US throughout 2022, following on from 
the increased demand for prescriptions and 
elective surgeries seen towards the latter part 
of 2021. This led to strong quarter vs prior year 
quarter growth in the first nine months of the 
year: (Q1: 11.1%, Q2: 8.2% and Q3: 30.4%). 
Q3 saw particularly strong growth as a result 
of price initiatives and a softer prior year 
comparative.

Whilst labour availability and retention in 
the US stabilised, the business faced new 
challenges including global supply chain 
disruption and raw material supplies, 
exacerbated by strikes at paper mills in 
Europe, driving up costs and availability of 
supply. Whilst H1 2022 margins declined 
from the previously reported FY21 position, 
Q3 profitability saw an improvement, led by 
an increase in pricing offsetting input cost 
inflation.

Operational performance remained robust 
with a continued focus on service, quality, 
sustainability and innovation, deepening the 
strength of our customer relationships, and 
the division was pleased to announce two 
new strategic partnerships in the year.

On 5 December 2022, Essentra announced 
the completion of the sale of Essentra Filters 
to Frank Acquisition Four Limited, a wholly 
owned subsidiary of Centaury Management 
Limited. As a result, for the period 1 January 
2022 to 30 November 2022 the business was 
accounted for as a discontinued operation. 
The Filters business was sold for an enterprise 
value of approximately £262.1m, including 
an initial consideration of £200.0m (on 
a cash free, debt free basis, and subject 
to customary adjustments), up to £20m 
deferred earn-out consideration and amounts 
attributable to non-controlling interests.

Revenue for eleven months to November 
2022 was £334.8m, owing to three strong 
quarterly performances. The division saw 
positive growth and pricing surcharges agreed 
with customers mitigated cost inflation. 
Strategically, the division remained focused 
on its organic growth strategy of developing 
and launching ECO and Tobacco Heated 
Products with three customers placing 
commercial orders in H1. The division secured 
new outsourcing opportunities through 2022 
at good margin. The China JV continued to 
gain momentum across the year, increasing 
production volumes in line with expectation.

In Q2 the China JV achieved profitability, 
12 months after initial launch of the joint 
venture. In addition, Filters was able to provide 
support for multi-national businesses with 
operations in Ukraine and their continuity 
plans. 

The business achieved LFL quarterly revenue 
growth compared to the prior year quarter 
of: Q1: 15.9%; Q2: 14.9%; and Q3: 34.7%, 
the latter owing to a softer prior year 
comparative.

The increased revenues drove operational 
gearing in the period, alongside an increase 
in outsourcing contracts and business wins 
at higher margin, enhancing profitability 
mix. Profitability in the period was further 
improved through the successful pass through 
of cost inflation to customers. 

As seen in prior year, operational metrics and 
agility remained class leading, helping to 
successfully navigate supply disruption in the 
market. The Tapes business was also able to 
reduce the reliance on tobacco in the period, 
with over 50% of revenue generated in 
non-tobacco markets for the first time.

1919

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Key performance indicators

Re-presenting comparatives to reflect the continuing business
To provide a like-for-like position, a number of KPIs have been re-presented to reflect  
the continuing business operations. Comparatives have been updated for 2020 and  
2021 where appropriate.

The delivery of Essentra’s 
strategic priorities is 
underpinned by a focus on  
Key Performance Indicators 
(KPIs) which measure 
Essentra’s progress in the 
delivery of value.

Adjusted operating cash flow 
from continuing operations (£)

£20.2m

(2021: £17.8m)

Like-for-like revenue growth, 
continuing operations 
(%)

Components adjusted  
operating profit1 
(£m) 

How we measure it
Revenue at constant exchange rates, 
excluding acquisitions and disposals

Why this is important
Measures the ability of the Company to grow 
sales by operating in selected geographies 
and categories, and offering differentiated, 
cost-competitive products and services

How we measure it
Components operating, excluding the 
impact of amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets and adjusting items

Why this is important
Measures the profitability of the Company

Adjusted operating profit1 
(£m) 

How we measure it
Operating profit excluding the impact of 
acquired intangible assets and adjusting 
items.

Why this is important
Measures the profitability of the Company

2022

2021

2020

6.5

-10.14

21.74

2022

2021

2020

63.7

56.9

2022

2021

45.5

25.1

26.4

Alignment of KPIs to executive 
remuneration 

Net working capital2 ratio from 
continuing operations (%)

  Performance measures for the executive  
Annual Bonus Plan

  Performance measures for the executive  
Long-Term Incentive Plan

1 

 Excluding impact of amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets and adjusting items.

2  As defined in the Financial review on page 47.
3 

 As defined in the Alternative Performance Measures 
on page 50.
 Prior year re-presentation required to show the 
business on a continuing operations basis.
 Includes an allocation of central service costs  
to Components.

4 

5 

2020

How we measure it
Average net working capital2 per month, 
as a % of revenue

Why this is important
Measures the ability of the Company 
to finance its expansion and release 
cash from working capital

2022

2021

2020

11.64

15.9

16.34

Adjusted operating cash flow from 
continuing operations1,3  
(£m) 

Adjusted basic earnings per share1 
from continuing operations 
(p) 

How we measure it
Adjusted operating profit less non-cash/
other items, net working capital and net 
capital expenditure

Why this is important
Measures the cash generation  
capability of the Company

How we measure it
Earnings per share at constant exchange 
rates, excluding the impact of amortisation of 
acquired intangible assets and adjusting items

Why this is important
Measures the benefits generated for 
shareholders from the Company’s 
overall performance

2022

2021

20.2

17.84

2022

2021

1.9

3.74 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS CONTINUED

Adjusted operating 
cash conversion 
from continuing 
operations (%)

Dividend per 
share (p) 

80%

(2021: 67%)

3.3p

(2021: 6.0p)

Adjusted operating cash conversion 
from continuing operations1  
(%)

How we measure it
Adjusted operating cash flow3 as a 
percentage of adjusted operating profit2

Why this is important
Measures how the Company converts 
its profit into cash/quality of the 
Company’s earnings

Dividend per share (p)

How we measure it
Total dividends paid divided by the number of 
relevant shares in issue

Why this is important
Measures the amount of cash per share 
which the Company returns to shareholders

Return on Capital Employed, 
continuing operations5 (%)

How we measure it
Adjusted operating profit1 including an 
allocation of central service costs, divided by 
tangible fixed assets and net working capital

Why this is important
Measures how effectively the Company 
uses its operational assets

2022

2021

80

674

2022

2021

2020

3.3

3.3

6.0

2022

2021

2020

29.5

33.44

16.64

Return on Invested Capital, 
continuing operations5 
(%) 

How we measure it
Adjusted operating profit1 after tax 
including an allocation of central service 
costs, divided by capital employed plus 
intangible assets

Why this is important
Measures the Company’s ability to effectively 
deploy capital

Total Shareholder Return  
(%) 

How we measure it
Total annual increase in value. Based on 
the increase in share price and the dividend 
paid to shareholders

Why this is important
Measures the Company’s ability to generate  
long-term value

2022

2021

2020

13.3

14.34

7.64

2022

2021

2020

-29.8

-29.7

14.7

2121

  Performance measures for the executive  
Long-Term Incentive Plan

1 

 Excluding impact of amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets and adjusting items.

2  As defined in the Financial review on page 47.
3 

 As defined in the Alternative Performance Measures 
on page 50.
 Prior year re-presentation required to show the 
business on a continuing operations basis.
 Includes an allocation of central service costs  
to Components.

4 

5 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE

Environment, social  
and governance
In 2022 we invested in reassessing Essentra’s ESG 
progress and in particular how we could better shape 
and apply our strategy to a pure-play Components 
business. We recognise that our valued customers are 
seeking increasingly sustainable products, and having 
the trust and confidence of the people we do business 
with is one of our most valuable assets and a clear 
source of competitive advantage. 

Essentra Components sustainability priority topics

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8

10

11

2

5

1

4

3

6

7

9

14

13

12

17

16

18

15

19

24
29
30
33
35

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) 
topics are crucial to our ability to effectively 
and responsibly accelerate our potential as 
a pure-play Components business whilst 
meeting the increasing expectations of all our 
stakeholders, including employees, customers 
and investors. Indeed, for us to continue to 
create shareholder value and build for the 
future, we must secure our ability to thrive 
in a sustainable future. This means reducing 
our impact on the environment, working 
with customers and suppliers to innovate our 
products as well as maintaining our ability to 
attract and retain talent and ensuring their 
engagement and wellbeing.

In 2020, as a business at the time with three 
global divisions, we carried out an assessment 
to identify the materiality of key sustainability 
topics to each division. Therefore as we 
transitioned to a pure-play Components 
business we took as our starting point the 
Component’s specific sustainability matrix 
as the basis for prioritisation and decision 
making in the formulation of our refreshed 
ESG strategy. 

Minor

Moderate

Significant

Major

Critical

Importance to Essentra Components

1. Physical pollution and end of life disposal

11. Transparency

Changes in legislation /regulation on 
material use and environment

2.

Impact of extreme weather and climate 
action failure

12.

3. Rejection of single-use plastics

13. Ethical supply chain

4. Greenhouse gases

14. Use of renewable energy

Mental and physical health, safety  
and wellbeing

5.

15. Access to sufficient clean water

6. Circular economy principles

16. Atmospheric pollution

7. Manufacturing waste streams

17. Traceability, origin, conflict materials etc

Natural environment including marine 
ecosystems

8.

9. Resource efficiency

10. Diversity and inclusion

18. Availability of raw materials (recyclate)

19. Community relations

 Our Culture

 Our Communities

 Our Components

 Our Planet

The following pages set out our new ESG 
strategy, which is aligned to five key pillars. 
Within each pillar we have aligned our existing 
targets, and developed new targets to 
support our priorities within each of these key 
focus areas for Essentra. We recognise that 
we are in the early stages of our journey so 
having these focus areas provides a structure 

around which we can engage and learn from 
stakeholders. Our approach to governance 
of ESG matters is designed to ensure that we 
remain true to our purpose “to help customers 
build a sustainable future” by creating fora for 
discussion and challenge, for example through 
a dedicated ESG Committee and as a 
standing agenda item on every GEC agenda.

IN THIS 
SECTION

Our Planet 
Our Components 
Our Culture 
Our Communities 
Our Customers  

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ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

Our refreshed 
ESG framework

As a response to the priority topics identified in our 
materiality matrix, during 2022 we created five pillars 
which will help us to fulfil our sustainability ambitions. 
Under each pillar we outline our commitments to 
achieving our ambitions. These pillars link closely to 
the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with 
nine goals having a strong and direct link to Essentra’s 
business. These are outlined below as the areas where 
we have the ability to make the greatest impact.

Our  
Planet
Driving resource and 
energy efficiency, 
reducing emissions 
and embracing 
renewables.

Our  
Components
Developing 
innovative products 
using renewables, 
recyclables, reusables 
and biodegradables.

Our  
Culture
A safe, supportive 
work environment 
that champions 
equality and 
celebrates diversity.

Our 
Communities
Working with 
suppliers to ensure 
ethical practices 
and contribute to 
equitable economies. 
Volunteering our  
time and supporting 
good causes.

Our  
Customers
Providing a hassle-
free service that 
helps customers 
achieve their 
sustainability goals.

UN Sustainable 
Development 
Goals (SDGs)

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Our  
Planet

We want to end our dependency on virgin 
fossil materials and fuels, making significant 
emissions reductions across our value chain 
through energy efficiency, renewables, 
material and transport choices.

Our mid-term targets

•   Reduce our Scope 1 and 2 emissions 
intensity by 25% by 2025 (against a  
2019 baseline)

•  Reduce our Scope 3 emissions across our 
value chain and set a target in line with 
science-based thinking

•  All sites to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill 

(ZWTL) by 2030 at the latest

•  Reduce overall waste volumes by 20% by 

2030 (2019 baseline)

Our progress

•  Components direct emissions have 

reduced by 27% and emissions intensity 
35% against our 2019 baseline

•  We established a baseline for Scope 3 

emissions and are developing our Scope 
3 science-based target

•  Components waste intensity has 

reduced 25% against 2019 baseline
•  12 Components sites achieved ZWTL in 

2022 

2424

Reducing our emissions 
We are committed to continuing to reduce 
our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and setting a 
target for reducing our Scope 3 emissions. 
Since 2019, we have reduced our Components 
absolute Scope 1 and 2 CO2e emissions by 
27%. Indexed to revenue, emissions intensity 
has declined by 35% against our baseline 
year, and 23% since 2021, meeting our target 
set in 2020 three years early. 

In 2022, as a result of our continued transition 
to renewable energy across our sites, 
renewable electricity now accounts for 31% of 
total electricity usage across the Components 
business, an increase of 15% compared to 2021. 
2022 also saw our first solar project commence 
in Rayong, Thailand. We have also continued 
our energy efficiency projects, including eight 
machine replacements globally, energy audits 
and the installation of energy monitoring 
software at our Kidlington site.

In 2022 we also committed to resetting our 
near– and long-term Company-wide emission 
reductions in line with science-based net zero 
with the SBTi, including Scope 3, and plan to 
submit our targets for validation in 2023. 

Building a net zero action plan
In August 2020 we announced our ambition 
to become carbon neutral in our direct 
operations by 2040, alongside a 25% 
reduction in emissions intensity by 2025. 

In 2022, when reassessing our ESG strategy 
as a pure-play Components business, we 
refreshed this ambition in line with the latest 
scientific thinking by committing to reach 
net zero in our direct operations by 2040; 
and in our value chain by 2050, as well as a 
commitment to submit our net zero targets 
alongside new near-term emissions targets 
to SBTi. 

This means in 2023 we will develop a new 
near-term absolute emissions target for 2030, 
alongside a Scope 3 emissions target, to 
reduce our direct absolute emissions and the 
emissions in our value chain. These targets will 
align to the requirements of the Corporate 
Net Zero Standard. 

During 2023 we will also be developing 
the detailed plans we need to guide our 
progress across our manufacturing facilities, 
distribution centres, offices and fleet on our 
net zero journey. 

Our disclosures and ratings

CDP
2022 ratings:

B Climate Change, 
B- Water Security, 
C Forests

EcoVadis
Bronze Medal 2022

SBTI
In 2022 we 
committed to 
resetting our near- 
and long-term 
emission reductions 
targets with the SBTi

MSCI
AA Rating 2021

To drive collaboration and industry-wide 
action, in 2022 we joined the UN Global 
Compact’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C and 
the UN Race to Zero, aligning to best-practice 
guidelines and to drive positive change.

To support the delivery of our target, we will 
develop a Climate Transition Plan in line with 
the UK Government’s new Sustainability 
Disclosure Requirements. 

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ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

We have reviewed the Transition Plan 
Taskforce consultation documents and will 
review the standards for transition plans 
when published to ensure our approach is fully 
aligned.

We are also working on a net zero target 
for our Scope 3 emissions by including our 
products and their distribution. In 2021 we 
started by baselining our Scope 3 emissions, 
and in 2022 we developed a Components 
Scope 3 baseline to support the new business. 
In 2023 we are finalising our Scope 3 net zero 
targets and will be submitting these alongside 
our refreshed direct emissions net zero targets 
to the SBTi for verification.

Waste management and reduction
We aim to be Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL)
across our operations, as well as minimising 
the waste we generate across the product 
lifecycle. In 2022 a further 12 sites achieved 
ZWTL, taking our total across three 
divisions to 34. Six of these sites are within 
Components, taking the new total for sites 
to 12 or 33% of all sites from 2023 onwards. 
Overall, 76% of waste is diverted from landfill 
across Components. 

Our waste intensity in Components has 
reduced by 25% against our 2019 baseline 
meeting our 2030 target. However, it has 
increased significantly compared to 2021.  
This is mainly due to the acquisition of 
Hengzhu, and we are developing an action 
plan to reduce waste volumes further across 
sites in 2023.

Water usage
Water use across our manufacturing 
processes is low as our products do not 
contain water. However, we have seen 
an increase in total water usage across 
operations as site operations increased post-
pandemic, and due to growth through the 
acquisition of Hengzhu. 

2525

Key Performance Indicators (Components)

Scope 1 and 2 GHG intensity
Total CO2e per £mln revenue 

Number of sites at Zero Waste  
to Landfill (ZWTL)

2022

2021

2020

47.9

62.1

69.1

2022

2021

2020

12

6

5

Our target 
25% reduction in emissions intensity by 2025 
(2019 baseline)

Our target 
All sites at ZWTL by 2030 (or sooner)

Waste intensity
Total tonnes per £mln revenue

% of raw materials from 
sustainable sources across our 
polymer ranges

2022

2021

2020

9.4

11.0

11.0

2022

2021

2020

2

10.8

8.5

Our target 
20% reduction by 2030, or sooner 
(vs 2019 baseline)

Our target 
20% of raw materials from sustainable 
sources by 2025 across our polymer ranges

We have identified two water basins in 
water stressed regions where we have 
manufacturing sites (Istanbul in Turkey, and 
Kidlington in the UK), and will be focusing our 
water efficiency actions on these sites in 2023. 

In 2022 we refreshed our targets to bring 
them in line with both our position as a 
pure-play Components business as well 
as the latest scientific thinking.”

SCOTT FAWCETT
Chief Executive

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This exciting step forward represents 
progress towards our goal of net zero. 
Through continued investment in 
renewable energy we can ensure we 
deliver increasingly sustainable product 
lines to our customers.”

RICHARD SEDERMAN
Strategy and M&A Director, Essentra 

Reducing emissions in our manufacturing 
operations supports our commitment to 
provide products with a lower carbon 
intensity to our customers.

This project, together with our recycled 
material projects, provides us with the 
capability to reduce the carbon intensity in 
both the materials we buy and during the 
manufacturing of our products. 

CASE  
STUDY

Increasing on-site renewable 
electricity generation
The installation of a 6,000m2 solar array at 
one of our largest global manufacturing 
sites located in Rayong, Thailand 
commenced in December 2022. Once 
complete, the solar panels will generate 
824kW and provide around 20% of the 
annual electricity requirements of our 
manufacturing operations in Thailand. 

This investment in providing renewable 
energy directly to the site reduces our 
reliance on fossil fuel-generated electricity. 
We estimate that the solar array will avoid 
annual greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) 
generated by the site by over 450 tonnes 
of CO2e each year, contributing to our 
progress to reduce our GHG emissions 
intensity by 25% by 2025 or sooner, and 
contributing to our plan to reach net zero 
across our direct operations by 2040. 

2626

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ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

Measurement and reporting 
(Group)

ERM CVS has assured the following environmental data for 2022: Total Scope 1 and total Scope 
2 greenhouse gas emissions, total solid and total liquid waste volumes by destination, total 
water usage, the percentage of raw materials from sustainable sources across our polymer 
ranges and the number of sites that have achieved Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) status. Full 
details of the scope, activities, limitations and conclusions of ERM CVS’ assurance engagement 
are included in the Assurance Statement on pages 133 and 134.

Essentra Plc Group – Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) data

Tonnes CO2e

Scope 1 and 2 emissions 

Scope 1

Scope 2 – Location

Total Scope 1 and 2 Emissions Location

Total CO2 eq per £m revenue (location)
Scope 2 – Market2

Total Scope 1 and 2 Emissions Market

Total CO2 eq per £m revenue Market

Scope 3 emissions

Purchased goods and services 

Capital goods

Fuel and energy-related activities

Upstream transportation and distribution

Waste generated in operations

Upstream Leased Assets

Downstream transportation and distribution

End of life treatment of sold products

Downstream leased assets

Total Scope 3 emissions

Zero Waste to Landfill

Number of Sites at ZWTL 

2019

2020

2021

2022

% change 
between 2021
and 2022

10,264

62,111

72,375

74.3

7,603

55,327

62,930

70.2

8,307

53,070

61,377

64.4

52,5812

60,888

63.9

 7,586 

50,312

57,898 

58.4

44,931

52,517

52.9

-9%

-5%

-6%

-9%

-15%

-14%

-17%

Notes

Raw materials only

Components only

Calculated in Category 1

2021

206,588

35,633

18,778

59,932

1,519

1,199

–

66,349

76

390,074

2019

8

2019

2%

Materials from sustainable sources

% of raw materials from sustainable sources in polymer ranges 

2727

Energy (MWh)

Total Electricity 
Procured 

Renewable Electricity 
Procured 

Natural Gas

Fuels

2019

2020

2021

2022

TCO2e 2022

UK

22,040

19,392

18,918

 14,684 

 545 

Global

140,454

137,457

144,567

 128,338 

 44,931 

UK

Global

UK

Global

UK

Global

19,652

16,577

16,850

 13,706 

19,652

16,577

20,257

 24,096 

23,852

11,166

12,729

 10,598 

44,960

30,209

34,706

 31,524 

1197

4913

 1,027 

6240

1164

5420

 574 

 5,111 

Solid hazardous and non-hazardous waste destinations (tonnes) 

Recycling

Recovery

Incineration 

Landfill 

Total solid waste

% solid waste diverted from landfill 

Liquid hazardous and non-hazardous waste destinations (tonnes) 

Recycling

Recovery

Incineration 

Landfill 

Total liquid waste

% liquid waste diverted from landfill 

Water (cubic metres)

Water usage

2019 (1)
(restated)

28,775

3,043

284

2,989

35,091

91%

2020

31,773

3,415

596

1,907

37,691

95%

2020

243

519

89

141

992

86%

2021

29,938

3,632

541

1,580

35,691

96%

2021

449

396

78

106

1029

90%

2020

2021

2022

% change 
between 2021
and 2022

166,301

198,220

 272,968 

38%

1.    2019 solid non-hazardous and hazardous waste data was restated in 2020 for recycling and recovery due to corrections of previously 

reported data.

2.     The 2021 market based emissions has been restated due to correction of previously reported data.

The organisational boundary for this Group data is an operational control approach. It includes the top 99% electricity consuming sites 
in all three divisions of Essentra for the full periods where these sites were part of Essentra operations. For Packaging sites, this is up to 
point of sale at end of September 2022, and for the Filters division, up to point of sale at end of November 2022. Further details on our 
basis for reporting can be found at essentraplc.com/responsibility.

Scope 1 encompasses direct GHG emissions from energy generated from fossil fuels such as gas and oil at a small number of sites where 
we have reliable data. 

Scope 2 location – the total GHG emissions from electricity consumed, calculated using IEA emission factors. 

 – 

– 

 2,147 

 6,386 

 190 

 1,200 

2022

 26,419 

 3,583 

 616 

 1,269 

 31,886 

96%

2022

246

339

76

27

688

96%

2020

20

2020

2%

2021

22

2021

8.5%

2022

34

Scope 2 market – the total GHG emissions from electricity consumed, calculated using the GHG protocol ‘market based method’

Scope 3 encompasses indirect GHG emissions in Essentra’s value chain (upstream and downstream). Excluded categories were 
determined via a materiality threshold assessment to be either inapplicable due to no related activity, or excluded due to low 
significance and an inability to influence reductions. 2022 Group Scope 3 figures were not calculated due to the change in ownership 
structure for Filters and Packaging during the reporting year. This will be periodically reviewed. 

2022

10.8%

Downstream transportation: as per the calculation methodology in the GHG Scope 3 protocol, upstream and transport and distribution is 
classified on the basis of financial transactions. Consequently upstream transportation includes transport we pay for including between sites 
and products to customers. Downstream transportation is captured in category one as part of our spend on materials and process inputs.

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Measurement and reporting – 
Components only

ERM CVS has assured the following environmental data for 2019-2022: total Scope 1 and total 
Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, total solid and total liquid waste volumes by destination, 
total water usage, the percentage of raw materials from sustainable sources across our 
polymer ranges and the number of sites that have achieved Zero Waste To Landfill (ZWTL) 
status. Full details of the scope, activities, limitations and conclusions of ERM CVS’ assurance 
engagement are included in the Assurance Statement on pages 135 and 136.

Tonnes CO2e

Scope 1 and 2 emissions 

Scope 1

Scope 2 – Location

2019

2020

2021

2022

% change 
between 2021
and 2022

3,422

22,588

3,379

18,414

 3,628 

 18,390

3,435

17,155 

Recycling

Recovery

Incineration 

Landfill 

Total solid waste

Total Scope 1 and 2 Emissions Location

 26,009 

 21,793 

 22,018 

20,590

Scope 2 – Market

18,814

 15,395 

16,263 

Total Scope 1 and 2 Emissions Market

22,236 

 18,774

 19,891

Total CO2 eq per £m revenue (market)

74.2

69.1

62.1

12,755

16,190

47.9

Energy (MWh)

Total Electricity 
Procured 

Renewable Electricity 
Procured 

Natural Gas

Fuels

UK

Global

UK

Global

UK

Global

UK

Global

2019

2020

8,055

6,560

2021

7,359

2022

TCO2e 2022

6,477

19

48,729

43,736

46,197

 42,263 

 16,190 

7,896

7,896

14

6,560

6,560

0

7,359

7,359

0

 6,423

 13,277

 38 

 – 

 – 

8

14,318

14,114

15,245

 13,683 

 2,772

 691 

 632 

 712 

 572 

 2,206 

 2,179 

 2,292 

 2,503 

Solid hazardous and non-hazardous waste destinations (tonnes) 

20191

2020

2021

 174

 664 

2022

2,232 

 199 

 397 

 896 

 3,724 

76%

2022

 69

 1 

 6 

 – 

 76 

100%

 1,374 

 1,464 

 1,734 

 161 

 66 

 2,787 

 2,247 

36%

 215 

 3 

 1,302 

 2,984 

56%

2020

 66

 198 

 4 

 3 

 271 

99%

 132 

 36 

 1,095 

 2,996 

63%

2021

 54 

 0 

 3 

 6 

 63 

90%

-5%

-7%

-6%

-22%

-19%

-23%

% solid waste diverted from landfill 

Liquid hazardous and non-hazardous waste destinations (tonnes) 

Recycling

Recovery

Incineration 

Landfill 

Notes

Total liquid waste

% liquid waste diverted from landfill 

Scope 3 emissions

Purchased goods and services 

Capital goods

Fuel and energy-related activities

Upstream transportation and distribution

Waste generated in operations

Upstream Leased Assets

Downstream transportation and distribution (downstream)

End of life treatment of sold products

Total Scope 3 Emissions

Zero Waste to Landfill

Number of Sites at ZWTL 

Materials from sustainable sources

% of raw materials from sustainable sources in polymer ranges

2828

2022

 98,789 

 1,161 

 5,215

44,756

479

N/A Included in Scope 1 and 2 

-

 204 

 150,604 

2020

5

2020

2%

2019

2

2019

2%

Included in 
Category 1

2021

6

2021

8.5%

2022

12

2022

10.8%

Water (cubic metres)

Water usage

2020

2021

2022

% change 
between 2021
and 2022

135,015

139,987

 158,383 

13%

The organisational boundary for this Components data is an operational control approach. For 2019-2021, it includes the Components 
sites which were within the top 99% electricity consuming sites of Group sites, and as per the GHG protocol guidance for acquisitions,  
a recalculation of the emissions , energy and water data to incorporate Hengzhu into the historical data. The 2022 data includes all 
Components sites within Essentras operational control, including Hengzhu. Further details on our basis for reporting can be found at 
essentraplc.com/responsibility.

Scope 1 encompasses direct GHG emissions from energy generated from fossil fuels such as gas and oil at a small number of sites where 
we have reliable data. 

Scope 2 location – the total GHG emissions from electricity consumed, calculated using IEA emission factors. 

Scope 2 market – the total GHG emissions from electricity consumed, calculated using the GHG protocol ‘market based method’

Scope 3 encompasses indirect GHG emissions in Essentra’s value chain (upstream and downstream). Excluded categories were 
determined via a materiality threshold assessment to be either inapplicable due to no related activity, or excluded due to low 
signifigance and an inability to influence reductions. This will be periodically reviewed. 

Downstream trasnportation: as per the calculation methodology in the GHG Scope 3 Protocol, upstream and transport and distribution 
is classified on the basis of financial transactions. Consequently upstream transportation includes transport we pay for including 
between sites and products to customers. Downstream transportation is captured in category one as part of our spend on materials 
and process inputs. 

Upstream leased assets: as per the calculation methodology in the GHG Scope 3 Protocol, all emissions arising from activity in 
upstream leased assets are included within the scope 1 and 2 emissions categories.

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Our  
Our  
Components
Components

We will strive to design new products through the 
innovative use of renewable, reusable, recyclable 
and biodegradable materials. We will have a 
centre of excellence where we can showcase 
products to our customers, and provide a space 
for ideas to flourish into innovative new products.

Our focus and targets

•  20% of raw materials from sustainable 
sources by 2025 across our polymer 
ranges

•  Support a circular economy by ensuring 

100% of our packaging is reusable, 
recyclable or compostable  
by 2030

•  50% recycled content in our packaging 

materials by 2030

Our progress

•  In 2022, 10.8% of our raw materials 

were from sustainable sources (recycled 
content) across our manufactured 
polymer ranges

•  Our teams have developed reuse 

schemes for intra-company movements 
at our Nettetal and Łódź sites

•  At our Kidlington, UK site all plastic 
packaging is 30% recycled content

In 2020 we signed up to the Circular Plastics 
Alliance commitment to use at least 20% 
recycled content in our polymer ranges by 
2025. We have made excellent progress in 
developing our use of recycled content during 
the year, with an increase to 10.8% for 2022. 

Our Kidlington, UK site now includes 50% 
recycled content as standard across most of 
our LDPE product range, with a number of 
products achieving 98% recycled content. In 
2022 our Rayong plant in Thailand moved to 
producing polypropylene security seals with 
a minimum 45% recycled content, after a 
successful 100 million piece trial. These new 
seals have now been rolled-out to all our  
sites globally. 

By delivering this improved product through a 
substitution programme Essentra has helped 
customers reduce their carbon footprint 
without the need for extra investment, as the 
recycled material reduces product emissions 
by 40%. We estimate this change will avoid 
GHG emissions of over 1,000 tonnes of CO2e 
per year.

2929

Centre of Excellence
In 2022 we invested in manufacturing 
infrastructure at sites in EMEA and AMERS 
to support our transition to using recycled 
content across our product range. In 2023, 
we are launching our Centre of Excellence to 
accelerate our progress. This dedicated space 
at our Kidlington, UK site will be used to trial 
a wide array of materials with sustainability 
benefits such as recycled and bio-based, 
using the latest technology.

Packaging 
Packaging is an important part of our resource 
usage and is key to ensuring our products 
are delivered damage free. In 2022 we 
implemented a reuse scheme for cardboard 
packaging for product movements from our 
Nettetal distribution hub in Germany, avoiding 
the creation and recycling of over 2000 pallet 
boxes per year. We plan to expand this in 2023. 

We have also increased the recycled content in 
our plastic packaging, moving to 30% recycled 
content at our Kidlington site. We aim to 
standardise our packaging globally to reduce 
overall volumes, and increase recycled content 
to reach our target of 50% by 2030.

CASE  
STUDY

Delivering sustainable and 
innovative products through 
strong commercial relationships 
Air France and Essentra have built a strong 
commercial relationship for many years, 
with Air France valuing Essentra’s ability to 
provide a reliable service, delivery of high 
end quality products and proximity of the 
supply chain. 

Using Essentra’s range of security seals, Air 
France is able to identify and secure items 
on board aircraft such as food trays and 
crew documentation.

During a new tender release in 2022, Air 
France shared the requirement that the 
next contracted products should evolve 
towards being more sustainable. Essentra 
were able to respond successfully to this 
requirement, with its range of plastic seals 
that are made using 50% post-consumer 
recycled material.

After product testing including lab and 
practical on-board tests, Essentra’s 
products were approved by Air France and 
Essentra was awarded the new contract. 

Essentra continue to innovate and explore 
the testing of recycled and bio-based 
materials and a number of products within 
the LDPE range are now manufactured 
almost entirely from recycled materials. We 
look to continue to strengthen customer 
relationships supporting the achievement 
of our customers’ and our own sustainable 
goals.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

Our  
Culture

This pillar focuses on creating a safe, supportive  
work environment that champions equality and 
celebrates diversity. We know that employee 
engagement is a key factor in ensuring our future 
success as an organisation. In 2022 our people remained 
at the heart of our journey, as we embarked on our 
journey to become a pure-play Components business. 

Our focus and targets

•   Zero accidents for our people and visitors 
•  100% of employees trained on Ethics 

Code biannually

•  Healthy lifestyles campaigns at 50% of 

sites by 2025

•  Mental health training to 80% of leaders 

by 2024

•  40% women in leadership teams by 2025

Our progress

•  28% reduction in days lost in 

Components in 2022
•  Ethics training on track 
•  Healthy lifestyles on track for 2025
•  Mental health training roll out 

commenced

•  28% women in leadership teams in 2022, 
44% on the GEC and 38% on the Board

An engaged and positive workforce
In 2022 we launched an employee 
engagement survey for all Components 
employees. This was the first survey since 
2020, as the 2021 survey was postponed 
given the considerable focus on the strategic 
reviews in the, now sold, Filters and Packaging 
businesses. 86% of employees responded, 
up from 82% in 2020. Despite a year of 
considerable change the overall engagement 
metric rose to 83% (78% in 2020) and 
now exceeds the industry benchmark by 7 
percentage points. 

This improvement reflects a general positive 
trend across 92% of the questions in the 
survey (45 out of 49) and in particular four 
questions that make up the engagement 
index. While there is some regional variance, 
the results are positive across all regions and 
are up from 2020 in Asia and the Americas, 
with Europe remaining relatively stable.

Championing equality and 
celebrating diversity 
In 2022 we progressed our work to create 
a more diverse and inclusive workplace, 
continuing with global recognition of Pride 
and Black History Month. We also continue 
to embed our global Diversity and Inclusion 
Policy launched in 2019.

Reflecting on the results of our employee 
survey which was conducted in late 2022, we 
have improved the employee perception of 
diversity, equality and inclusion. Responses 
to My Company has created an environment 
where people of diverse backgrounds can 
succeed improved by 4 percentage points 
and takes us slightly ahead of the industry 
benchmark. Similarly, responses to My 
organisation actively supports diversity in 
the workplace; recognising and respecting 
differences between people improved by 3 
percentage points bringing us in line with the 
industry benchmark.

3030

83%

employee engagement 
(78% in previous 2020 survey)

Lost Time 
Incidents 
(LTIs)

2020

2021

2022

Number of
LTIs (like-
for-like) 
Group 

Number of 
LTIs (like- 
for-like) 
Components

37*

53**

42

14

22

22

%
change

-

Number of 
days lost 

Number of
days lost 
Group

Number of 
days lost 
Components

%
change

2020

2021

2022

655*

954**

994

168

518

371

-28%

*excludes 3c

**excludes Hengzhu

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

A snapshot of our employees in 2022 (Components only)

Ethnic background of employees 
responding to the 2022 Employee 
survey (2668 employeees)

Gender split all employees  
(% as at 31 December 2022)

Permanent/Contractor  
split all employees  
(% as at 31 December 2022)

  Asian – Indian 
sub-continent: 
0.9% (25)
  Asian – South East 
Asia: 4.2% (112) 
  Black/African/
Caribbean: 1.1% (31)
  Hispanic/Latino: 
2.8% (74)

  Middle Eastern:  
0.6% (16) 
  Mixed/Multiple 
ethnic group:  
0.8% (21)
 White: 31.8% (848) 
  Not disclosed: 36.5% 
(973)
 Other: 1.7% (46)

 Men: 56.7% (1820)
 Women: 43.3% (1389)

 Permanent: 79.7% (2559)
 Contractors: 20.3% (650)

Alongside this, all businesses evaluated what 
they would need as a standalone business and 
any new roles were made available for Group 
employees to apply for, on a preferential basis. 

We took the approach that open and early 
communication with our people was critical, 
even if we did not have all the answers given 
the complexities and challenges presented by 
the strategic reviews and associated work. As 
at 31 December 2022 we were able to secure 
roles for 82% of Group employees impacted.

Our commitment to being an ethical 
employer
Our Ethics Code is the core foundation of 
our compliance strategy and is issued to all 
employees globally, supported by annual 
training and positive affirmation statements 
by employees. The Code is available in all 
Essentra languages both in hard copy for 
colleagues working in factories and online, so 
that employees are able to access it easily. 
An ethics decision tree helps guide employees 
who also have the opportunity to attend live 
virtual training sessions on the Ethics Code.

In addition we have specific policies relating 
to Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Anti-
Money Laundering and Third-Party Due 
Diligence. These policies are made available 
to all employees and specifically issued for 
affirmation to senior leaders and other 
employees who hold positions where such 
polices are relevant to ensure best practice.

We remain committed to providing all 
employees with opportunities to develop and 
advance, which includes giving full and fair 
consideration to all employment applications 
from disabled people. In the event of 
employees becoming disabled, we make 
every effort to ensure that the training, career 
development and promotion opportunities 
available are as far as possible identical to 
those of non-disabled employees.

We are also working hard to improve the 
gender balance across the Company and 
will be submitting our 2022 Gender Pay data 
in April 2023. Our guiding principle is to pay 
colleagues according to their role not their 
gender, providing everyone with an equal 
opportunity to develop and progress.

Treating our people with dignity  
and respect 
The strategic changes we have made in 
2022 have led to all of our people being 
impacted in different ways. For employees 
in the businesses that have been sold, they 
have now left Essentra as part of that 
process and are being led by new owners. 
Our Components employees have made 
appropriate adjustments reflecting that they 
work directly in a listed Company as opposed 
to a division of one. 

The employees who have been impacted 
most significantly are our former Group 
employees, as we have worked in 2022 to 
align Group activities with the new direction 
of three separate businesses. We have taken 
all reasonable steps to secure long-term 
employment and/or career opportunities 
for these employees. Some employees were 
in roles that were aligned with a specific 
business and have moved with those 
businesses. 

3131

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

Our Right to Speak Policy and process is well 
established and enables any employee to 
report circumstances where they believe that 
the standards of our Ethics Code, or our wider 
policies and guidance, are not being upheld. 
We are committed to ensuring employees 
feel able to raise any concerns in good faith, 
without fear of victimisation or retaliation and 
with our support. Employees can report any 
concerns on a confidential basis online or by 
telephone. 

During 2022, our Audit and Risk Committee 
received updates at each of its meetings on 
all Right to Speak issues raised and sought 
assurance from management on the issues 
and the response. The issues raised mainly 
related to employment practices that were 
investigated in full under HR policies and gift 
disclosures. Throughout our international 
operations we support and endorse human 
rights – as set down by the United Nations 
Declaration and its applicable International 
Labour Organisation conventions – through 
the active demonstration of our employment 
policies, our supply chain and the responsible 
provision of our products and services. 
This commitment includes a mandatory 
requirement at all our sites to avoid the 
employment of children, as well as a 
commitment to the prevention of slavery and 
human trafficking.

CASE  
STUDY

Flippin Community Projects 
Employees at our Flippin site in the US 
coordinate a variety of community 
engagements throughout the year 
including: 
•  Backpack Program for Flippin Schools: 
the team donate 125 snack bags a few 
times each year to help children in need

•  Clothing Drives: the team collect  

clothes throughout the year and sorts 
and distributes to local day cares, 
schools, thrift stores and shelters
•  “School of New Hope”: Our facility 

in Flippin outsource some secondary 
processes on certain SKUs to this 
organisation who provide structure and 
training for developmentally disabled 
people in the local community

In addition, a new Safety Commitment for 
site leaders and management regarding 
Essentra’s approach to achieving excellence 
in operational safety was introduced. The 
commitment provides clarity to leading the 
change in Essentra’s safety culture. In H2 
2022 the actions were introduced and in 
2023 those objectives are embedded into the 
performance review process.

The driving force of a good safety 
performance is a strong local safety culture. 
Historically, Essentra’s approach was 
centrally-driven, rather than sites driving their 
own programme. Today, local sites own their 
programmes and pull expertise from the 
centre. 

The 2023 Essentra health and safety 
programme has specific approaches for 
manufacturing sites, hubs and warehouses 
with targets which include: safety supervisor 
training, a safety marshal program, visible 
safety messaging and a template for site 
safety committees.

Ensuring our employees’ wellbeing 
We know from our employee engagement 
survey that employee perceptions of health 
and safety at work have improved. My 
Company is safe place to work and My 
Company is an environmentally responsible 
company were two of the top scoring 
statements at 89% and 85%, respectively.

The former improved slightly against 2020 
and takes us six points ahead of the industry 
norm. The latter improved six points against 
2020 and takes us in line with the broader 
industry – so this will continue to be a focus 
area for 2023.

We also know that perceptions of work load 
and work life balance have improved. The 
amount of work expected of me is reasonable 
was one of our most improved scores at 74% 
with a 10 point shift from 2020, taking us six 
points head of the industry norm. Responses 
to I can maintain a reasonable balance 
between my personal and work life is one of 
the highest scoring statements at 84% and is 
four points of ahead of last year and 11 points 
ahead of the industry benchmark.

Focus and resource has been applied to our 
three sites with the highest injury rates. Third 
party audits were conducted at those sites 
and detailed site-specific plans developed. 
The audits completed at the focus sites and 
the introduction of the safety leadership 
commitment showed a positive trend in 2022. 
In Q1 Essentra saw 12 LTIs, in Q4 2 LTIs. 

3232

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

Our  
Communities

We work with our suppliers, local communities  
and wider family to ensure our values, ethical  
practices and processes provide equitable  
outcomes, as well as volunteering our time  
supporting good causes.

Our focus and targets

•   Our supplier code of conduct refreshed 
and launched in 2023 to all suppliers  
over £100k

•  Top 70% of suppliers by spend actively 

risk monitored 

•  Community Engagement Policy in action 
with a volunteer day taken by 25% of 
employees during 2023

Our progress

•  Code of conduct refresh on track for 

2023

•  All suppliers over £250k actively risk 

monitored

•  Community engagment activites carried 
out at seven Components sites in 2022

Building an ethical supply chain 
We collaborate with our key international 
suppliers as well as partner with a high 
volume of SMEs worldwide. These relationships 
are built on shared values and are often 
long-lasting in nature. All are fundamental 
to the quality of our products and the high 
standards we set ourselves. 

To ensure we work with suppliers who share 
our approach to responsible business, we 
conduct risk-based due diligence not only 
when onboarding our partners but through 
ongoing monitoring and management via our 
supplier development programme. 

In 2023 we will enhance and further digitalise 
our supplier development programme and 
publicise a refreshed global procurement 
policy which will set out our supplier code 
of conduct in relation to matters such as 
anti-corruption, human rights, anti-slavery, 
international trade compliance, environment 
and allow us to deliver further transparency 
across our supply chain.

During 2022, we undertook supplier 
development activities covering five areas: 
ethics, sustainability, risk, performance and 
commercial. We will continue to develop our 
methodology, supply base coverage and 
activities in 2023.

Supporting good causes 
We engage with our local communities to 
create a positive impact through initiatives 
that positively impact those in need, 
improving their lives, the community and the 
local economy.

In February 2022 we supported the 
humanitarian relief effort in Ukraine with fund 
raising and other events happening across our 
businesses. We also made a donation of £100k 
to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) 
Ukraine Appeal. 

In early 2023 we similarly supported efforts in 
response to the devastating earthquakes in 
Turkey and Syria, donating €100k to the DEC 
Turkey-Syria earthquake appeal. 

3333

CASE  
STUDY

Supporting the relief efforts  
for Ukraine 
Our teams in Łódź, Poland and our Mesan 
business in Turkey started to organise aid 
for Ukraine immediately after the start 
of the war. Employees collected funds for 
the purchase of essential items, organised 
a collection of clothes, cleaning products, 
hygiene products, food, milk for children, 
medical products and medicines.

Colleagues in Italy, Spain, France, Turkey 
and the UK immediately joined the action, 
with dozens of pallets of humanitarian 
aid for Ukraine being sent to our EMEA 
East Hub in Łódź. Supplies were then 
repackaged and transported to Łódź City 
Hall, which dealt with their direct transport 
to the regions most in need in Ukraine.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

CASE  
STUDY

Our response to the earthquakes in 
Turkey and Syria
In early February 2023, a series of 
devastating earthquakes hit southern 
Turkey and north-west Syria killing over 
50,000 people and injuring many more. 
Our Mesan manufacturing site near 
Istanbul was outside the impact zone, so 
the facility was not physically affected and 
all Essentra employees were unharmed.

However, many of our colleagues in Turkey 
had family and friends in the impact area 
and in the days following the earthquakes 
were rightly focused on moving them to 
safety. We supported these efforts, and in 
one example allocated a company vehicle 
to travel to the region to collect family 
members of an employee. 

3434

In the immediate wake of the earthquakes 
our business in Turkey made a donation 
to a local foundation providing essential 
clothes and food to those affected. In 
the following days and weeks our local 
employees collected nearly €900 worth of 
in-kind aid such as blankets, sleeping bags, 
heaters and power banks. These provisions 
were delivered directly to the impact zone 
by a volunteer team of seven Essentra 
employees, with the full support of our 
management team. 

As soon as the earthquakes hit, our 
employees globally were encouraged to 
donate to the International Red Cross 
appeal and many of our colleagues 
globally engaged with fundraising events. 
In Germany our colleagues worked with 
customers to raise €7,000 to relief efforts 
and in March 2023 we made a Company 
donation of €100,000 to the Disasters 
Emergency Committee (DEC) Turkey-Syria 
earthquake appeal. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE CONTINUED

Our  
Customers

This pillar focuses on supporting our customers to 
achieve their sustainability goals. As the only global 
manufacturer and distributor of our kind, we are in 
a leading position to assist customers by providing 
products and services that have been developed to 
provide a hassle free sustainable choice. 

Our focus and targets

•   Increasing the number of products 

introduced with sustainability criteria 

Our progress

•  29 trials completed for new products 

using recycled materials in 2022

3535

Our purpose is to help customers build a 
sustainable future and therefore working 
with them on their approach to sustainability 
is a key area of activity. We are committed 
to continuing to invest in developing new 
products with improved sustainability 
performance and lower lifecycle emissions, 
and providing our customers with expert 
advice on the most sustainable choice for 
their needs. 

In 2022 several trials were conducted with 
the view to increase our recycled content 
from 50% to 100% across our standard 
ranges of LDPE parts. These trials were largely 
successful and we now run most standard 
LDPE parts at 98%-100% recycled content. 
We also conducted trials on our nylon 
products using recycled material and in 2023 
will progress these trials.

We are currently in discussions to support 
circular economy models with targeted 
customers, and increasing our commercial 
focus on ESG supportive categories such 
as renewable energy and electrification, to 
support customers’ net zero transition.

Essentra Components jumped into 
action with advice on how we could 
achieve sustainability, and provided 
samples and other resources. The fact 
that the solution was off-the-shelf 
proved invaluable in enabling us to 
work without interruptions.”

ALAN WEBB 
Company Secretary and Director, Iracroft

The customer was previously using non-
recyclable PVC caps for protection during 
transportation and storage. Iracroft saw the 
opportunity to switch to a recyclable cap and 
together with Essentra was able to offer an 
off-the-shelf, product solution that would 
prevent 2.5 million parts from going to landfill, 
the equivalent of c.5 tonnes of waste.

CASE  
STUDY

Supporting our customers to 
achieve their sustainability goals 
Iracroft, one of the UK’s leading 
manufacturers of rigid tube assemblies 
for a variety of hydraulic, pneumatic and 
coolant applications, was tasked with 
helping a customer realise its sustainability 
strategy. Iracroft already had a long, 
historical relationship with Essentra and 
knew that as a current supplier, Essentra 
was capable of meeting demanding 
challenges and offering a hassle-free 
solution.

Essentra was able to support Iracraft 
with timely samples, CADs and material 
data sheets to arrive at a solution in 
providing LDPE tear tab caps, a low density 
polyethylene that was tough and flexible, 
making an ideal material for caps needed 
to protect parts from damage, dirt and 
moisture. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS CONTINUED

Non-financial  
key performance indicators

Re-presenting comparatives to reflect the continuing business
To provide a like-for-like position, a number of KPIs have been re-presented to reflect  
the continuing business operations. Comparatives have been updated for 2020 and  
2021 where appropriate.

Equally important to the delivery of 
Essentra’s strategic priorities is 
a focus on KPIs which measure our 
progress against stated priorities in 
terms of our customers, 
communities and people.

Non-Financial information table 
This table follows the requirements of 
Companies Act 2016 Sections 414C(7), 
414CA and 414CB and is intended to help 
stakeholders understand our position on key 
non-financial matters. We have a number of 
Group policies and standards which govern 
our approach to these matters. These are 
detailed in this report in the sections shown.

Where to  
read more in  
this report

24

30

32

32

33

31

8

52

Reporting 
requirement

Environmental matters:  
Environment, social and governance

Employees:  
Environment, social and governance

Health and safety:  
Environment, social and governance

Human rights:  
Environment, social and governance

Social matters:  
Environment, social and governance

Anti-Bribery and Corruption:  
Environment, social and governance

Business model:  
Our business model

Principal risks:  
Risk management report

3636

Customers

Environment

Active customers

Why this is important 
This reflects marketing effectiveness and 
measures the potential population for further 
growth opportunities. Customer numbers 
can fluctuate, for example due to strategic 
focus on mid-size accounts and digital 
marketing strategy.

2022

2021

2020

74k

79k

82k

Net Promoter Score (NPS) 

Why this is important 
Reflects our customers’ overall satisfaction 
with our products and service, as well as 
loyalty to our brand.

2022

2021

2020

34

23

45

On Time In Full (OTIF)%

Why this is important 
Our ability to deliver quality products on time 
and in full demonstrates our ability to meet 
our customers’ delivery demands.

2022

2021

2020

78.2

54.1

92.1

Why this is important 
We recognise that we have a role, and interest, in environmental stewardship. This is a duty 
we owe not just to our neighbours, but to future generations. We know that the way we 
manage our environmental impacts affects our reputation and is a measure of the quality 
of Essentra’s businesses.

Scope 1 and 2 GHG intensity
Total CO2e per £mln revenue 

Number of sites at Zero Waste  
to Landfill (ZWTL)

2022

2021

2020

47.9

62.1

69.1

2022

2021

2020

12

6

5

Our target 
25% reduction in emissions intensity by 2025 
(2019 baseline)

Our target 
All sites at ZWTL by 2030 (or sooner)

Waste intensity
Total tonnes per £mln revenue

% of polymers from more 
sustainable sources

2022

2021

2020

9.4

11.0

11.0

2022

2021

2020

2

10.8

8.5

Our target 
20% reduction by 2030, or sooner 
(2019 baseline)

Our target 
20% of materials from more sustainable 
sources by 2025 (for Components)

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS CONTINUED

Safety

People

Lost Time Incidents (LTIs)

Employee engagement (%)  Why this is important 

Why this is important 
Our overriding commitment in the workplace 
is the health, safety and welfare of our 
employees and all those who visit Essentra’s 
operations. Our aim is to be in the top quartile 
of manufacturing companies for the lowest 
Incident Frequency Rates.

2022

2021

2020

22

22*

14

*  17 incidents were reported in the 2021 Annual Report 

which excluded the Hengzhu acquisition

Number of days lost)

Why this is important 
This is a measure used to quantify the 
severity of LTIs. Where incidents do result 
in Lost Time, we work hard to minimise the 
amount and to support the injured person in 
their recovery by offering restricted or light 
duties, and through a structured return to 
work programme.

2022

2021

2020

168

371

518

*  17 incidents were reported in the 2021 Annual Report 

which excluded the Hengzhu acquisition

3737

The happiness and fulfilment of our people is a key priority. 
Having more engaged employees reduces staff turnover, 
improves productivity and helps us serve and retain customers.

2022

2020

83

78

Board gender  
diversity (%) 

Board ethnic 
diversity (%)

Group Executive 
Committee* gender 
diversity (%)

Senior Management  
(Levels 6-8) gender 
diversity (%)

2022

 Men: 63% (5)
 Women: 37% (3)

2021

 Men: 57% (4)
 Women: 43% (3)

2020

 Men: 57% (4)
 Women: 43% (3)

2022

 Black: 25% (2)
 White: 63% (5) 
 White Irish: 12% (1) 

2021

 Asian (Chinese): 14% (1) 
 Black: 14% (1)
 White: 57% (4) 
 White Irish: 14% (1) 

2022

 Men: 56% (5)
 Women: 44% (4)

2021

 Men: 71% (5)
 Women: 29% (2)

2020

 Men: 70% (7)
 Women: 30% (3)

*  Previously known as Group 
Management Committee

2022

 Men: 74% (29)
 Women: 26% (10)

2021

 Men: 80% (74)
 Women: 20% (19)

2020

 Men: 82% (71)
 Women: 18% (16)

*  Reduction in overall size of 

management team due to sale of 
the Packaging and Filters businesses

Why this is important 
At Essentra we are committed to measuring our progress in terms of the diversity of our leadership community. We believe this diversity brings a range of outlooks 
to decision-making and problem-solving as well as better representing our employee base and the communities in which we operate.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Stakeholder engagement and 
Section 172(1) statement
At Essentra we actively manage a range of key stakeholder 
relationships, recognising that our success and sustainability 
depend on their input and involvement.

The Board understands the importance 
of forming and retaining good working 
relationships with all stakeholder groups. 
Effective engagement enables the Board to 
ensure stakeholder interests are considered 
when making decisions and the feedback 
helps them to identify emerging issues 
which is crucial for achieving the long-
term success of the Company. The Board 
receives updates at each of its scheduled 
meetings on stakeholder engagement, for 
example regular reports on investor relations, 
employee engagement and an update on the 
Chief Executive’s – and his teams’ – external 
engagements. In most cases, the method of 
engagement with stakeholders is meetings, 
held either virtually or face-to-face. These 
include the Annual General Meeting, individual 
shareholder meetings, customer meetings 
and employee meetings through the Voice 
of the Employee initiative. These interactions 
allow the Board to consider whether there are 
any issues requiring further consideration. 

Section 172(1) statement
The following disclosure describes how the 
Board has had regard to the matters set 
out in Section 172(1) (a) to (f) and forms the 
Directors’ statement required under Section 
414CZA of the Companies Act 2006.

Effective engagement enables 
the Board to ensure stakeholder 
interests are considered when 
making decisions and is crucial 
for achieving the long-term 
success of the Company.”

PAUL LESTER, CBE
Chair

3838

Investors

Suppliers

Key topics of interest

Key topics of interest

•  General updates on strategy, governance 

and performance

•  Sale of the Filters and Packaging businesses
•  Deepening investors’ knowledge of the 

Components business model and strategy 

•  Changes in make up of the Board, in 

particular, the appointment of a new  
Chief Executive

•  Evolving ESG strategy and initiatives 
•  Acquisition of Wixroyd
How we engage

•  AGM
•  Full year and half year presentations and 

capital market events

•  One-on-one meetings with the Chair, Chief 
Executive, Chief Financial Officer, Senior 
Independent Director and RemCo Chair 

Outcomes of engagement

•  Continued access to capital – vital 

importance to Essentra’s long-term success 

•  Investor buy-in to our strategic objectives 

and our execution of them

•  Promotion of an investor base with a long-

term holding in the Essentra

Relevant KPIs

•  Earnings Per Share (EPS)
•  Total dividends paid
•  Total Shareholder Return (TSR)
•  Dividend yield and cover 
Key challenges

•  Timely communication during a year of 

significant strategic change 

•  Deepening investor knowledge of business 
model and strategy, given transition to 
pure-play Components business

  The major interests in our shares are 
set out on page 127.

•  Sale of the Filters and Packaging businesses
•  Impact of worldwide supply chain 

disruption, leading to challenges on the 
price and availability of raw materials
•  Impact of Brexit on business continuity in 

our UK and European factories

•  Sustainable procurement
How we engage

•  Procurement teams run a supplier 

development programme with all key 
suppliers and we are looking to digitalise 
this moving forward

•  Supplier Code of Conduct and Modern 

Slavery Statement are shared with all key 
and new suppliers

Outcomes of engagement

•  Long-term, strategic relationships formed 
on the basis of trust and understanding 

•  Collaboration on key initiatives and 

innovation projects – working with suppliers 
to ensure ethical practices to drive ESG 
progress

•  Contingency plans to mitigate the impact 

of supply chain challenges 

Key challenges

•  As a conversion business we are dependent 

on our suppliers to provide our goods 
ethically, within our code of conduct, on 
time and to the quality required by our 
customers

•  Worldwide supply chain disruption 

continues to be a challenge for ourselves 
and our suppliers 

  Read more about our suppliers on 
page 33.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT CONTINUED

Customers

Key topics of interest

•  Sale of the Filters and Packaging businesses
•  Strategic intent for Essentra to become a 

pure-play Components business 
•  Business continuity and supply chain 

challenges 

•  Approach to sustainability across our 

products and operations

How we engage

•  Local teams manage relationships with our 

broad range of customers globally
•  More formal and regular feedback 
gathered through NPS surveys

Outcomes of engagement

•  Driving our purpose to help customers build 

a sustainable future 

•  Long-term relationships formed on the 

basis of trust and understanding 
•  Collaboration on key initiatives and 
innovation projects eg working with 
customers to help drive their ESG progress

Relevant KPIs

•  On Time and In Full (OTIF)
•  Quality/complaints
•  Net Promoter Score (NPS) 
Key challenges

•  Timely communication given a year of 

significant strategic change 

•  Reduction in customer number to  

74k (2021: 79k) due to strategic focus  
on mid-size accounts and digital  
marketing strategy

  Read more about our customers on 
page 35.

3939

CASE  
STUDY

Strengthening our relationships 
with customers 
Parker, a customer for over six years, 
supply precision-engineered solutions 
for commercial, mobile, industrial and 
aerospace markets across a global network 
of approximately 17,000 locations. 

Parker needed to find a solution to 
protect their hydraulic products in 
international transit, meeting export 
market requirements, guaranteeing quality, 
delivering lead times and holding good 
levels of inventory. 

In response Essentra was able to utilise 
product expertise across a broad range of 
customer categories to source a solution 
from the standard product offer. Timely 
samples, CAD drawings and technical 
support was provided, as well as a timely 
site visit to Parker’s factory in China. 
Guarantees with quality gave the customer 
peace of mind that their export products 
would arrive without damage protecting 
their industrial products with confidence. 

Essentra’s wide range of standard 
products meant we could find 
a solution which matched our 
specification and met our timeframes 
for our overseas market products.”

FRANK ZHAO 
Purchasing Manager, Parker

Government and regulators

Employees

Key topics of interest

•  Our commitment to work with 

governments at national, regional and local 
level in establishing sound and transparent 
working relationships

•  Ensuring that the way we conduct business 
with customers and suppliers, and how 
we treat our people and the communities 
in which we operate, meet both local 
requirements and Essentra’s Code of Ethics

•  Reporting obligations required by the 

US Department of Justice related to the 
obligations of the Deferred Prosecution 
Agreement reported in the 2020 Annual 
Report that the (now sold) Dubai Filters 
business operates under

How we engage

•  Engagement undertaken in various ways 

across our global operations

•  As a UK listed company, the Board and 

GEC manage many of these relationships 
while our global teams engage local 
governments as necessary
Outcomes of engagement

•  Strong and transparent dialogue with 

Key topics of interest

•  Strategic intent to become a pure-play 

Components business and the related sale 
of the Filters and Packaging businesses
•  Organisational changes and employee 

impacts relating to the above

•  General updates on strategy, governance 

and performance

How we engage

•  Annual employee survey – relaunched in 
November 2022 (postponed in 2021)
•  Regular town halls – virtual and face-to-
face in sites with local management

•  Global leadership team meetings
•  Three Board Employee Champions, meeting 

requirements of the 2018 Code

Outcomes of engagement

•  Continued high levels of employee 

engagement in 2022 – 83%, up from 78% in 
Components in 2020

•  Continued improvement in safety trends – 

12 LTIs in Q1 and 2 in Q4 

•  Continued progress on increasing diversity 

and inclusion within the Company

various government and regulatory agencies

Relevant KPIs

•  Continued focus on continuous 

improvement and monitoring the 
effectiveness of our response to sanction 
regimes and other compliance requirements 
relevant to our international operations 

•  In accordance with our Ethics Code, Essentra 
does not provide financial contributions to 
political parties and lobby groups

Key challenges

•  Timely communication given a year of 

significant strategic change 

•  Employee engagement 
•  Safety KPIs: Lost Time Incidents and 

Number of Days Lost

•  Diversity at management levels
•  Feedback gathered as part of ongoing 

engagement activities 

Key challenges

•  Delivery of the key strategic projects during 
a year of significant change for employees

  Read more about our employees on 
page 30.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

Task Force on  
Climate-Related  
Financial Disclosures

We acknowledge the important role of the 
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD) in improving transparency 
and driving improvements across industry. 
This is the second Essentra climate report 
based on the TCFD recommendations, and 
the assessments, findings and conclusions 
within this report supersede earlier ones. 

Climate change is addressed collectively 
across our Company Board committees, 
providing robust governance and alignment 
to all aspects of Company strategy. We 
manage ESG risks and opportunities, 
including climate change through a range of 
different processes, including the Audit and 
Risk Committee (ARC), the Sustainability/
ESG Committee (SC/ESGC), Group 
Executive Committee (GEC) and operational 
management processes. These approaches 
address many of the recommendations of 
TCFD.

During 2022, we have built on the work 
and recommendations received from our 
inaugural 2021 report developed with third-
party experts, and revised our risks and 
opportunities to align with our transition 
into a pure-play Components business. We 
have undertaken a review of the Company’s 
climate change risks and opportunities, 
across various scenarios and time horizons, to 
ensure management teams have a thorough 
understanding of their most relevant climate 
change-related risks and opportunities, 
and to inform our response to TCFD 
recommendations. 

Compliance with TCFD requirements 
Essentra expects that these disclosures 
will evolve over time as we deepen our 
understanding of our climate change-related 
risks and opportunities and as TCFD and other 
related guidance evolve. 

The Essentra Board, with support from the 
SC/ESGC, has dedicated a significant amount 
of time to this area over the past year, and 
has concluded, based on its knowledge 
of the Company’s actual and expected 
activities, its operating environment and 
exposure to physical and transition risks, 
that our disclosures are consistent with TCFD 
recommendations and the recommended 
disclosures.

The tables that follow discloses our response 
and the outcomes of the work we have 
undertaken on the TCFD recommendations, 
and signposts where further relevant 
information can be found within other 
sections of this report.

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Governance

Strategy

Disclose the actual and potential impacts of climate-related risks and opportunities 
on the organisation’s businesses, strategy and financial planning where such 
information is material

Recommended disclosures

Commentary

Describe the 
approach to 
identifying 
climate-related 
risks and 
opportunities

In 2022 we reviewed and built on the comprehensive database of climate-
related risks and opportunities established in 2021, redefining the scope to 
focus on the components business post strategic review activities. 

The assessment covered a wide range of our geographic scope, including all 
manufacturing and distribution centres alongside strategic offices. 

The time horizons used in our analysis and disclosures are short-term (2025), 
medium-term (2030) and long-term (2040). The long-term time frame of 
2040 is aligned with Essentra’s target of reaching net zero emissions by 2040. 
The short term (2025) and medium-term (2030) time frames are aligned 
with its business continuity planning.

Using a long list of 32 risks and opportunities established in 2021, a bespoke 
scoring system where vulnerability and advantage of each item is assessed to 
determine the most material impacts. Vulnerability is used to assess climate 
risks and is defined as the degree to which the business is susceptible to, 
and able to deal with, the impacts of climate change. Advantage is used 
to assess climate opportunities and is defined as the degree to which the 
business is able to capture the potential value from the low carbon transition 
opportunity.

Physical impacts were assessed based on the analysis of the business insurers 
and third party climate risk data for 26 Essentra sites , and 12 key suppliers’ 
sites.

Each of the most material risks and opportunities was then analysed and the 
potential unmitigated impact on profit was classified as either low (<£1m), 
medium (£1m-£10m) or high (>£10m).

Disclose the organisation’s governance around climate-related risks and opportunities

Recommended disclosures

Commentary

Describe the 
Board’s oversight 
of climate-
related risks and 
opportunities

Board oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities is provided by 
the Sustainability Committee (SC), and from the start of 2023, the newly 
established Environmental, Social and Governance Committee (ESGC) has 
taken on responsibility for climate-related risks, as well as wider responsibility 
including TCFD. The ESGC succeeds the SC, acknowledging the greater focus 
needed on social aspects when considering climate transition:

•  details of the composition, remit and meeting frequency of the SC/ESGC 

are provided on page 90

•  the overall governance approach, including how the SC/ESGC integrates 

and interacts with other management, is provided on page 90

Existing SC/ESGC members have operational experience in ESG and climate 
change, as reported within the Directors Biographies section of the AGM Notice, 
and the most recent Board appointments have experience of managing climate 
change in other organisations. This has strengthened the Board’s expertise in ESG 
and managing its approach to climate change which has been supported by a 
third party. In addition, the SC/ESGC invites input from third parties, on a regular 
basis, to improve its understanding of ESG matters – recent speakers have come 
from leading industrial companies, global management consultancies and City 
institutions.

The Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) has responsibility for reviewing and approving 
the content of the climate-related risk disclosures. Details of the ARC and its 
activities are provided from page 95.

The Remuneration Committee is responsible for determining the 
remuneration policy, including how climate related risks and opportunities are 
taken into account in determining rewards and incentives. The Remuneration 
Committee incorporated sustainability and climate-related targets into its 
remuneration strategy for executive and GMC pay. Details of this can be 
found in the Remuneration Committee Report from page 111.

The Nominations Committee is responsible for Board appointments and succession 
planning and takes account of experience in sustainability and climate-related 
risks in fulfilling its responsibilities. Details of the Nominations Committee and its 
activities are provided from page 91.

Management is involved in assessing climate-related risks and opportunities 
in several different ways, including:

•   The overall governance approach, including how Board and management 

interact is provided on pages 74-75 

•   ESG risks are Principal Risks for Essentra, managed and discussed at both 

the SC/ESGC and ARC – a description of ESG Principal Risks is detailed from 
page 59 

•  Qualitative climate-related risks and opportunities were discussed in 
strategy reviews during the year, and our work on quantification of 
climate-related risks and opportunities was shared and discussed with 
management

Describe 
management’s 
role in assessing 
climate-related 
risks and 
opportunities

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TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES CONTINUED

Strategy continued

Recommended disclosures

Commentary

Describe the 
resilience of the 
organisation’s 
strategy taking 
into consideration 
different climate 
related scenarios, 
including a 2ºC or 
lower scenario

The qualitative and quantitative risk/opportunity identification involved three different scenarios, supported by third-party experts. These scenarios are outlined in the table below.

Climate scenario

Warming by 2100

Future emissions

Energy source

Scenario narrative

Reference scenarios

Physical

Transition

Business as usual 
(BAU)

>50C

High

Mostly fossil fuels

Middle of the road 
(MR)

~2.70C

Medium

A mix fossil fuels 
and renewables

Without additional efforts to reduce emissions and a continued trajectory of 
slow and limited ambition climate policy, operating practices remain as they 
are at present and emissions continue to rise at current rates. This results 
in a severe increase of frequency and intensity of devastating extreme 
weather, resulting increases in insurance premiums and economic pressure 
in worst hit regions where assets are uninsurable. Global ecosystems suffer 
irreversible changes and significant loss of biodiversity.

The world continues to decarbonise and achievement of nationally 
determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement and other policy 
commitments. As a result of the eventual albeit uncoordinated approach to 
address climate change, there is a major increase in frequency and severity 
of weather events. Parts of global ecosystems suffer abrupt and irreversible 
changes and loss of biodiversity.

IPCC AR6 5-8.5 “Fossil-fuelled Development”; IEA World 
Energy Outlook 2018 “Current Policies Scenario”

IPCC AR6 SSP 2-4.5 “Middle of the Road”; IEA World 
Energy Outlook 2021 “Stated Policies Scenario”

Low carbon (LC)

<20C

Low

Mostly renewables 
and low-carbon 
fuels

Ambitious and coordinated climate policies globally leads to transformation 
of the energy system. Many advanced economies reach net zero emissions 
by 2050, with the rest of the world reaching net-zero by 2070. There is a 
significant increase in frequency and severity of extreme weather which 
stabilises towards the latter half of the century. There remains a high risk for 
vulnerable ecosystems such as coral reefs and arctic sea ice. 

IPCC AR6 SSP 1-2.6 “Sustainable”; IEA World Energy 
Outlook 2021 “Sustainable Development Scenario”

These three scenarios have been developed for Essentra, and draw on publicly available and widely accepted third-party scenarios. They combine elements from the International Energy 
Agency (IEA)’s 2018 and 2021 World Energy Outlook for transition changes and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report for physical changes, 
alongside other literature.

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Strategy continued

Recommended disclosures

Commentary

Describe the 
climate related 
risks and 
opportunities the 
organisation has 
identified, and 
the impact on the 
businesses, 
strategy and 
financial planning

The gross, unmitigated potential financial impact of the ten most relevant climate-related risks and opportunities was quantified at high-level, across all three time horizons and three 
scenarios, supported by third-party experts. A range of management approaches were identified, many of which the Group has in place already, to mitigate these risks and capture 
opportunities. The table below maps approaches to risks and opportunities, as well as potential unmitigated profit impact in the MR scenario:

Risk/Opportunity 
category

Description

Scenario(s)

Risk management

Physical Risk

Damage to physical assets and disruption at own 
sites due to high-speed wind, applicable to our 
Ningbo site.

BAU

•  Emergency plans in place at all sites.
•  Site activity based on risk assessments to reduce exposure to natural hazards.
•  Business continuity plans to respond to extreme weather events including 

appropriate mitigation plans. 

Physical Risk

Damage to physical assets and disruption at own 
sites due to increased precipitation and flooding, 
applicable to our Ningbo and Louisville sites.

BAU

•  Emergency plans in place at all sites.
•  Site activity based on risk assessments to reduce exposure to natural hazards. 
Business continuity plans to respond to extreme weather events including 
appropriate mitigation plans. 

Transition risk

Increased expenditure due to rise in fossil fuel 
price

BAU,MR,LC

•  Transition from fossil fuel resins and films.
•  Continue reducing reliance on fossil fuels in operations.

Transition risk

Increased expenditure due to carbon pricing for 
energy and power

LC,MR

•  Continue reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
•  Reduction of scope 3 emissions
•  Evaluate passing cost increase through to consumers and assess price elasticity.

Transition Risk

Reduced revenue from components specific to 
conventional fuel automobiles

BAU,MR,LC

•  Continue plan to switch from conventional vehicle to low-carbon vehicle 

components.

•  Periodic market analysis to prepare for market changes, such as speed of price 
parity for electric vehicles; charging maturity; non-ICE vehicle penetration.

Potential unmitigated profit impact 

Low

Medium

High

Potential unmitigated profit 
impact in MR scenario

Metrics

Short 
term 
(2025)

Medium 
term 
(2030)

Long 
term 
(2040)

•  Number of sites with 
business continuity 
plans

•  Number of sites with 
business continuity 
plans

•  % of materials from 
sustainable sources
•  Total Scope 1,2 and 3 

emissions  

•  Total Scope 1,2 and 3 

emissions 

•  Total energy usage"

•  Revenue from ICE 

components

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Strategy continued

Recommended disclosures

Commentary

Describe impact 
of climate-
related risks and 
opportunities on 
the businesses, 
strategy and 
financial planning 
(continued)

Risk/Opportunity 
category

Description

Scenario(s)

Risk management

Impact on gross margin (GM)

Low

Medium

High

Potential unmitigated profit 
impact in MR scenario

Metrics

Short 
term 
(2025)

Medium 
term 
(2030)

Long 
term 
(2040)

Transition Risk

Risk of increased costs due to transition from 
petrochemical feedstocks and non-recyclable / 
non-biodegradable materials

MR,LC

•  Development of centre of excellence to trial and bring to market alternative 

materials.

•  Close collaboration with supply chain. 
•  Monitoring evolving legislation on material use and labelling

Transition 
opportunity

Increased revenue from sales of components 
for electric and hydrogen-based vehicles

BAU,MR,LC

•  Continue plan to switch from conventional vehicle to low-carbon vehicle 

components.

•  Periodic market analysis to prepare for market changes, such as speed of price 
parity for electric vehicles; charging maturity; non-ICE vehicle penetration.

Transition 
opportunity

Increased revenue from sales of components 
for renewable energy, HVAC for cooling and 
water pipes/pumping

MR,LC

•  Periodic market analysis to prepare for market changes
•  Focused development of service and product offering

Transition 
opportunity

Increased revenue from rising customers 
preferences for circular product alternatives 
(reusable/high recycled content)

MR,LC

•  Development of centre of excellence to trial and bring to market alternative 

materials.

•  Close collaboration with supply chain. 
•  Monitoring evolving legislation on material use and labelling

•  % of materials from 
sustainable sources

•  Revenue from EV 
components

•  Revenue from 

renewable energy and 
HVAC components

•  % of materials from 
sustainable sources

Transition 
opportunity

Reduced energy costs through implementation 
of renewable energy and adoption of energy 
efficiency measures

BAU,MR,LC

Continue to evaluate potential savings from energy efficiency measures and 
implementation of renewable energy generation.

% of renewable energy 
total energy usage

Transition revenue opportunities appear to outweigh Transition revenue risks, under all three scenarios, in all timeframes. Potential gross Physical risks to sites (from flooding, winds) are broadly 
consistent across all three scenarios. The risk from fossil fuel price increases is much greater under ‘Business as Usual’ and ‘Middle of the Road’ scenarios, driving energy efficiency, uptake 
of on-site generation and renewable energy procurement. The gross impact of carbon pricing for energy and power varies in the opposite direction and is greatest under the Low Carbon 
scenario, driving a similar set of activities. The cost reduction opportunity from energy efficiency and implementation of renewable energy also increases under the Low Carbon scenario. We 
have considered our assessment of the unmitigated, gross impacts of the identified risks and opportunities, together with existing and proposed mitigation actions, as inputs to our Long-Term 
Viability Statement and impairment reviews. On the basis of our current analysis, we have concluded that the aggregate impact of the identified risks and opportunities represents less than 
1% of operating profit and consequently will not be material. We will continue to review our assessment of both the individual risks and opportunities and the aggregate impact as part of our 
regular risk management practices and having regard to future reporting and disclosure requirements in relation to climate change.

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STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022Describe how 
processes for 
identifying, 
assessing and 
managing 
climate-related 
risks are 
integrated into 
the organisation’s 
overall risk 
management

ESG risks are Principal Risks for Essentra, managed and discussed at ARC in 
accordance with Essentra risk management processes. A description of the 
ESG Principal Risks is provided from page 59. Details of the ARC and Essentra’s 
risk management processes are provided on page 101.

Operational management teams consider site specific climate-related risks 
and opportunities and report them as appropriate to the SC/ESGC, ARC and 
GEC. 

The SC/ESGC considers climate-related risks and opportunities for the 
company as a whole and reports them as appropriate to the ARC and GEC. 
Details of the SC/ESGC and its activities are provided from page 88.

Going forwards, the ten most relevant risks and opportunities identified as 
part of TCFD activity will be integrated into the ESG Principal Risk coverage, 
in order that Principal Risk reviews include a review and update of activity 
related to these areas. This prioritisation will be updated on an annual basis, 
linked to TCFD review outcomes.

Company wide or specific regional climate-related risks and opportunities are 
discussed at ARC, GEC and SC/ESGC. 

TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE-RELATED FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES CONTINUED

Risk Management

Disclose how the organisation identifies, assesses and manages climate-related risks

Recommended disclosures

Commentary

Describe the 
organisation’s 
processes for 
identifying and 
assessing 
climate-related 
risks

Describe the 
organisation’s 
processes for 
managing 
climate-related 
risks

ESG risks are Principal Risks for Essentra, managed and discussed at ARC in 
accordance with Essentra risk management processes. A description of the 
ESG Principal Risks is provided from page 59. Details of the ARC and Essentra’s 
risk management processes are provided on page 101.

Operational management teams identify and discuss site and region specific 
climate related risks and opportunities in strategy reviews during the year. 

The SC/ESGC considers climate-related risks and opportunities for the 
company as a whole. Details of the SC/ESGC and its activities are provided 
from page 88.

Company-wide and specific regional risks and opportunities are also 
discussed at GEC. 

Based on the identification and assessment of risks described above, actions 
and activities are identified and managed in accordance with the Group’s risk 
management processes.

Business wide activities are undertaken and managed centrally via the 
Sustainability and HSE teams, working across the Company. For example to 
reduce our GHG emissions:

•  management of solar PV projects is done centrally to facilitate and 

accelerate activity, working with sites across the company

•  procurement of renewable energy is often done at site/divisional level, but 

guided centrally to focus on the largest impact opportunities

Other risks are managed within operational regions and sites, e.g. for physical 
risk factors, sites and regions work with our insurer to identify and reduce 
exposure to natural hazard risks, and also to establish business continuity 
plans (albeit against a Company framework and policy).

Progress on the management of climate-related risks is subject to regular 
review by the SC/ESGC, ARC and GEC. 

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Metrics and Targets

Disclose the metrics and targets used to assess and manage relevant climate-related 
risks and opportunities where such information is material

Recommended disclosures

Commentary

Describe the 
metrics used by 
the organisation 
to assess climate-
related risks and 
opportunities in 
line with its 
strategy and risk 
management 
process

The KPI currently used by Essentra is Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions intensity. 
Supporting, linked metrics are absolute Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions, energy 
usage and percentage of energy from renewable sources. These metrics link to 
several of the transition risks and opportunities (e.g. increased fossil fuel costs, 
increased carbon pricing, reduced costs through renewable energy/energy 
efficiency). Progress on our emissions and energy usage can be found from 
page 24.

We track and report the percentage of materials from more sustainable 
sources. This supports reduced Scope 3 GHG emissions (recycled content 
has a lower embodied carbon content than virgin resin). In addition, this 
metric supports the opportunity of increased revenues from rising customer 
preference for circular product alternatives, and mitigates the risk of 
increased costs of transitioning from petrochemical feedstock. Progress on 
our sustainable materials KPI can be found on page 25.

We monitor our preparedness and capability to respond to physical risks to 
our assets and operations through the preparation and regular review of 
business continuity plans.

Transition risks and opportunities related to the move from certain products, 
such as those for ICE vehicles, to products that support electrification of 
transport and heating, are tracked through regular revenue forecasts and 
market analysis. 

Disclose Scope 1, 
Scope 2 (and if 
appropriate, 
Scope 3) GHG 
emissions and the 
related risks

Describe the 
targets used by 
the organisation 
to manage 
climate-related 
risks and 
opportunities and 
performance 
against targets

Progress on our (Scope 1 & Scope 2) GHG intensity KPI can be found from 
page 24. Disclosure of absolute Scope 1 & Scope 2 emissions can be found on 
pages 27-28.

For the first time in this years report, we are disclosing our Scope 3 emissions 
which can be found on pages 27-28. Our Scope 3 inventory has been 
developed using a hybrid model of spend and activity data. The model has 
been developed internally and uses life cycle analysis, industry databases and 
supplier specific information where it is available. The majority of our Scope 3 
emissions relate to purchased raw materials and products (hence the focus 
on materials from more sustainable sources, above). 

The related risks and opportunities are:

•  risk of increased costs due to rises in fossil fuel prices
•  risk of increased costs due to carbon pricing for energy and power
•  opportunity for reduced costs through implementation of renewable energy 

and adoption of energy efficiency measures.

Our current targets for our (Scope 1 & 2) GHG intensity KPI are:

•  25% reduction by 2025 (vs. 2019 baseline)
•  Net zero by 2040

Progress on our (Scope 1 & Scope 2) GHG intensity metric can be found on 
page 27-28.

Our current target for our sustainable materials KPI is: 20% of materials from 
more sustainable sources by 2025

Progress on our sustainable materials metric can be found on page 25.

In 2022, we committed to the Science based Targets initiative (SBTi), meaning 
we have committed to set our next near-term target and review our long-
term Company-wide emission reductions targets in line with science-based 
net zero with the SBTi, and this work will include the setting of a Scope 3 
emissions reduction target. This activity is planned in 2023, alongside the 
publication of our transition plan.

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Financial Review 

2022 was a transformational year for Essentra. The Components 
business delivered 12% revenue growth, and achieved operating 
margins of 19% demonstrating a robust underlying financial 
performance. 

JACK CLARKE
Chief Financial Officer

Trading performance
FY 2022 revenue for the continuing operations 
of the business increased by 12.0% to 
£337.9m. On a like-for-like (LFL) basis, 
revenues increased by +6.5%, year-on-year 
adjusting for FX movement and removing the 
acquisitions of Wixroyd and Hengzhu.

The Components business achieved adjusted 
operating profits of £63.7m, up 12.0% on prior 
year. After recognising central service costs 
associated with the go-forward business of 
£20.7m, the pro-forma adjusted profit was 
£43.0m.

The Components business achieved an 
adjusted operating margin consistent with 
the prior year of 18.9%. This margin resilience 
reflects pricing actions and cost control, 
which more than offset cost inflation for  
the year. 

The business saw a considerable amount of 
adjusting items in 2022 totalling £26.0m, 
including £10.4m restructuring of the 
continuing business following the sale of the 
Filters and Packaging divisions and £0.5m 
acquisition integration costs. 

4747

As previously guided, £12.4m has been 
recognised in relation to the customisation 
and configuration costs of significant 
‘software as a service’ (SaaS) arrangements. 

Following the outcome of the strategic 
reviews, costs of £2.0m incurred in relation to 
defined benefit pension scheme charges have 
also been recognised as adjusting items as 
they are no longer related to the continuing 
operations of the Group. Further details of 
adjusting items are shown in Note 2 to the 
Financial Statements.

After central costs serving all three legacy 
divisions, adjusting items and amortisation 
of acquired intangible assets, the reported 
continuing operating loss was £11.3m.

Discontinued operations
The disposal of the Packaging and Filters 
businesses have a material impact on the 
presentation of the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements for the year ended 
31 December 2022. Unless otherwise 
stated, numbers have been presented on a 
continuing operations basis.

Discontinued operations recognised a post-
tax loss of £152.7m for the year, including an 
impairment charge of £181.6m recognised at 
30 June 2022 related to the carrying value of 

goodwill allocated to the Packaging business 
prior to its disposal and £1.1m related to 
an impairment charge for the disposal of 
the Packaging business in India. See Note 
24 to the Financial Statements for more 
information.

Acquisition of the Wixroyd Group
On 1 December 2022 Essentra acquired 
Wixroyd Holdings Limited (Wixroyd), a 
leading UK supplier of industrial parts for 
the automation sector for an initial cash 
consideration of £29.5m (£27.9m net of cash 
acquired). Included within the consolidated 
financial statements are £0.7m of revenue 
and £0.1m of operating profit since 
acquisition. This was the first acquisition 
to be announced since outlining our new 
strategy, and continues a successful track 
record of acquisitions in the Components 
business over the last ten years. Wixroyd will 
expand Essentra’s capabilities in hardware 
components and create additional cross-
selling opportunities across a range of 
Essentra’s current end markets.

Central service costs
In 2022, the Group recognised £20.7m of 
central overheads attributable to the go-
forward business. The Group has started to 
take actions to right-size central service costs, 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

as part of the strategic reviews and transition 
to a pure-play Components business. The 
cost base will continue to be reviewed 
through 2023 with the intention of reaching a 
normalised position at the start of 2024.

Revenue growth

12.0%

Net finance expense
Net finance expense of £17.8m increased 
compared to the prior year of £14.8m. The 
interest expense is expected to reduce in 2023 
as a result of the Group reducing the level of US 
Private Placement debt in January 2023, using a 
portion of the disposal proceeds from the sale of 
Filters and Packaging to repay $247m of the loan 
notes held.

Tax
The underlying effective tax rate for 2022 
was 21.5% for the continuing Group which 
is within our forecast tax rate range of 21% 
to 22% for 2022. The previously disclosed 
forecast tax range in 2021 was 19%-20%, with 
the marked increase a result of some lower 
tax jurisdictions in the Packaging and Filters 
divisions that were previously held.

Net income
On a continuing adjusted basis, the Group 
saw net income of £5.7m and adjusted basic 
earnings per share of 1.9p in 2022. Including 
losses on disposal of £152.7m, the total 
reported net loss was £183.8m. 

Net working capital
Net working capital is defined as “inventories 
plus trade and other receivables less trade 
and other payables, adjusted to exclude 
deferred consideration receivable/payable 
and interest accruals and capital payables”. 

For the continuing business, the increase in 
net working capital to £44.2m (2021: £38.9m) 
was predominately driven by an increase in 
focus on serving our customers and rebuilding 
stock levels after the pandemic. The average 
net working capital ratio of 15.9% increased 
compared to 2021 (11.6%).

4848

Adjusted operating cash flow 
from continuing operations

£20.2m

(2021: £17.8m)

  Read more about our financial 
performance measures on page 20

Our strengthened, 
unleveraged balance sheet 
provides the Company with 
the platform for the 
investment required to deliver 
our stated strategy of 
doubling revenues and tripling 
operating profits as 
announced at our recent 
capital markets event.”

Operating cash flow
Adjusted operating cash flow for the 
continuing business was £20.2m (2021: 
£17.8m), equating to a cash conversion of 
80% compared to 67% in 2021. This includes 
an outflow of net working capital for the year 
of £14.2m (2021: £15.0m) and net capital 
expenditure of £12.8m (2021: £12.7m).

This net capital expenditure equated to  
77.1% (2021: 85.2%) of the depreciation 
charge (including amortisation of 
nonacquired intangible assets) for the year 
of £16.6m (2021: £14.9m). Net interest paid 
was £16.2m (2021: £9.2m) and net tax inflow 
£1.7m (2021: £4.7m outflow). Tax payment 
figures exclude the tax paid/received in 
relation to adjusting items. 

The outflow in respect of pension obligations 
was £nil due to payments to legacy pension 
schemes being excluded(2021: £4.8m). A 
higher cash outflow was recognised in 2021 
due to payments of pension contributions 
that were previously deferred. 

Free cash flow of £5.7m compared to a free 
cash outflow of £0.9m in 2021. An adjusted 
cash flow reconciliation can be found in 
Alternative Performance Measures (page 
50). Group net cash inflow from operating 
activities of £64.0m (2021: £63.2m).

Net funding and refinancing 
activities
Net funding surplus at the end of the period 
including lease liabilities was £113.8m. The 
overall increase in net funding surplus was 
driven by the disposal proceeds from sale of 
Packaging and Filters business being netted 
off against cash flow movements linked to 
the strategic review and cash paid for the 
acquisition of Wixroyd.

One of the main sources of funding for 
the Company is a Revolving Credit Facility 
(RCF) provided by a group of six highly-rated 

banks. In October 2022, following bank 
consent and as part of the strategic review 
the decision was taken to repay, and reduce 
the RCF facility to £200m, maintaining the 
same terms. The Company previously held 
$350m of medium and long-dated US private 
placement debt. In January 2023, following 
receipt of the proceeds from the disposal 
of Filters and Packaging, the medium term 
dated notes and longer term dated notes 
were partly repaid resizing the total USPP 
debt to $103m.

Balance sheet
At the end of 2022, the Company had 
shareholders’ funds attributable to Essentra 
equity holders of £404.1m (2021: £612.7). Total 
capital invested in the business was £344.0m 
(2021: £917.9m).

This finances non-current assets of £339.3m 
(2021: £839.8m), of which £72.2m (2021: 
£254.3m) is tangible fixed assets, the 
remainder being intangible assets, right-of 
use assets, deferred tax assets, retirement 
benefit assets, derivative assets, and long-
term receivables. 

Pensions
As at 31 December 2022, the Company’s 
IAS 19 net pension net liability was £10.6m 
(2021: net surplus of £9.0m). During the year, 
the senior section of the pension scheme 
purchased a buy-in policy, significantly de-
risking a proportion of the UK pension scheme 
against future funding deficits. Further 
information can be found in Note 18 to the 
Financial Statements.

Impact of IAS 29 (Financial Reporting 
in Hyperinflationary Economies)
During 2022, the Group held trade and 
assets denominated in Turkish Lira where IAS 
29 has been applied for the first time. The 
Components business in Turkey contributes 
c.6% revenue to the continuing Group. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022FINANCIAL REVIEW CONTINUED

The Board confirmed its 
intention to return to 
shareholders, approximately 
£150m of the residual net 
transaction proceeds from the 
disposals of its Filters and 
Packaging divisions, 
structured by way of a special 
dividend (£90m) and share 
buyback programme (£60m).”

For the year ended 31 December 2022 a 
monetary gain of c.£3m was included within 
net finance expense, and an increase in net 
assets of c.£18m has been recognised as a 
result of IAS 29. 

Shareholder return and ordinary 
dividend
The Board has confirmed its intention to 
return to shareholders, approximately £150m 
of the residual net transaction proceeds from 
the disposals of its Filters and Packaging 
businesses, which completed in Q4 of 2022. 
Following a consultation with a number of the 
Company’s major shareholders, the Board 
concluded that the shareholder return will be 
structured by way of a special dividend and a 
Share Buyback Programme.

As outlined at the capital 
markets event in November 
2022, Essentra has committed 
to a clear capital allocation 
policy to support organic and 
acquisitive growth.

Essentra will pay a special dividend of £90m, 
representing 29.8p per ordinary share. The 
Company intends to pay the special dividend 
on 27 April 2023. In addition to the £90m 
special dividend, the Board intends to initiate 
a share buyback programme of up to £60m. 

Capital allocation policy

Organic  
growth

•  Capital investment remains core to strategic growth

•  Capex expected to be maintained between 4 – 5% of sales

•  Sustainable new product development and propositions

Innovation

•  Digitalising the customer experience drives cross-sell and 

customer acquisition

•  Strong pipeline of potential acquisitions

Acquisitions

•  Addition of product adjacencies enables higher organic 

growth through cross-sell

Ordinary 
dividends

•  Maintaining dividend cover in the order of three times

The Board of Directors recommend a final 
ordinary dividend of 1.0p and therefore a total 
2022 dividend of 3.3p. (2021: final 4.0p, total 
6.0p). In 2022, the dividend has been adjusted 
to the earnings of the continuing operations 
of the business. The Board is committed to 
a progressive dividend policy going forwards, 
maintaining dividend cover in the order of 
three times.

Treasury policies and controls
Essentra has a centralised treasury function 
to control external borrowing and manage 
exchange risk. Treasury policies are approved 
by the Board and cover the nature of the 
exposure to be hedged, the types of financial 
investments that may be employed and the 
criteria for investing and borrowing cash. 

4949

The Company intends on only using 
derivatives to manage foreign currency and 
interest rate risk arising from underlying 
business activities. Whilst some transactions 
may be of a more speculative nature, they are 
in place to manage and mitigate exchange 
rate risk only. Underlying policy assumptions 
and activities are reviewed by the Treasury 
Committee. Controls over exposure changes 
and transaction authenticity are in place, and 
dealings are restricted to those banks with 
the relevant combination of geographical 
presence and suitable credit rating. 
Essentra monitors the credit ratings of its 
counterparties and credit exposure to each 
counterparty.

Foreign exchange risk
The majority of Essentra’s net assets are in 
currencies other than sterling. The Company’s 
normal policy is to limit the translation 
exposure and the resulting impact on 
shareholders’ funds by borrowing in those 
currencies in which the Company has 
significant net assets.

The majority of Essentra’s transactions are 
carried out in the functional currencies of 
its operations, and therefore transaction 
exposure is limited. However, where such 
exposure does occur, Essentra uses forward 
foreign currency contracts to hedge its 
exposure to movements in exchange rates on 
its highly probable forecast foreign currency 
sales and purchases over a period of up to 18 
months. Aside from foreign exchange risk, the 
Company is also exposed to other types of 
risks, including credit risk. Please see Note 19 
to the Financial Statements for further details.

Jack Clarke
Chief Financial Officer
28 March 2023

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Alternative Performance 
Measures
Management uses a number of measures of financial 
performance, position or cash flows of Essentra which  
are not defined or specified in accordance with relevant 
financial reporting standards. 

In management’s view, these Alternative Performance 
SCOTT FAWCETT
Measures reflect the underlying performance of the  
Chief Executive Officer
Company and provide a more meaningful comparison of how 
the business is managed and measured on a periodic basis.

FY 2022 results at a glance

Revenue

Pro-forma operating profit for the ongoing business1

Adjusted operating profit

Adjusted pre-tax profit

Adjusted net income

Adjusted basic earnings per share

Dividend per share

Reported operating (loss) / profit

Reported pre-tax profit / (loss)

Reported net loss 

FY 2022
£m

338

43

25

7

6

1.9p

3.3p

(11)

(29)

(31)

FY 2021

(re-presented) 

£m

302

40

26

12

11

3.7p

6.0p

8

(7)

(5)

% change
Actual FX

% change
Constant FX

12

7

(5)

(37)

(49)

(49)

(45)

n/a

n/a

n/a

10

7

(1)

(36)

(48)

(48)

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

1 

 Pro-forma operating profit is an additional Alternative Performance Measure, which has been used to present the business on a 
standalone basis, using historical cost allocation methodologies.

The financial information in this 2022 Annual 
Report is prepared in accordance with UK-
adopted International Accounting Standards 
and with the requirements of the Companies 
Act 2006, and with the accounting policies 
section starting on page 143 of the Financial 
Statements.

For the principal exchange rates for Essentra 
for the year ended 31 December 2022 (FY 
2022), see the table below. Re-translating the 
FY 2022 average exchange rates increases 
prior year revenue by c£7m, and reduces 
adjusted operating profit by c£1m.

Principal exchange rates

US$:£

€:£

Basis of preparation
Continuing and Discontinued 
operations
In accordance with IFRS 5, Continuing and 
Discontinuing operations are presented as 
GAAP numbers. 

Average

FY22

FY21

Closing

FY22

FY21

1.24

1.38

1.20

1.35

1.17

1.16

1.13

1.19

The numbers presented in this Strategic 
Report reflect the continuing operations of 
the Group unless otherwise stated.

Non-GAAP measures
Throughout this FY 2022 Annual Report, the 
following terms are used to describe Essentra’s 
financial performance: 

Constant exchange rates
Movements in exchange rates relative to 
sterling affect actual results as reported.  
The constant exchange rate basis adjusts  
the comparative to exclude such movements, 
to show the underlying performance of  
the Company. 

Like-for-like basis (LFL)
The term “like-for-like” describes the 
performance of the continuing business on a 
comparable basis, adjusting for the impact of 
acquisitions, disposals and foreign exchange. 

The FY 2022 LFL results are adjusted for the 
acquisition of Jiangxi Hengzhu Electrical 
Cabinet Lock Co., Ltd (Hengzhu) on 2 August 
2021 and the acquisition of Wixroyd Holdings 
Limited (Wixroyd) on 1 December 2022. 

The FY 2022 LFL results are also adjusted for 
the disposal of Essentra Packaging to Mayr-
Melnhof Group announced on 3 October 
2022 and the sale of Essentra Filters to Frank 
Acquisition Four Limited, a wholly owned 
subsidiary of Centaury Management Limited, 
announced on 5 December 2022.

5050

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES CONTINUED

Pro-forma operating profit
Pro-forma operating profit has been used to 
present the business on a standalone basis, 
using historical cost allocation methodologies. 

The Components adjusted operating profit 
of £63.7m in 2022 (2021: £56.9m) has been 
adjusted for the central service costs that 
have been allocated to continuing operations. 
In 2022, £20.7m of the £38.6m central service 
costs incurred in the year were allocated to 
the pro-forma adjusting operating profit 
measure. (2021: £16.6m of the £30.5m 
central service costs incurred in the year were 
allocated).

Cash flow
Adjusted operating cash flow is net cash flow 
from operating activities, excluding income 
tax paid, pensions adjustments, and cash 
flows relating to adjusting items, less net 
capital expenditure. It is a measure of the 
underlying cash generation of the business. 
Net capital expenditure is included in this 
measure as management regard investment 
in operational assets (tangible and intangible) 
as integral to the underlying cash generation 
capability of the Company.

Adjusted Operating Cash Conversion
Adjusted operating cash conversion is 
presented as adjusted operating cash flow as 
a percentage of adjusted operating profit.

Reconciliation of GAAP to  
non-GAAP measures
The following tables are presented by way of 
reconciling the metrics which management 
uses to evaluate the Essentra Group to GAAP 
measures. 

Adjusted basis
The term “adjusted” excludes the impact of 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets 
and adjusting items, less any associated tax 
impact. In FY 2022, amortisation of acquired 
intangible assets was £10.4m (2021: £8.6m), 
and there was a pre-tax charge for adjusting 
items of £26.0m (2021: £10.1m). 

Adjusting items are separately presented 
from other items of financial performance 
as this enables management to reflect the 
underlying performance of the continuing 
operations of the Group. 

Adjusting items of £26.0m (2021: £10.1m) 
have been reported in continuing operations 
including £10.4m restructuring of the 
continuing business following the sale of 
the Filters and Packaging divisions, £0.5m 
acquisition integration costs, and £12.4m 
incurred in relation to the customisation and 
configuration costs of significant “software 
as a service” (SaaS) arrangements which, 
in management’s judgement, constitute 
material one-off charges to upgrade the 
Group’s technical capabilities and meets 
the Group’s policy for being categorised as 
adjusting items. 

Following the outcome of the strategic 
reviews, costs of £2.0m incurred in relation 
to defined benefit pension scheme charges 
have also been recognised as adjusting 
items as they no are no longer related to the 
continuing operations of the Group. 

Further details of adjusting items are shown in 
Note 2 to the Financial Statements. 

Constant exchange, like-for-like and 
adjusted measures are provided to reflect 
the underlying performance of Essentra. For 
further details of the performance metrics 
used by Essentra, please refer to page 20.

5151

Net income

£m

Adjusted net income

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets

Adjusting items

Tax on adjustments

Profit / loss after tax

Adjusted operating cash flow

£m

Adjusted operating profit

Depreciation and amortisation of non-acquired intangible assets

Right of use asset depreciation

Share option expense / other movements

Change in working capital

Net capital expenditure (excluding disposal proceeds relating to adjusting items)

Adjusted operating cash flow from continuing operations

Tax1

Cash outflow in respect of adjusting items 

Pension obligations2

Add back: net capital expenditure (excluding disposal proceeds relating to adjusting items)

Net cash inflow from continuing operating activities

Adjusted operating cash flow

Tax1

Net interest paid

Pension obligations2

Free cash flow

FY 2022

FY 2021
(represented)

5.7

(10.4)

(26.0)

0.4

(31.1)

11.2

(8.6)

(10.1)

2.6

(4.9)

FY 2022

FY 2021
(represented)

25.1

16.6

5.6

(0.1)

(14.2)

(12.8)

20.2

1.7

(30.4)

–

12.8

4.3

20.2

1.7

(16.2)

-

5.7

26.4

14.9

5.4

(1.2)

(15.0)

(12.7)

17.8

(4.7)

(23.9)

(4.8)

12.7

(2.9)

17.8

(4.7)

(9.2)

(4.8)

(0.9)

1 

 Tax paid excludes the tax paid / received on business disposals. This is included within the cash outflow in respect  
of adjusting items

2  Pension contribution of £0.7m for legacy pension schemes has been included within cash outflow in respect of adjusting items. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT

Risk management report

Risk management is integral to proactively supporting 
business resilience and the successful delivery of the 
Company’s strategic objectives.

 Our risk 
management 
framework 
page 55

Reviewing our 
Principal Risk 
profile page 57

 Monitoring 
Emerging  
Risks  
page 58

The risk management 
lessons we learnt during 
2020 and 2021 resulted 
in us being well placed 
to evolve our processes 
to meet the emerging 
needs of the business. 
Our framework is now 
aligned to the needs of 
Essentra as a pure-play 
Components business.”

5252

Responding to change in 2022
During the last two years, the Company has 
had to navigate and manage the disruption 
caused by the pandemic, the war in Ukraine 
as well as disruption across our supply chain 
and workforce. These challenges largely 
affected the industry as a whole, although 
our response was very specific to the needs 
of Essentra. In 2022, the Company’s risk 
agenda was focused as much internally – as 
we delivered the strategic reviews of the 
Packaging and Filters businesses – as it was 
at the broader disruptive economic and 
geopolitical environment. 

The risk management lessons we learnt 
during 2020 and 2021 resulted in us being 
well placed to evolve our processes to meet 
the emerging needs of the business. The 
strategic reviews of the Packaging and Filters 
businesses, as well as broader disruption to 
the business, resulted in further evolution 
of our risk management framework. This 
framework is now aligned to the needs of 
Essentra as a pure-play Components business. 
The framework supports the evolution of 
our approach and considers risk at both a 
strategic and an operational level with a view 
to improving business resilience over the short 
to long-term.

Following on from the announcements 
in late 2021 in relation to the strategic 
reviews, we have undertaken a series of 
in-depth risk workshops and reviews with 
former and current leadership and with the 
support of external advisers. This work has, 
following consultation with the ARC and 
Board, resulted in new portfolio of Principal 
and Emerging Risks which are aligned to 
our new strategic direction as a pure-play 
Components business. The following pages 
reflect the output of these discussions with 

four Principal Risks having been retired (in 
relation to: Achieving Acceptable Returns in 
the Packaging Business, Tobacco Industry 
Dynamics, Internal Process and Control and 
the delivery of the Strategic Reviews) and two 
new risks added (to reflect the need to deliver 
on M&A and on the Execution of the Strategic 
Plan). Other risks have been reviewed and 
have evolved, to a greater of lesser extent, to 
reflect the current nature of the risk and our 
approach to mitigation.

Looking ahead to 2023, we anticipate that 
macroeconomic uncertainty will remain, at 
least for the short to medium-term; however, 
the work put in to our risk management 
processes and practices over the past two 
years means we are well placed to continue 
to deal with this in a manner that protects 
profitability efficiently and effectively. 
Additionally, we continue to analyse and 
assess the Emerging Risk landscape, with 
particular focus on potential sources of 
disruption and our use of plastic as a raw 
material, to ensure the Company’s risk 
management practices continue not only 
to protect stakeholder value but to support 
its creation in line with our strategic growth 
objectives. Despite this focus on mitigating 
the impacts of an increasing range of 
disruptive risks, we continue to pay close 
attention to the increasing momentum 
associated with the risk agendas for ESG 
and climate change along with the potential 
impacts of technology-related innovations 
disrupting our core markets.

We continue to see economic disruption 
across our business, but our geographical 
breadth, coupled with our ability to flex 
operating models with a high degree of 
agility means we are well placed to maintain 
customer service levels whilst managing the 
threats to our operations and the wellbeing of 
our people. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT CONTINUED

Roles and responsibilities of the Global Executive 
Committee in respect of Risk

Our risk governance structure

The process for 
identifying, assessing 
and controlling material 
business risks is designed 
to manage within agreed 
appetite, rather than to 
eliminate.

IDENTIFY

MANAGE

ASSESS

REPORT

CONTROL

Facilitators 
Risk Assurance

Divisional Risk 
Champions

Enabling Function 
Risk Champions

  Direct and 
monitor
 Report

Board
Overall responsibility for assessing the Company’s Principal 
Risks, setting risk appetite and monitoring risk management 
performance and the framework.

Global Executive Committee (GEC) 
Chaired by the Chief Executive and comprised of the Company’s 
executive leadership team. The GEC meets on a monthly basis and 
discusses risk as a standing agenda item with quarterly risk deep-
dive reviews also scheduled. In this context, the GEC is responsible 
for monitoring key risks and ensuring the effectiveness of regional 
and functional risk management and, as such, the GEC has 
subsumed the former work of the Group Risk Committee (GRC). 

Audit and Risk 
Committee (ARC)
Responsible for reviewing 
the effectiveness of 
the Company’s risk 
management systems 
and processes.

Identify
•  Establish the process for identifying 
and understanding key business risks
•  Identify risks in each of our businesses 

Control
•  Ensure risk ownership is defined 

and appropriate

•  Establish key control processes 

and enabling functions

•  Perform risk reviews with senior 

leadership

•  Review Principal, Key and  

Emerging Risks

and practices

•  Assess the mitigating controls in place 
to manage the risk within appetite
•  Monitor the operation of the controls
•  Track progress of mitigation initiatives

Assess
•  Prioritise risks through agreed 

ranking criteria

Report
•  Agree and implement measurement 

and reporting standards 

•  Ensure our response to risks is 

•  Communicate with all stakeholders

consistent with the risk appetite set by 
the Board

Manage
•  Review all aspects of the Company’s 

risk profile

•  Review, challenge and continuously 
improve risk management practices

5353

Regional and Functional 
Leadership Teams 
Each leadership team is 
responsible for ensuring their 
risks are captured and are 
being effectively mitigated 
within business-as-usual 
processes. Risk management 
is a standing agenda item for 
leadership team meetings.

ESG Committee (ESGC)
The ESG Committee is 
responsible for overseeing ESG 
strategy, and ensuring that it 
aligns to the overall business 
strategy, as well as the other 
matters already idenitifed. 
The Committee oversees the 
Company’s ESG strategy and 
its response to emerging ESG 
related concerns, risks, laws 
and regulations. 

Group Compliance 
Committee (GCC)
Until the completion of the
strategic reviews, the GCC
directed and oversaw the
Company’s implementation
of compliance programmes,
policies and procedures and
reviewed risks being
considered by the GMC/GEC. 
This work will now
be delivered by the Risk
Assurance, Compliance
and Control team and the 
GEC directly, in a way that
supports the development of 
a compliance culture across 
the organisation.

Sites
Specific business units or sites are developing and implementing 
their own risk registers, risk and action owners. Management 
are responsible for managing local level risk and reporting to the 
respective leadership teams. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT CONTINUED

Risk categories 

The Company has considered the risks it is facing 
under the following four risk category headings and 
has identified 11 Principal Risks.

Risk management approach
Our risk management activities aim to 
drive performance aligned to our purpose, 
encourage growth through innovation and 
support the achievement of our strategic 
objectives. In doing this, we take a balanced 
approach that puts risk management at the 
core of the senior management agenda and 
more broadly across our operations. We are 
committed to managing risks in a proactive, 
efficient and effective manner to protect and 
enhance value, and provide assurance to the 
Board and our stakeholders.

We made significant progress during 2022 in 
evolving our risk management processes as 
our strategic reviews progressed; we continue 
to ensure they are aligned with FTSE 250 
upper quartile practice. Particular focus was 
placed on reviewing our portfolio of Principal 
and Emerging Risks in the light of our new 
strategic focus and an increasingly dynamic 
operating environment. 

Risk categories

STRATEGIC

EXTERNAL

OPERATIONAL

DISRUPTIVE

Internal risks 
that may impede 
achievement of 
strategic goals.

Risks relating 
to the 
macroeconomic 
climate, 
political events, 
competitive 
pressures or 
regulatory issues.

Risks that could 
impact day-to-
day operations 
and prevent 
business-as – 
usual activities.

Risks that could 
impact the business 
model or viability of 
the Company. 

5454

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022The Essentra risk framework 

Strategic 
layer

Strategy and Culture
•  Strategic 

•  Risk appetite

objectives  
& planning

•  Capital 

allocation

•  Business model

•  Risk culture

Board

GEC 

Regions & 
functions

Sites

Governance
•  Board risk governance

Risk landscape
•  Strategic risk

•  GEC – ToR in respect of risk

•  Risk networks

•  Risk taxonomy

•  Assurance mapping

•  Individual vs. Portfolio

•  Risk blind spots

•  High impact, low 

probability

•  Emerging Risks

Resilience
•  Resilience strategy

•  Resilience planning & 

execution

•  Disruptive risks

Monitoring 
& reporting

Operational 
layer

Individuals

Identify and assess
•  Risk/opportunity 
identification

•  Profiling and categorisation

•  Risk quantification

•  Risk velocity

•  Top-down vs. bottom-up

Respond and manage
•  Response decision

•  Thematic analysis

•  Action tracking

•  Review & revise

Continuity management
•  Scenario plan

•  Testing

•  Respond

•  Learn

Risk 
aware

Continuous improvement

Risk 
smart

RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT CONTINUED

Risk management framework
A refreshed risk management framework 
was introduced in 2021. As the strategic 
reviews progressed in 2022, this framework 
has evolved to meet the changing needs of 
the business. The framework was developed 
to support the Company in identifying and 
managing risk within defined appetite levels, 
at both a strategic and an operational level. 
The current framework was designed to 
provide the GEC and the Board with a clear 
line of sight over risk, to enable informed 
decision-making and to deliver improved 
resilience.

Our risk management framework continues 
to evolve in line with best practice to ensure 
that it supports the Company’s growth and 
strategic objectives. A robust, but flexible, 
approach to the management of risk is 
fundamental to the continued success of 
the Company. In 2022, the challenges the 
Company faced included ongoing remote 
working, temporary inaccessibility of some 
business locations, raw material shortages, 
supply chain disruption, volatile supply 
and demand, and distribution challenges. 
A clear focus was placed on ensuring the 
continued operation of our risk management 
framework in this dynamic and disruptive 
environment. Through regular discussions 
and virtual workshops with all divisional 
and enabling function leadership teams, 
we ensured clear accountability for the 
identification, assessment and mitigation of 
risks throughout the Company.

Risk can present itself in many forms and has 
the potential to impact health and safety, 
the environment, our communities, our 
reputation, regulatory compliance, market 
and financial performance and therefore the 
achievement of our strategic objectives. 

5555

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 20222022

Key changes in the year

During 2022 we undertook a fundamental 
review of our Principal and Emerging Risks as 
we executed the strategic reviews.

At the Half Year we disclosed the following 
key changes to our risks:
•  an increase in relation to our ‘Exposure to 
the Cyclical Industrial Market’ risk as the 
Company moved towards being a pure-
play Components business 

•   an increase in relation to our ‘Talent and 
Workforce Management’ risk resulting 
from the Company’s change agenda in 
relation to the strategic reviews

No new Emerging Risks were noted at the 
Half Year.

Since our Half Year disclosure, we continued 
our review of our Principal and Emerging 
Risk profiles in the context of our strategic 
direction. The following key changes have 
been made since then: 

RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT CONTINUED

By understanding and managing risk, we 
provide greater certainty and confidence 
to our shareholders, employees, customers, 
suppliers, and the communities in which we 
operate.

The Board considers the nature and extent 
of the Principal Risks it is prepared to take 
in achieving its strategic objectives – its risk 
appetite – biannually by mapping these risks 
against a sliding scale from “risk-averse” to 
“risk-neutral” to “risk-tolerant”. This informs 
the development and focus of mitigating 
actions for each of the Principal Risks. At 
a strategic level, our risk management 
objectives are to:
•  identify the Company’s significant risks and 

appropriate mitigating actions

•  formulate the risk appetite and ensure that 
our business profile and plans are consistent 
with it

•  ensure that growth plans are properly 

supported by an effective risk infrastructure

•  help management teams to improve the 
control and co-ordination of risk-taking 
across the Company.

Strengthening our framework
To achieve the objective of implementing 
FTSE 250 upper quartile risk management 
practice, we have made good progress 
in implementing our risk management 
improvement plan in line with best practice 
and ISO 31000 guidelines. 

In the year ahead, the Risk Assurance 
team will support regional and functional 
leadership teams in the management of their 
risk processes, specifically in relation to the 
delivery of strategic projects. In 2022 we paid 
attention to both the Principal Risks we face 
as a pure-play Components business and to 
potential Emerging Risks and also to ensuring 
clarity across roles and responsibilities for 
those risks that cut across divisions and 
enabling functions. 

5656

Evolving Principal Risks:
•  our former ‘Delivery of Strategic Projects’ 
risk, which was largely focused on the 
delivery of the Business Process Redesign 
(BPR) project in the Components business 
has been developed into a ‘Digital 
Transformation’ risk which now covers 
both the BPR project and the underlying 
digital ecosystem required for our business 
to succeed

•  our former ‘Exposure to the Cyclical 

Industrial Market – Components’ risk has 
been redefined as a new ‘Macroeconomic 
Environment’ risk that considers the 
impact of the macroeconomic situation 
on the business more holistically

•  our former ‘Talent and Workforce 

Management’ risk has been redefined as 
‘Leadership Talent & Capability’ to reflect 
the new strategic direction and new 
leadership team

All other risks have been reviewed and 
updated to reflect the current nature of the 
risk and mitigating activities.

Retired Principal Risks:
•  removal of our ‘Failure to Achieve 

Acceptable Returns from the Packaging 
Division’ risk following the sale of that 
business 

•  removal of our ‘Tobacco Industry 

Dynamics’ risk following the sale of that 
business 

•  removal of our ‘Internal Processes and 
Control’ risk following the completion 
of our implementation of our Minimum 
Control Standards. This remains a Key 
Risk to the business and robust mitigation 
continues to be in place however we no 
longer consider it a Principal Risk 

•  removal of our ‘Strategic Reviews’ risk 
following their completion. Whilst this 
has been retired as a Principal Risk, 
we continue to manage the ongoing 
commitments under the sale agreements 
including the delivery of transitional 
services and finalisation of completion 
accounts

New Principal Risks:
•  a new ‘M&A Execution and Integration’ 

risk has been added to reflect the 
importance of inorganic growth and the 
need to efficiently and effectively execute 
transactions and integrations in a difficult 
macroeconomic environment

•  a new ‘Execution of Strategic plan’ 
risk has been added as a result of 
the need to implement a portfolio of 
strategic initiatives to meet our growth 
commitments

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT CONTINUED

Principal Risks were subject to a series of 
deep-dive workshops with former and current 
leadership and the Board.

Risk governance structure and 
oversight
The Board has established a risk and internal 
control structure designed to manage the 
achievement of strategic business objectives. 
The Risk Assurance team, separate from 
line management, enables and facilitates 
the risk management process across the 
Company and acts as the custodian of the 
Company’s risk architecture and supports risk 
management activities.

The GRC met four times in 2022, each 
meeting with a full attendance. The GRC 
was chaired by the Chief Executive and its 
membership comprised GMC members, Head 
of Risk, Head of Governance and the Group 
Communications Director. Non-member 
standing attendees were the Group Health, 
Safety and Environment Director, the Chief 
information Security Officer and the Group 
Financial Controller. Other members of senior 
management were also invited to present 
reports on specific risk activities. The Chair of 
the ARC had a standing invitation to attend 
all GRC meetings and received copies of the 
minutes of every meeting. The Chair of the 
ARC also meets with the Head of Risk on 
a monthly basis. The work of the GRC has 
now been subsumed into the GEC; risk is a 
standing agenda item at every meeting and 
risk deep dives will held on a quarterly basis 
and will ensure that all Principal and Emerging 
Risks are covered at least once per calendar 
year.

The GEC’s (formerly GRC’s) responsibility is 
to focus and co-ordinate risk management 
activities throughout the Company and 
to facilitate the appropriate identification, 
evaluation, mitigation and management 
of all key business risks. In addition, the 

5757

GEC reviews the risk appetite and ongoing 
risk management approach and makes 
recommendations on risk appetite to the 
Board and oversees actions required to ensure 
adequate controls and mitigating actions are 
in place against identified risks. 

As an important part of fulfilling its 
responsibilities, the Board receives regular 
reporting from the Chief Executive in relation 
to risk to enable the Board to challenge and 
review the GEC’s views on key risks.

The ARC engages directly with the regions 
and functions, including deep dive reviews, as 
part of fulfilling its oversight responsibilities in 
relation to risk management processes. The 
ARC, with assistance from the Risk Assurance 
team, oversees compliance with risk 
management processes and the adequacy 
of risk management activities related to the 
Company’s operations.

The regional and functional leadership teams 
undertake regular reviews during the course of 
the year and engage in facilitated discussions 
with the Risk Assurance team to consider the 
risk environment for their particular functional 
or geographic area of responsibility and how 
these could impact the achievement of the 
Company’s strategic objectives.

t
c
a
p
m

I

Principal Risks
The GEC now has responsibility for enabling 
the identification and management of 
Essentra’s Principal Risks. An in-depth 
assessment has been undertaken to assess 
the appropriateness and adequacy of 
our Principal Risks. The assessment was 
performed against the four risk categories. 
As part of the process, divisional and 
enabling function leadership teams have 
also undertaken reviews of this risk portfolio 
supported, where necessary, by the Risk 
Assurance team. 

As part of our top-down process, a detailed 
review of Principal Risks was performed as the 
strategic reviews progressed. This considered 
risk from both a top-down and bottom-up 
perspective as well as through the lens of 
the geopolitical and economic disruption 
we see today. All Principal Risks have been 
assigned a GEC owner, assessed to consider 
the extent to which they might impact the 
company’s strategic objectives and, as a 
result, the approach to mitigation defined 
and documented. 

The output from these considerations were 
presented to the Board along with a proposal 
for risk appetite, a recommendation of 
Principal Risks to be included in long-term 
viability modelling and overall approval.

The Board believes the Principal Risks are 
specific to Essentra and reflect the risk 
profile of the Company at the current time. 
All Principal Risks are managed within their 
individual risk appetite. 

Principal Risk movement from 2021 Annual Report

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<

11

11

5

1,2,3

2

3

5

7

1

9

4

10

8

8

4

6

6

Rare <10%

Unlikely 10-40%

Possible 40-60%
Probability

Likely 60-90%

Almost Certain 90%+

1.

Environmental

2. Social

3. Governance

4. Operational and Supply Chain Disruption

7. M&A Execution and Integration 

(new in 2022)

8. Cyber Event

9. Execution of Strategic Plan 

(new in 2022)

5. Digital Transformation (changed in 2022)

10. Health and Safety Performance

6. Leadership Talent and Capability 

11. Macroeconomic Environment  

(changed in 2022) 

(changed in 2022)

 Strategic Risks

 External Risks

 Operational Risks

Movement

 Disruptive Risks

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT CONTINUED

The Board and GEC evaluate the potential 
effects of Principal Risks materialising over 
a three-year period to understand how they 
could impact the Company’s long-term 
viability. The evaluation is based on plausible 
worst-case scenarios. 

Our risk management process ensures 
Emerging Risks are identified and aids the 
GEC and the Board’s assessment of whether 
the Company is adequately prepared for 
the potential opportunities and threats they 
present. 

Emerging risks

Emerging Risk

Owner

Regulatory change

Company Secretary

Risk description

To make this evaluation, the estimated 
financial impact of each Principal Risk 
crystallising was considered. The Board and 
GEC assessed the potential impact on the 
Company’s viability, based on selected severe 
plausible risk scenarios. These were developed 
in conjunction with senior management. 
The Principal Risks that were considered to 
have a potentially significant impact on the 
Company’s viability are included in the Long-
Term Viability Statement on page 130.

In addition to the Principal Risks, Emerging 
Risks and wider key risks have been identified 
and are being monitored by the Company. 
Mitigation actions in response to such 
risks are an important part of business risk 
reporting to the GEC and Board. 

Emerging Risks
We define an Emerging Risk as a changing 
risk or a novel combination of risks for which 
there is no track record or previous experience 
by which the impact, likelihood or costs can 
be understood. Its potential impact is viewed 
as being two years or more in the future.

We strongly believe that the identification 
and appropriate management or mitigation 
of Emerging Risks is critical to our long-term 
success.

Emerging Risks have the potential to increase 
in significance and affect the performance 
of the Company and as such are continually 
monitored through our existing risk 
management processes described on page 
101. 

The process enables new and changing risks 
to be identified at an early stage so we can 
analyse them thoroughly and assess any 
potential exposure.

We undertake a top-down and bottom-up 
assessment to identify Emerging Risks. A 
series of risk workshops with former Group 
and divisional leadership teams have been 
held as the strategic reviews progressed and 
were facilitated by the Risk Assurance team, 
the most recent of which considered the 
potential sources of disruptive risk. 

These workshops formed part of the ongoing 
cadence of Emerging Risk identification and 
were followed by further discussion at GRC 
meetings. Additionally, further assessments 
of potential Emerging Risks were performed 
using externally sourced Emerging Risk 
data. The Company’s potential exposure is 
assessed against the Board’s approved risk 
measurement criteria. The process enables 
new and changing Emerging Risks to be 
identified at an early stage so they can be 
analysed thoroughly to assess potential 
exposure. 

The preliminary views of Emerging Risks 
were consolidated and discussed initially 
by the GRC and then by the GEC to reach 
a consensus regarding Emerging Risks 
that can seriously affect the performance, 
future prospects or reputation of Essentra. 
The outputs from these assessments were 
presented to the Board for approval along 
with the recommendation to develop 
appropriate response strategies. 

The risk that Essentra does not or is unable to comply with changes in the regulatory environment. 
Governments might react to prevailing economic conditions by increasing taxes and tariffs. Evolving 
public sentiment on sustainability might result in further legislation with which the Company must 
comply. The geographical breadth of the Company’s operations adds a degree of complexity to this 
emerging risk.

Mitigation

We continue to proactively monitor and review developments in the regulatory environments in which 
we operate. This includes leveraging the knowledge of those colleagues operating in local markets 
and seeking external advice. 

Emerging Risk

Owner

Technology disruptors

Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Digital Information Officer

Risk description

The risk that the Company does not manage its response to evolving technologies effectively. This 
may include losing competitive advantage as rivals deploy advanced manufacturing technologies, 
artificial intelligence and robotics to strengthen product development, marketing, production, 
distribution and support functions. In addition, the rapid emergence of alternative materials might 
affect demand for our products.

Mitigation

We continue to monitor and review developments in the external market through our networks. This 
includes innovation and futures sessions with existing suppliers. We are also involved in a range of 
external technical focus groups to support the identification of future technology trends.

Emerging Risk

Owner

Chief Sales Officer and Chief Marketing Officer

Sentiment towards 
plastic

Risk description

Market and stakeholder sentiment towards plastic continues to evolve at pace and could affect 
medium-term demand for many of Essentra’s products.

Mitigation

We continue to work internally and with our supply chain to identify opportunities to reduce the 
extent to which we use virgin plastic in our products and to use alternative materials.

5858

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022STRATEGIC 
RISK

Environmental

Change in risk level 
Unchanged

Ownership
Chief Operations Officer

Relevance
Industry general

Description
Formerly a component part of our Environmental, 
Social and Governance Principal Risk, this focuses 
on concerns around the impact of business on the 
environment, which are increasingly fundamental 
for all companies and stakeholders. Essentra has 
specific exposure to:

•  Single Use Plastics: including potential changes 
in relation to laws and regulations and the 
need to increase recycled content and product 
circularity. The business is actively working to 
incorporate more sustainable materials and 
believes it has the innovation capability to 
enable future growth opportunities with the use 
of such materials.

•  Climate Change: given the business’s 

operational footprint and, as part of our TCFD 
activity, we have worked closely with third-party 
consultants to understand the financial impact 
of climate-change-related physical risk exposure 
at key sites across seven risk areas, under three 
scenarios. We have identified ten material risks 
and opportunities relating to physical events, 
the transition of our business resulting from 
changing customer demands and the changing 
input costs relating to raw materials and power. 
We continue to develop mitigation activity and 
management approaches to help address these 
issues into our business continuity management 
and planning frameworks, closely linked to 
existing work with our insurers.

Failure to meet stakeholder expectations on 
increasing environmental governance obligations 
could lead to reputational or commercial risk 
for the Company. This includes risks arising from 
changing investor attitudes, developing customer 
expectations, changing supply chain dynamics, 
social attitudes towards the environmental impact 
of our products (which may impact on our ability 
to market them), along with the ability to attract 
and retain talent, given increasing employee focus 
on ESG more generally. 

Elements of this risk that previously related to 
the EU packaging directive and to the tobacco 
industry have been eliminated with the divestment 
of the Packaging and Filters businesses.

Mitigation
Environmental activities are managed through the 
work of the Company’s ESG Committee (formerly 
Board Sustainability Committee). This is chaired by 
a Non-Executive Director, and comprises members 
from Board, GEC and other senior management. 
The role of this Committee is to: 

•  review and assess the Company’s exposure to 

sustainability-related issues

•  assess the Company’s responses to these issues 
•  understand whether these responses are 
consistent with the risk appetite of the 
Company 

•  identify potential gaps in approach and high-

level approaches to closing those gaps.

The ESG Committee’s recommendations, in 
respect of reducing risk exposure, inform the 
work of the GEC, global functions and the wider 
business. Additionally, the Nomination and 
Remuneration Committees cover aspects of 
environmental performance.

During the year, as part of our refocusing the 
business to a pure-play Components business, 
a new Sustainability Strategy team has been 
created to manage the delivery of the Company’s 
environmental objectives. 

Finally, the GEC also continues to evolve our 
approach to managing climate change risk, 
and we continue to work to fulfil our reporting 
obligations under TCFD requirements (see page 
40).

RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT CONTINUED

The GEC and the Board have undertaken a 
rigorous assessment of Emerging Risks during 
2022 and have established procedures to 
closely monitor Emerging Risks on an ongoing 
basis including:
•  the GEC’s responsibility to review the 

Company’s ability to identify Emerging Risks

•  consideration of Emerging Risks as a 
standing agenda item at each GEC 
meeting, and each Emerging Risk will be 
subject to a deep-dive

•  external specialist input is sought where 

required

•  identification of Emerging Risks which 
have been assigned an owner who is a 
GEC member. The Emerging Risk owner 
is responsible for providing an update on 
the development of Emerging Risks and 
activities in response at each meeting.

The Board can confirm that it has completed 
a robust assessment of the Company’s 
Principal and Emerging Risks. The Company 
continues to focus on ensuring the adequate 
mitigation of risks faced by the Company to 
ensure alignment with the Board-approved 
risk appetite.

Essentra has no significant operations or 
infrastructure in Russia or Ukraine and the 
business does not have local currency exposure. 
We have processes in place to ensure the 
Company is compliant with all relevant 
international regulations and sanctions, 
continues to closely monitor the situation and 
remains vigilant to changes in our risk profile 
resulting from it. We continue to monitor the 
situation in Ukraine, the ongoing response of 
international governments and any potential 
impact on the Company.

Emerging Risks and wider key risks have been 
identified and are being monitored by the 
Company. Mitigation actions in response 
to such risks are an important part of the 
Company’s risk reporting to the GEC and  
the Board.

5959

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT CONTINUED

STRATEGIC 
RISK

Social

EXTERNAL 
RISK

Governance

Change in risk level 
Unchanged

Ownership
Chief People and Culture Officer

Relevance
Industry general

Change in risk level 
Decreased

Ownership
Company Secretary

Relevance
Industry general

Description
Formerly a component part of our Environmental, 
Social and Governance Principal Risk, this focuses 
on concerns around the impact of business on 
our stakeholders and the societies in which we 
operate. Essentra’s risk is focused in two areas:

•  Ethical Supply Chain: the breadth of our 
operational supply chain results in risks in 
relation to modern slavery, child labour and 
safe, hygienic working environments. 

•  Diversity and Inclusion: the risk that we are 
unsuccessful in leveraging the opportunities 
that a diverse team offers the business. Strong 
engagement on ethnic and gender diversity and 
inclusion can also lead to improved cognitive 
diversity and the avoidance of group-think. 
Essentra has a global footprint and our diversity 
helps us serve the geographical markets in 
which we operate. We believe diversity brings 
a range of outlooks to decision-making and 
problem-solving as well as better representing 
our employee base and the communities in 
which we operate.

More generally, we remain vigilant in respect 
of evolving expectations around Essentra’s 
engagement with it internal and external 
stakeholders more broadly. 

Failure to meet our obligations to our internal 
and external stakeholders and the societies in 
which we operate more generally could lead to 
reputational or commercial risk for the Company. 

6060

Mitigation
This Principal Risk is addressed in a number of 
ways. We have a robust “Know Your Supplier” 
process which continuously screens significant 
suppliers for restricted parties and adverse media. 
Additionally, significant suppliers are required 
to confirm their compliance with Essentra’s 
code of conduct. We are currently reviewing a 
number of options for enhancing the breadth 
of our due diligence to better understand and 
mitigate the risk of modern slavery and child-
labour (along with a number of more general 
ethical and operational considerations) across 
our entire supply chain rather than just our direct 
relationships.

We actively engage with our workforce on 
diversity and inclusion and monitor key metrics 
at management levels. We continue the work of 
our Diversity and Inclusion network which includes 
launching local and global campaigns to promote 
awareness. 

Description
The Company operates across many international 
jurisdictions and engages with a wide range 
of stakeholders, including a diverse employee, 
customer and supplier base. Some of our locations 
are considered higher risk from a regulatory 
perspective, although this has reduced following 
the conclusion of the strategic reviews. We 
are required to comply with multiple areas of 
legislation and regulation across an increasingly 
broad range of areas including: Anti-Trust, Anti-
Bribery, Sanctions, Privacy and Environmental, 
Social and Governance (ESG). Our operations are 
subject to an external environment which is seeing 
an increasing breadth of emerging regulation 
and greater levels of scrutiny and oversight from 
regulators, enforcement agencies and other 
stakeholders.

Failure to manage effectively the scrutiny 
and oversight and/or comply with laws and 
regulations could result in significant fines, costs 
or reputational damage to the Company and 
might adversely affect our ability to operate in 
certain jurisdictions. 

Whilst the external environment is generating 
additional compliance demands, the Company 
continues to drive continuous improvements in its 
approach to managing regulatory and legislative 
requirements and overall the level of risk to the 
Company has remained the same.

Mitigation
The Company deploys a range of mitigating 
activities to support the management of 
regulatory risk including:

•  a clear “tone from the top” from the Board 
and GEC on the importance of ethics and 
compliance

•  a compliance programme (including employee 
training) with which we aim to conform with all 
applicable laws and regulations and encourage 
a culture of openness, honesty and integrity 

•  a mechanism that seeks to ensure all 

employees complete mandatory training on a 
timely basis

•  improved compliance communication with “Be 

smart, be sure” campaign

•  continuous improvement of the compliance 

framework to ensure an effective and 
appropriate policies, processes, reporting and 
monitoring

•  a Compliance function that directs and 

oversees the Company’s implementation 
of compliance programmes, policies and 
procedures which are required to meet legal, 
compliance and regulatory requirements 
(including sanctions)

•  extensive focus on third party due diligence to 
take account of lessons learnt from the past

•  the Company’s Governance, Risk and 

Compliance teams which, with support from 
external advisers, continuously monitors current 
and forthcoming changes to the regulatory 
environment and emerging good practice
•  disciplinary and IT lock-out processes to help 
ensure mandatory governance training is 
completed on time

•  a “Right to Speak” portal is in place to 

encourage the reporting of governance issues.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT CONTINUED

We continue to review 
and refresh our business 
continuity management and 
planning frameworks and 
processes.”

6161

DISRUPTIVE 
RISK

Operational and Supply Chain Disruption

Change in risk level 
Increased

Ownership
Chief Operations Officer

Relevance
Industry general

Description
We operate a diverse, global operational footprint 
and supply chain across our business. Ensuring 
these operations and supply chains are resilient is 
a fundamental part of maintaining our customer 
service levels and hassle-free proposition by giving 
options and alternatives, to minimise the impact 
of disruption. 

Additionally, during 2022, as part of our TCFD 
activity, we have developed the work performed 
with external consultants in 2021 to better 
understand the potential impact of climate 
change on our business over the short, medium 
and long term, both for physical and transition 
risks, to enable us better to embed these 
considerations in our risk management processes.

Disruptive events could be focused on particular 
locations, driven by single points of failure in our 
operations or supply chain, be localised natural 
events or result from political conflict. Here, 
our global footprint provides a degree of risk 
diversification, through alternative manufacturing 
options elsewhere in the Company. Equally, 
disruptive events might be broader in nature and 
impact a number of sites simultaneously, for 
example an extreme weather event, or climate 
change related issues in the longer term. In this 
situation, our global footprint may expose us to a 
broader set of potential disruption risks than more 
focused businesses.

Robust business continuity planning and 
management practices are required to minimise 
the impact on production capability, supply chain 
management, customer relationships, reputation, 
revenue and profit. 

We experienced continuing disruption to our China 
site as a result of COVID-19 related restrictions and 
outbreaks.

The Company is increasingly reliant on the 
digital ecosystem within its supply chain. Some 
elements are addressed in our management of our 
Cyber Event risk and others more broadly by the 
continuity planning activities described below.

Mitigation 
We continue to review and refresh our business 
continuity management and planning frameworks 
and processes. We also have commenced a 
number of initiatives to better understand our 
supply chain and identify and mitigate potential 
stress points. During the last year we have 
implemented a new distribution model for EMEA; a 
warehouse hub is in place in Germany and another 
recently went live in Poland. 

In 2023, work is planned to consider the 
distribution model in the Americas and Asia, to 
identify and eliminate single points of failure in our 
supplier base and to develop resilience plans at a 
global level.

Mitigating actions that we have in place for single 
location issues include: 

•  leveraging our global manufacturing footprint to 
provide alternative manufacturing locations 

•  fire and other risk prevention systems 
•  assessing and managing operational risks via the 

enterprise risk management process 

•  ensuring comprehensive maintenance plans are 

in place for key manufacturing equipment

•  ensuring resilience arrangements are in place and 
are tested for key operational IT hardware and 
software

•  maintaining an insurance programme and 
working closely with our insurers to ensure 
complete and comprehensive cover to prevent 
losses, along with identifying and pursuing 
opportunities to improve site-level resilience to 
human factor, natural disaster and fire-related 
issues

•  performing tests and ensuring any lessons learnt 
(along with any learnt from real-world events) 
are fed back into the planning process
•  ensuring non-operational employees are 

equipped to work from alternative locations 
should the need arise.

Additional measures to mitigate against multi-site 
issues include:

•  enhancing our multi-site capabilities and 

manufacturing flexibility 

•  identifying alternative sources of supply for key 
raw materials and supply guarantees where 
necessary and feasible 

•  global, standard site/network assessment 
approaches for pandemic and other issues.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT CONTINUED

STRATEGIC 
RISK

STRATEGIC 
RISK

Digital Transformation

Leadership Talent and Capability

Change in risk level 
Increased

Ownership
Chief Strategy Officer

Relevance
Company specific

Change in risk level 
Increased

Ownership
Chief People and Culture Officer

Relevance
Company specific

Description
Our success is dependent, in part, on our ability 
to deliver key digital projects on time and within 
budget to realise their full potential. We continue 
to invest in, and deliver, our Business Process 
Redesign programme, our digital eCommerce 
platforms and in the fidelity of our data to further 
improve our service offering.

Failure to deliver these key initiatives could 
adversely affect our ability to maintain a 
competitive advantage, to deliver our digital 
strategy and to leverage our data as an asset. 

The roll-out of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 
system as part for the Business Process Redesign 
continues with significant strides made in Q4 
2022. A detailed plan is now in place to accelerate 
implementation throughout 2023. The completion 
of this programme will provide a robust platform 
from which we can further develop our digital 
capabilities. 

Mitigation
In early 2022, we reviewed and strengthened 
governance arrangements and resources to 
accelerate delivery of the Business Process 
Redesign programme. A robust management 
framework is now in place to support the delivery 
of our digital transformation, which includes 
the Business Process Redesign programme, and 
during the year we opened a new Digital and Data 
hub in Istanbul. These initiatives are supported by 
a project management infrastructure.

We continue to maintain a strong focus on the 
skills and capabilities of our employees in relation 
to the delivery of our digital projects. This is 
achieved by providing training and support, as 
necessary and by mobilising teams which possess 
the right skills to deliver. In particular, we support 
project managers’ development through a 
variety of training programmes and professional 
qualifications.

Description
Ensuring we are able to acquire, retain, develop 
and motivate the required management and 
leadership necessary to evolve our business, 
develop our culture and meet future customer 
needs. Having recently concluded our strategic 
reviews, we are now a pure-play Components 
business. During the review process, the Company 
has been through a significant level of change 
and now has a completely new leadership team. 
The level of change seen coupled with labour 
market dynamics, requires us to continue our 
focus on retention of key talent, avoiding burn-out 
and presenteeism. Additionally, we must continue 
to grow the agile skills required to support and 
build our pure-play Components strategic 
direction. 

The experience of the past two years has clearly 
indicated the effect major health events, be they 
global, regional or country specific, can have 
on the availability of resources. We continue to 
see health related disruption in China and there 
remains a risk that future major health events 
could result in further labour disruption.

Mitigation
As part of our strategic reviews activity, the 
leadership and talent needs of the pure-play 
Components have been assessed and a new 
organisation design implemented to support 
them. 

Additionally, a people strategy is in place and is 
designed to enhance the employee experience, 
drive changes needed and have skilled leaders for 
the future. This strategy considers:

•  ensuring the variable pay schemes are 

adequate to retain key talent and reward high 
performance

•  building management capability across the 

wider team to ensure we manage through the 
change journey in an engaged and considered 
way

•  talent mapping and succession planning 

that considers current and future business 
requirements

•  developing the health and wellbeing strategy 
with a specific consideration of the actions 
needed to aid retention of our wider workforce
•  communication with employees is a critical step 
to ensure engagement, drive a sense of purpose 
and belonging across the workforce

•  assessing what training and support we can 
provide to future leaders and managers on 
resilience and developing their personal career 
path in a considered way.

Throughout the strategic reviews, we focused 
on the retention of existing talent and also, 
where it did not exist internally, on attracting the 
external talent necessary to deliver our strategy 
in this new pure-play environment. We continue 
to review the organisation for points of failure 
at which additional cross-training might be 
necessary to alleviate disruption.

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STRATEGIC 
RISK

M&A Execution and Integration

EXTERNAL 
RISK

Cyber Event

Change in risk level 
New

Ownership
Chief Financial Officer

Relevance
Company specific

Change in risk level 
Decreased

Ownership
Chief Digital Information Officer

Relevance
Industry general

Description
As outlined in the November 2022 Capital Markets 
Day, M&A is a key part of the Company’s growth 
strategy. There is an inherent risk that there 
are insufficient available targets to deliver the 
M&A plan. Additionally, there is a risk that the 
Company is unable to successfully implement its 
post-acquisition integration strategy as a result of 
some of the capability and capacity constraints 
noted in Leadership Talent and Capability Principal 
Risk. The nature of this risk differs between bolt-on 
and transformation acquisitions.

Mitigation
The level of resource available to M&A execution is 
being reviewed and, if appropriate, increased. The 
Company maintains an active M&A pipeline and 
proactively seeks out potential targets. Work is 
ongoing to refine M&A criteria, strategic priorities, 
with particular focus on the differing requirements 
of bolt-on and transformational M&A, and the 
approach to integration.

Mitigation
The Company has an established cyber security 
improvement programme which has evolved to 
meet the needs of the new Essentra, which aims 
to mitigate the risks and operational disruption 
caused by cyber events. The programme includes: 

•  endpoint protection (including zero-trust 

remote access), encryption of data, enhanced 
cloud-based security tooling and protection, 
web and email content protection

•  specific focus on mitigating cyber risks in 
relation to shop-floor IT infrastructure 

•  identity and access management 

•  continued cyber security awareness training for 

all employees

•  vulnerability and penetration testing for 

external IT services and websites. 

During the year, specific effort has gone into 
maintaining the cyber control environment 
through the separation of the Packaging and 
Filters divisions and the delivery of transitional 
services.

Description
The Company is dependent on its internal and 
external IT systems for day-to-day operations. 
Should the Company, or its key cloud service 
suppliers, be affected by a cyber event (denial of 
service, data breach, compromise) resulting from 
an external or internal threat, this could result in 
suspension of critical business services and loss of 
data. Subsequently, the Company could receive 
fines, suffer reputational damage and be unable 
to meet customer expectations (leading to a loss 
of customer confidence). Prolonged outages could 
further erode trust in the business resulting in 
long-term reputational damage. 

The change in ways of working that we have seen 
over recent years has affected our operational 
dynamic with significant levels of remote working 
continuing to be the norm. The Company has 
invested, as part of our pandemic response, in 
improvements to protection of mobile devices and 
remote access. 

As we look to the future, maintaining cyber 
security integrity in a growth environment will be 
critical; disruptive cyber events remain a serious 
threat to our digital ecosystem and to the smooth 
running of our business. We continue to invest 
in our cyber security programme which includes 
mitigation and risk reduction activities across 
people, process and technology.

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STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT CONTINUED

OPERATIONAL 
RISK

OPERATIONAL 
RISK

Execution of Strategic Plan

Health and Safety Performance

Change in risk level 
New Principal Risk

Ownership
Chief Strategy Officer

Relevance
Company specific

Change in risk level 
Unchanged

Ownership
Chief Operations Officer

Relevance
Industry general

Description
The Company outlined ambitious plans during 
the recent Capital Markets Day underpinned 
by a number of strategic initiatives. These 
initiatives include, but are not limited to digital 
transformation, our approach to cross-selling 
and product category management. Whilst 
elements of this strategy are touched upon in 
other Principal Risks, there is a wider risk in relation 
to the Company’s ability to deliver the initiatives 
that underpin the growth commitments made 
to the market. Additionally, there is a risk that 
the Company suffers from initiative overload and 
cannot effectively prioritise critical strategic tasks.

Mitigation
The Company’s “hassle-free” strategy is in 
place and is underpinned by ongoing work on 
Product Category management and our digital 
transformation (see page 62 for further detail 
on our Digital Transformation Principal Risk). The 
Company already seeks to drive the cross-selling 
of products across geographical and market 
boundaries. This is particularly the case for some 
of our more recent acquisitions. Work is ongoing 
to ensure the Company’s project portfolio is 
adequately scoped for the level of resource 
available and prioritised towards those activities 
that are critical to achieving strategic objectives.

Description
The safety, health and wellbeing of our employees 
remains one of our highest priorities.

Essentra has many manufacturing, distribution 
and administrative facilities across the world, 
along with internationally mobile employees. 
Manufacturing and distribution can be inherently 
risky given the use of industrial machinery and 
high-speed manufacturing processes. In addition, 
the Company must comply with national safety 
regulation in multiple jurisdictions. 

Should a serious incident occur involving our 
employees or visitors, or should there be any breach 
of safety regulation, there is a risk of prosecution 
and considerable reputational damage as well as 
potentially significant financial costs. 

As we seek to grow the business both organically 
and inorganically, we are mindful of the affect this 
might have on our risk profile. Our approach to 
integration ensures early deployment of Essentra’s 
safety practices. More generally we continue to 
drive our safety culture through the “tone from 
the top” and across the whole company.

Mitigation
The “tone from the top” continues to reinforce 
safety, health and wellbeing behaviours across 
all of our businesses and employees. The 
establishment of appropriate Safety Management 
Systems is a high priority for management teams. 

Some of the key mitigations which are in place 
include: 

•  regular reporting to the GEC and the Board on 
Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) related 
matters

•  a Company HSE policy detailing required 

standards, governance, roles and responsibilities 
at all sites

•  increasing use of the Health and Safety 

Management system to automate our Global 
“Stop, Think, Examine, Proceed” (STEP) 
programme. This is a hazard identification and 
process improvement initiative that empowers 
the entire workforce to recognise and address 
safety improvement opportunities. Corrective 
actions are assigned with clear ownership and 
targeted completion within 48 hours 
•  conducting performance monitoring and 
Health and Safety Audits, incorporating 
reporting and escalation arrangements to 
ensure all actions are closed 

•  undertaking root cause analysis for any issues 
identified through investigation of serious 
incidents, including near misses and ensuring 
lessons learnt are cascaded across the Group
•  embedding our health and wellbeing strategy 
with a specific workstream that considers our 
leaders, managers and employees and their 
physical and emotional wellbeing

•  focused HSE events throughout the year to 

highlight particular risks and help keep safety 
at the forefront of our minds. 

With the increased focus on emotional health and 
wellbeing, we have introduced awareness training 
for leaders and managers. We have developed 
training materials for employees and are now 
moving towards introducing proactive steps for 
employees to manage their own wellbeing. 

During 2023, we aim to make better use of the 
data held within the our Health and Safety 
management system and develop leading 
indicators to help identify improvement areas 
before issues occur. Furthermore, we will continue 
to drive our safety culture across the organisation.

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6565

STRATEGIC 
RISK

Macroeconomic Environment

Change in risk level 
Decreased

Ownership
Chief Financial Officer

Relevance
Industry general

Description
In previous years, this risk has been called Exposure 
to the Cyclical Industrial Market (Components 
Division). Now the Company has completed 
its strategic reviews and is now a pure-play 
Components business, we have re-framed the 
risk to consider the effect of changes in the 
macroeconomic environment more generally. 
The Company serves a broad range of industrial 
customers and, as such, is exposed to overall 
industrial production trends. Global industrial 
production has tended to be cyclical in nature 
with major economic downturns leading to a 
downturn in industrial production. From the global 
financial crisis in 2008-2009 to the COVID-19 
pandemic, economic cycles have affected 
demand in these broad industrial markets.

The Company sells to a broad base of global 
and regional end markets including automotive, 
capital goods and electronics. This market and 
geographical breadth provides a degree of risk 
diversification; however, as we see from the 
current economic climate, downturns in industrial 
production are almost certain to happen, albeit 
with an uncertain time frame.

The Company seeks to operate a flexible model 
whereby changes to its cost base can be quickly 
made to maintain operating margins against 
fluctuations in demand. Whilst the Company 
has been historically successful in managing 
profitability through the economic cycle, there 
remains a risk that the necessary changes cannot 
be executed, or they are not robust enough to 
minimise the impact on operating margins.

Mitigation
Key mitigating actions being undertaken to 
protect the Company from future industrial 
declines include the following:

•  the ongoing optimisation of fixed cost base to 
minimise the impact of demand fluctuations. 
Specifically, the Company undertakes 
continuous reviews of its operating footprint to 
optimise manufacturing and distribution cost 
to serve. A new distribution model for EMEA 
has been implemented which provides the 
opportunity for us to reduce our distribution 
footprint while delivering enhanced service 
levels to our customers, the models for the 
Americas and Asia are currently being reviewed 
•  our increased investment in the automation of 
production and distribution activities, enabled 
by robotics, will further help to reduce fixed 
costs. We also undertake ongoing reviews of our 
labour management practices with a view to 
striking the right balance between permanent 
and temporary employees, so that we are able 
to effectively manage our cost base

•  diversification across the market sectors we sell 
to; both within the industrial sector and also 
beyond it. We continue to develop our product 
category management approach to better 
focus on faster growing and resilient market 
segments. We continue to explore M&A and 
entry opportunities in new markets to further 
mitigate this risk.

We continue to invest in our innovation 
capabilities to secure new opportunities, develop 
our use of alternative materials and diversify our 
product range.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022Board of Directors

Paul Lester, CBE

Non-Executive Chairman

Scott Fawcett
Chief Executive Officer

GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Group Executive 
Committee

Jack Clarke
Chief Financial Officer

Mary Reilly
Senior Independent Director

Scott Fawcett
Chief Executive

Jack Clarke
Chief Financial Officer

Emma Reid
Company Secretary 

Oshin Cassidy
Chief People and Culture Officer

Adrian I Peace

Non-Executive Director

Ralf K. Wunderlich
Non-Executive Director

Dupsy Abiola
Non-Executive Director

Appointed to the Group Executive 
Committee:
January 2023

Appointed to the Group Executive 
Committee:
January 2023

Emma Reid
Company Secretary

Appointed to the Group Executive 
Committee:
January 2023

Scott Fawcett will join the Board on 1 January 2023

Emma Reid will become Company Secretary on 1 January 2023

Joined Essentra:
December 2010

Joined Essentra:
April 2021

Scott was appointed as Chief Executive 
in January 2023 having joined Essentra 
in 2010 as Managing Director of the 
Components European business and 
subsequently joined the GMC in January 
2014 leading the Components business. 
Prior to joining Essentra, Scott was 
Head of eCommerce at RS Group 
(formerly Electrocomponents plc), 
where he held a variety of increasingly 
senior sales, marketing and eCommerce 
positions during his 17 year career there.

Jack was the Group Finance and 
Executive Director of Marshalls plc from 
October 2014 to April 2021. Previously, 
Jack served as the Strategy Director 
and then CFO of AMEC (E&I) between 
January 2010 and September 2014. Jack 
is a qualified chartered accountant. 

Joined Essentra:
January 2020

3
33
Emma joined Essentra in 2020 and 
was appointed as Company Secretary 
in 2023. Prior to becoming Company 
Secretary Emma was Head of 
Governance, and previously worked for 
Which? and Imagination Technologies. 
Emma has extensive governance 
experience and is a qualified company 
secretary. 

6666

Appointed to the Group Executive 
Committee:
January 2023

Joined Essentra:
January 2019

Oshin joined Essentra as Group Human 
Resources Director in January 2019 and 
became Chief People and Culture Officer 
in January 2023 when the Company 
became a pure-play Components 
business. Prior to joining Essentra, Oshin 
was Group Human Resources Director 
at Imagination Technologies, and has 
extensive human resources experience 
having previously held senior roles at 
global organisations including Securitas, 
ComfortDelGro, Centrica and QinetiQ.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CONTINUED

Rob Baker
Chief Operating Officer

Hugues Delcourt
Chief Sales Officer & Director, EMEA

Sam Edwards
Chief Digital Information Officer

Gabriele Hannen
Chief Strategy Officer

Appointed to the Group Executive 
Committee:
January 2023

Appointed to the Group Executive 
Committee:
January 2023

Appointed to the Group Executive 
Committee:
January 2023

Appointed to the Group Executive 
Committee:
March 2023

Joined Essentra:
October 2021

Joined Essentra:
July 2019

Joined Essentra:
June 2014

Joined Essentra:
August 2019

Rob joined Essentra in 2021 as Supply 
Chain Director of the Components 
business. Rob has over 25 years of 
supply chain experience covering 
end-to-end supply chain across both 
industrial products and consumer goods 
sectors. Prior to joining Essentra Rob’s 
background combines both senior 
operational leadership roles with business 
consulting, with a focus on operational 
transformation and performance 
improvement.

Hugues joined Essentra in 2019 as 
Managing Director of the Components 
European business and was appointed 
to his current role in July 2022. Prior to 
joining Essentra, Hugues was Global 
Commercial Director at Coats, where 
he held a variety of increasingly senior 
Commercial and P&L management 
positions during his 16 year career there. 
Hugues started his career at Moss 
Plastic Parts and Alliance Plastics which 
later formed part of Essentra. 

Sam joined in 2014 and during his 
time with Essentra has been primarily 
responsible for digital and hassle-free 
strategic programmes along with 
embedding digital and data into the 
business globally. Prior to joining Essentra, 
Sam spent 11 years at RS Components 
in a number of increasingly senior digital 
and commercial roles.

Gabriele joined Essentra in 2019 as 
Finance Director for the Components 
business. Prior to joining Essentra, 
she worked across Manufacturing & 
Distribution, Consumer, Media and 
Market Research in privately owned and 
listed businesses. Gabriele held a variety 
of Finance and wider leadership roles 
with a focus on business growth and 
change. She is a professional certified 
Coach from Henley Business School.

Lynne Vandeveer
Chief Marketing Officer  
& President, Americas

Appointed to the Group Executive 
Committee:
January 2023

Joined Essentra:
July 2022

Lynne joined Essentra as President 
of the Americas region and global 
Chief Marketing Officer in July 2022. 
Prior to joining Essentra, Lynne was 
Chief Marketing Officer at PlayPower, 
a world leading manufacturer of 
outdoor recreation equipment. Lynne 
has extensive marketing and general 
management experience having 
worked at blue-chip consumer products 
including SC Johnson, PepsiCo, Cadbury, 
Mondelez, Kellogg’s and Campbell Soup. 

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IN THIS 
SECTION

Chair’s Corporate Governance statement 
Board of Directors 
Corporate Governance Report 
Sustainability Committee Report 
Nomination Committee Report 
Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee’s Letter 
Report of the Audit and Risk Committee 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee’s Letter 
Remuneration at a glance 
Annual Report on Remuneration 
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy report 
Other statutory information 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities  
in respect of the Financial Statements 
Independent Assurance Statements to Essentra plc 

69
70
72
88
91
95 
98
105
110
111
122
126

132
133

68
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ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Directors’ 
Report

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIR’S CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

Chair’s statement

Dear Shareholder
The 2022 Corporate Governance statement 
and report provides you with a more detailed 
look into how we approach Corporate 
Governance at Essentra and how it supports 
our purpose and strategy. As you read 
through the Corporate Governance report 
you will see that we have reported on activity 
over the last year, but also reflect on the 
new structures we will be using, all of which 
continue to meet or exceed best practice. 

The Board has the highest regard for good 
governance and is mindful that all its 
discussions and decisions need to reflect the 
principles set out in the 2018 UK Corporate 
Governance Code (2018 Code). The Board 
keeps under review the way it operates 
and responds to changes in the business 
and external environment accordingly. The 
Board applies the principles of the Code to 
its discussions and decision making. The 
Company is very pleased to confirm that from 
1 January 2023 it is in full compliance with all 
aspects of the Code.

The Corporate Governance report that follows 
sets out in more detail how we have observed 
and applied the Code, what action we took to 
achieve this and the outcomes which support 
our long-term success. Additional information 
has been provided where we believe this 
will help better inform our stakeholders. 
Information required to be reported under 
the Directors’ Report is reported both here 
and within the Strategic Report, and the ESG 
report contains a lot of additional disclosures. 
To make the reports as easy to read as 
possible, we have included cross-references 
throughout. 

Our Section 172 Statement can be found on 
page 38 which combines with our broader 
reporting on stakeholder engagement. We 
hope this section brings to life the work of the 
Board throughout the year. 

In parallel with ensuring the strategic reviews 
completed on time, the Board also focused 
its time, both inside and outside of formal 
meetings, on supporting the organisation 
as it worked towards becoming a pure-play 
Components business. 

The Board considered its own composition, as 
well as ensuring that it worked with Scott, as 
he developed the shape of the new business, 
including its purpose, ambitions and strategy, 
and established a new leadership team. More 
information on the new leadership team, the 
Group Executive Committee, can be found on 
page 66 and the purpose on page 76.

The Board has been pleased to add Kath 
Durrant to their number, thereby meeting 
the commitment made at the 2022 Annual 
General Meeting. We will continue to recruit 
female non-executive directors until we 
have exceeded the 40% target set by the 
FTSE Women Leaders Review. We are also 
pleased to have completed the voluntary 
Parker Review on the ethnicity of UK boards, 
for which we already exceeded the goal of 
“At least One by 2021” and continue to do 
so, as the Board is firmly of the view that a 
successful business must have broad and 
diverse thinking in place, at all levels of its 
business. The Board is committed to equality 
and diversity in the workplace and leading by 
example is key to achieving this and ensuring 
equality and diversity is upheld throughout 
the organisation.

6969

PAUL LESTER, 
CBE
Chair

Throughout the year, the Board continued 
with its oversight of all three businesses, as 
well as setting aside time for the strategic 
reviews. The Board and its committees 
continued to receive regular reports on 
progress, in key areas such as health, safety 
and the environment, compliance, controls 
and risk management.

We finished the year with an internal 
evaluation of the Board’s effectiveness, 
the results of which showed, that not 
surprisingly, the Board wanted to focus on 
the components business and form stronger 
relationships with the Group Executive 
Committee. As a consequence, the Board 
agreed an action plan at the end of January 
2023 to tackle the findings and details of that 
are contained on pages 93-94.

Our Annual General Meeting will be held at 
our Kidlington site again this year. The Board 
and I hope you are able to join us and we look 
forward to welcoming you on 3 May.

Paul Lester, CBE
Chair
28 March 2023

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors

Experienced, effective and diverse leadership – Our Business is led 
by our Board of Directors, biographical details of the Directors are 
available at essentraplc.com/about-us/board-of-directors.

  Audit and Risk Committee 
  Nomination Committee 
  Remuneration Committee 
  Sustainability Committee 
  ESG Committee 
C   Committee Chair

Paul Lester, CBE
Non-Executive Chair
Independent on appointment
C  

Appointed to the Board:
December 2015

Scott Fawcett
Chief Executive

Appointed to the Board:
January 2023

Jack Clarke
Chief Financial Officer
Independent on appointment

Appointed to the Board:
April 2022

Mary Reilly
Senior Independent Director
Independent on appointment
C  

Appointed to the Board: 
July 2017

Skills and experience:
Scott was appointed as Chief Executive in January 
2023 having joined Essentra in 2010 as Managing 
Director of the Components European business 
and subsequently joined the GMC in January 2014 
leading the Components Global Strategy. Prior to 
joining Essentra, Scott was Head of eCommerce 
at RS Group (formerly Electrocomponents plc), 
where he held a variety of increasingly senior sales, 
marketing and eCommerce positions during his 
17 year career there.

Skills and experience:
Jack was the Group Finance and Executive Director 
of Marshalls plc from October 2014 to April 2021. 
Previously, Jack served as the Strategy Director 
and then CFO of AMEC (E&I) between January 
2010 and September 2014. Jack is a qualified 
chartered accountant, has a diploma in treasury 
management and graduated from the University 
of Leeds in 1987 with a Bachelors in Economics & 
Management Studies (Honours) and in 1989 with 
Masters of Science (Civil Engineering).

Skills and experience:
Mary is currently Non-Executive Director and Chair 
of the Audit Committee of Mitie Group plc, a 
facilities management company, Gemfields Group 
Limited, Cazoo Group Limited and Mar HoldCo Sarl. 
Mary brings a wealth of accounting, finance and 
international management experience to Essentra, 
having previously been a Partner of Deloitte LLP for 
more than 20 years, as well as serving on a number 
of Boards in a Non-Executive capacity since 2000. 
Mary also serves as a trustee on a range of charities.

Other current appointments:
•  None 

Other current appointments:
•  None

Other current appointments: 
•  Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit 

Committee, Mitie Group plc

•  Non-Executive Director, Gemfields Group 

Limited 

•  Non-Executive Director, Cazoo Group Limited

•  Non-Executive Director, Mar HoldCo Sarl

Skills and experience:
Following his appointment to the Board in 
December 2015, Paul was made Non-Executive 
Chair in May 2016. Paul brings a wealth of 
experience to Essentra, gained in significantly senior 
operational and strategic executive roles, and has 
also served on a number of Boards in a Non-
Executive capacity for over 30 years. 

Other current appointments:
•  Non-Executive Chair Telent Technologies Limited, 
Funeral Partners Limited & McCarthy & Stone 
Limited

More information on 
the background and 
experience held by our Board 
can be found in the  
Notice of our Annual  
General Meeting.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONTINUED

Emma Reid
Company Secretary 

Appointed to the Board:
Secretary to the Board in January 2023 

As the Company Secretary, Emma is also  
part of the Group Executive Committee.  
For full biography, see page 66

Dupsy Abiola
Non-Executive Director
Independent on appointment

Kath Durrant
Non-Executive Director
Independent on appointment

Adrian Peace
Non-Executive Director
Independent on appointment

Appointed to the Board: 
March 2022

Appointed to the Board:
January 2023

Appointed to the Board:
June 2021

Skills and experience:
Dupsy is Vice President, Chief of Staff at Monzo Bank. 
She was previously Head of Global Innovation at 
International Airlines Group, one of the world’s largest 
aviation groups. She is also a former commercial 
lawyer by background. Dupsy has undertaken 
advisory roles for large organisations, disruptive 
tech companies and venture capital with a focus 
on future growth and sustainability. These roles 
include sitting on the Global Future Leaders Council 
at the World Economic Forum. She was previously an 
Advisory Board Member to F-Lane, the Global Social 
Impact Accelerator for Female Founders.

Other current appointments: 
•  Vice President, Chief of Staff, Monzo Bank Ltd

Skills and experience:
Kath has extensive human resource experience 
having served as the Group Human Resources 
Director at Rolls Royce plc and Ferguson plc, and 
as Chief Human Resources Office at CRH plc. 
Kath also worked for GlaxoSmithKline plc and 
AstraZeneca plc.

Other current appointments:
•  Non-Executive Director, SIG plc

•  Non-Executive Director, Vesuvius plc

Skills and experience:
Adrian is currently President, Performance 
Technologies at Modine Manufacturing Company, 
where he is responsible for overseeing Modine’s 
Powertrain Solutions, Advanced Thermal Solutions 
and Coatings business. Adrian has experience of 
leading full P&Ls, digitising businesses and driving 
operational efficiencies that have transformed the 
businesses he has worked in. Adrian’s early career 
included roles with General Electric (GE) which he 
joined in 1990 and went on to become President 
and CEO for Latin America, Consumer and Industrial 
business and also a director of a joint venture with 
MABE, subsequently being promoted to President 
of Chemicals and Monitoring. Following GE, Adrian 
worked with WW Grainger and then Republic 
Services as Senior Vice President, Emerging Business 
Operations, where he also led Republic’s sustainability 
initiatives driving forward environmental, social and 
governance issues. 

Other current appointments:
•  Independent Strategy Advisor & Director, AIP LLC

•  President, Performance Technologies, Modine 

Manufacturing Company

Ralf K. Wunderlich
Non-Executive Director
Independent on appointment

  C   C   C  

Appointed to the Board:
July 2017 

Skills and experience:
Ralf is currently a senior adviser to private equity 
firms and an independent consultant. He was 
previously President and Managing Director of Amcor 
Flexibles – Asia Pacific and a member of the Global 
Group Executive Team of Amcor, the world leader 
in packaging with operations in approximately 43 
countries and sales of approximately US$15bn. Ralf 
brings extensive international experience in the 
packaging industry gained over many years living 
and working across three continents. 

Other current appointments:
•  Non-Executive Director and member of the 

Management Development and Compensation 
Committee, AptarGroup Inc.

•  Non-Executive Director and member of the  

HR Committee, Huhtamäki Oyj

•  Non-Executive Director and member of 

Audit & Risk, Nomination and Remuneration 
Committees, Shepherd Building Group  
Board Ltd

7171

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT

Corporate 
Governance 
Report

Board meetings during the year

Board meetings attended during the year

Paul Lester, Chair

Paul Forman, Chief Executive Officer

Jack Clarke, Chief Financial Officer

Lily Liu, Chief Financial Officer

Mary Reilly, Senior Independent Director

Nicki Demby, Non-Executive Director

Ralf K. Wunderlich, Non-Executive Director

Adrian Peace, Non-Executive Director

Dupsy Abiola, Non-Executive Director

8(8)

8(8)

5(5)

3(3)

8(8)

3(3)

8(8)

8(8)

7(7)

Figures in brackets denote the maximum number of meetings could have been attended. 
During the year, as deemed appropriate, as part of his induction process for becoming 
Chief Executive, Scott Fawcett attended meetings.
Jack Clarke was appointed as an Executive Director on 19 May 2022.
Dupsy Abiola was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on 18 March 2022.
Lily Liu resigned from the Board on 19 May 2022. 
Nicki Demby resigned from the Board on 19 May 2022.
On 31 December 2022, the Company Secretary and General Counsel, Jon Green,  
stepped down from the role and from 1 January 2023, Emma Reid, was appointed  
as Company Secretary.

72

KEY TOPICS RAISED  
IN THE 2018 CODE

Company purpose
Page 76

Business model
Page 8

Our people and 
culture
Pages 30 to 32

Division of 
responsibilities
Pages 81 to 87

Stakeholder 
engagement 
and Section 172(1) 
Statement
Pages 38 and 39

Composition, 
succession and board 
evaluation
Pages 91 to 94

Audit, Risk and 
internal control
Pages 95 to 104

Remuneration
Pages 105 to 125

The Board can confirm that during 2022, it 
has applied all Principles and complied with 
the all Provisions as set out in the 2018 UK 
Corporate Governance Code, other than in 
relation Provision 38 of the Code on pension 
contribution rates. However, following the 
appointment of Scott Fawcett as Chief 
Executive, who receives the same pension 
contribution as other members of the 
workforce, from 1 January 2023, the Company 
is in full compliance with all provisions of the 
Code.

The Corporate Governance report that follows 
addresses the pillars of the Code to ensure 
that all stakeholders can best understand the 
Company’s approach to meeting the Code. 
Some of the information required by the 
Code is included in the Strategic Report and 
is cross-referenced here to avoid unnecessary 
duplication. Where relevant and appropriate, 
we also disclose additional information to 
provide the fullest picture possible.

Board leadership and purpose 
The Board of Directors is appointed by 
shareholders who are the owners of the 
Company. The Board’s primary role and 
responsibility is to provide effective and 
entrepreneurial leadership, to promote 
the long-term sustainable success of the 
Company and generate value for both 
shareholders and to ensure the Company 
contributes to wider society.

The Board achieves this through its annual 
cycle of meetings which ensure it considers 
a broad range of matters, including strategy 
planning sessions at which the Company’s 
purpose, values and the strategy itself are 
reviewed in detail. This is achieved with 
support from the Executive and the Board 
ensures it achieves its role in setting long-
term sustainable objectives, through the 
delegation of its authority to the Chief 
Executive Officer as well as Board committees 
and management. 

The Board has adopted a schedule of matters 
reserved for its decision which is available on 
the Essentra plc website.

Throughout the year, the Board meets with 
management, both formally and informally, 
to learn how individual strategies are formed 
and resourced, which provides the structure 
to regularly assess progress against agreed 
metrics, and supports the Board in fulfilling 
its role.

The formal framework used in conjunction 
with informal opportunities allows the 
Board to establish and monitor cultural and 
behavioural norms that form the basis for the 
success of the business. The Board, through 
their own engagement with employees, as 
well as the Chief Executive and his immediate 
team, also adopt behavioural norms and 
influence the culture of the business to 
ensure it is aligned with the strategy. The 
Board has primary responsibility for ensuring 
that cultural practices are reflected in the 
Company’s approach and that this is set out 
for the workforce through a series of policies 
and practices that are consistent with the 
Company’s values and norms. The Board 
supports this by a Right to Speak process, 
that encourages employees to report any 
concerns. A further report on this and how the 
process operates can be found on page 100.

The Board listens to views from a variety of 
stakeholders to help it formulate an effective 
view on its strategy and this input is used to 
shape the strategy and timing of its delivery. 
The strategic reviews undertaken in 2022 
provide an example of how the Board use 
information from shareholders and other 
stakeholders, in this case leading directly to 
the subsequent announcements to undertake 
strategic reviews of both the Filters and 
Packaging businesses. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

In addition to shareholder views, the Board 
listens to a broad range of other stakeholders 
and engages actively, whether as the Board or 
through management, to ensure stakeholder 
views are heard and acted upon as might 
be appropriate. Valuable feedback from 
stakeholders, such as customers, allows the 
Company to ensure it focuses its resources in 
the right way and is aligned to the long-term 
strategy. 

The Board considers shareholder and other 
stakeholder views and the main trends 
and factors which will affect the long-term 
success and future viability of the Company – 
and how these and the Company’s Principal 
Risks, uncertainties and opportunities have 
been addressed. More information on this can 
be found in the Risk management report on 
pages 52 to 65. 

The Board reviews the risks to achieving 
the Company’s long-term strategy on a 
regular basis and during 2022 continued 
to be supported in this by the Group Risk 
Committee and the Audit & Risk Committee. 
The Company’s Principal Risks and Emerging 
Risks are included in the Risk Management 
Report on pages 52 to 65.

The Board takes the opportunity during 
the year to engage with employees on a 
range of subjects and the feedback from 
these sessions are fed back to the Board 
during meetings. The Board has continued 
to engage with employees directly through 
the continued Voice of the Employee 
initiative and provides employees with an 
opportunity to meet and discuss any concerns 
or observations directly with the appointed 
representatives. More information on this 
can be found in the Stakeholder engagement 
section on pages 38 and 39, and a further 
report on Board employee engagement on 
pages 79 and 80. 

73

Our structure
Throughout 2022, the Company continued to 
use the framework previously disclosed in its 
2021 Annual Report.

For 2023, the framework has evolved and is 
more streamlined, reflecting the change to 
becoming a pure-play Components business, 
as follows:
•  the introduction of a dedicated ESG 

Committee at Board level which also has 
oversight of TCFD disclosures 

•  the establishment of an executive 

committee known as the Group Executive 
Committee (GEC)

•  reporting Risk directly to the GEC and 
removal of the Group Risk Committee

•  investment matters considered directly by 
the GEC with support from the Treasury 
Committee

•  reporting of compliance issues direct to the 
GEC and removal of the Group Compliance 
Committee

•  closure of the management level ESG 

Committee reflecting the changes in the 
overall shape of the business

Our structure

Essentra plc 
Board

Audit and 
Risk 
Committee

Remuneration  
Committee

Nomination  
Committee

ESG 
Committee

Group 
Executive 
Committee

Social 
Steering 
Committee

Treasury 
Committee

Sustainability 
Steering 
Committee

  www.essentraplc.com 
The terms of reference for 
each of the Audit and Risk, 
Remuneration, ESG and 
Nomination Committees can 
be found on the Company’s 
website. The terms of reference 
are reviewed annually and 
updated as necessary.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Essentra plc Board (the Board) 
In fulfilling its role, the Board:
•  establishes the Company’s purpose, values 
and strategy and has satisfied itself that 
these and its culture are aligned

Audit and Risk Committee (ARC)
The ARC supports the Board and is 
responsible for: 
•  monitoring the integrity of the Company’s 

Financial Statements

•  sets, continually reviews and tests the 

•  reviewing, challenging and approving its 

Company’s strategic aims

accounting policies 

•  determines the nature and extent of 

acceptable risks in achieving the Company’s 
strategic objectives, including its approach 
to managing climate related matters

•  scrutinising the effectiveness of the internal 
and external auditors and the Company’s 
internal control and risk management 
systems.

•  assesses shareholder and stakeholder 

interests from the perspective of the long-
term sustainable success of the Company

•  oversees the establishment of formal 

and transparent arrangements for the 
application of corporate reporting, 
risk management and internal control 
requirements and principles

•  ensures that the necessary financial and 
human resources are in place for the 
Company to meet its objectives

•  reviews the performance of the Company’s 

executive management 

•  presents a fair, balanced and 

understandable assessment of the 
Company’s position and prospects to its 
shareholders.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is established 
by the Board and is responsible for setting a 
remuneration policy for Directors and senior 
executives. This policy is designed to promote 
the long-term success of the Company, 
taking into consideration the reward, 
incentives and conditions available to the 
Company’s workforce, shareholders and other 
stakeholders. The Remuneration Committee 
determines an appropriate balance 
between fixed and performance-related and 
immediate and deferred remuneration. The 
Remuneration Committee is also responsible 
for setting the fees of the Chairman.

Nomination Committee 
The Nomination Committee is responsible 
for regularly reviewing the structure, size 
and composition of the Board for any 
changes that it considers to be appropriate. 
The Nomination Committee will lead the 
process for Board appointments and make 
recommendations to the Board taking into 
account the Company’s strategic priorities, 
the main trends and factors affecting the 
long-term success and future viability of 
the Company and consider candidates in 
accordance with the Board Diversity Policy.

74

Sustainability Committee 
During 2022, the Board level Sustainability 
Committee focused on all environmental 
aspects and is responsible for providing 
advice on and coordinating, sustainability-
related activities across the Company. The 
Sustainability Committee reviewed the 
strategies, policies, management, initiatives, 
targets and performance of the Company 
within its sustainability framework. This 
Committee has transitioned into the ESG 
Committee from 2023 onwards.

ESG Committee (ESGC)
From 2023, the ESGC has oversight delegated 
to it by the Board for determining the ESG 
strategy and approach to ESG affairs. The 
ESGC is responsible for scrutinising the 
ongoing performance against sustainability 
targets and measuring progress of the 
ESG strategy and providing feedback 
where appropriate to other committees, 
including the Remuneration Committee for 
ESG measures that are incorporated into 
bonusable targets.

Tenure

The Board are appointed for  
terms of three years, and each Non- 
Executive Director may serve up to a  
maximum of nine years. Each Director 
of the Board stands for election or re-
election each year as appropriate.

The Board has considered which of the 
Non-Executive Directors are considered 
to be experts in specific fields as shown 
below. Further information on the 
background and experience of our 
Board can be found on page 70 and in 
the Notice of Annual General meeting.

• Risk management 

Paul Lester, Ralf K. Wunderlich,  
Adrian Peace, Mary Reilly

• Investor Relations  

Paul Lester

• Recent Audit and Financial  
Mary Reilly, Ralf K. Wunderlich

• Remuneration  

Ralf K. Wunderlich, Kath Durrant

• People and social 

Kath Durrant, Adrian Peace

• Innovation  
Dupsy Abiola

• Technology  

Dupsy Abiola, Adrian Peace

• Industry Expert  
Adrian Peace 

• Sustainability  

Ralf K. Wunderlich, Adrian Peace 

• Regulatory & Governance 

Dupsy Abiola, Mary Reilly, Paul Lester, 
Kath Durrant

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Of the eight Board members, six are 
considered to be independent as 
deemed by the Code (75%). Whilst this 
includes the Chair who was considered 
independent upon appointment, it 
is recognised the Chair is unlikely to 
remain independent throughout his 
tenure. 

Board composition

Executive

Non-Executive

Tenure – Non Executive

Up to 3 years

3–6 years

6–9 years

25 %

75 %

50%

33%

17%

75

Fair, balanced and understandable
One of the key requirements is for the 
Annual Report to be fair, balanced and 
understandable. In coming to a conclusion 
that the Annual Report is fair, balanced and 
understandable the Board has the support 
of the ARC, which makes recommendations 
to it on this and also considers the process 
adopted by the organisation in drafting the 
Annual Report, which requires Company-wide 
co-ordination and review. That process runs 
alongside the formal audit of the Financial 
Statements conducted by the External Auditor.

The Board further takes into account 
representations made by management 
and the views of the internal and external 
auditors as to the integrity of the narrative 
and financial statements. The comprehensive 
review process carried out with detailed 
scrutiny, assessment and reporting from 
the ARC followed by further critical review 
by the Board as a whole, enabled the Board 
to determine that the 2022 Annual Report, 
taken as a whole presents a fair, balanced 
and understandable position and provides 
shareholders with the information necessary 
to assess the performance, strategy and the 
business model of the Company.

Group Executive Committee
From January 2023 onwards, the Group 
Executive Committee (GEC) provides general 
executive management of the pure-play 
Components business and operates within 
the delegated authority limits determined by 
the Board.

Group Management Committee 
During 2022, the Group Management 
Committee (GMC) provided general executive 
management of the strategic reviews and of 
the broader Essentra business, within agreed 
delegated authority limits determined by 
the Board. Specifically, the GMC supported 
the Chief Executive in achieving Essentra’s 
values and goals. Following the sale of the 
Packaging and Filters businesses, the GMC 
was disbanded by the year end, with the 
Components leadership team forming the 
GEC, as set out immediately above.

Group Risk Committee 
During 2022, the Group Risk Committee 
(GRC) was responsible for monitoring 
Principal and Emerging Risks, and ensuring 
the effectiveness of business and functional 
risk management. Further details of the 
Company’s risk management framework can 
be found on page 55. From 2023 onwards, 
Essentra’s approach to risk management 
is reported on directly to the GEC in the 
first instance on a quarterly basis or more 
frequently if so required.

Treasury Committee
During 2022, the Treasury Committee 
operated as a sub-committee of the GRC. 
It set the Treasury Policy for approval by 
the Board and reported to the GRC for 
management of treasury related risks and to 
the ARC for the effectiveness of the process 
for managing those risks. From 2023, the 
Treasury Committee will operate as a sub-
committee of the GEC but will continue to 
report on treasury and financial operating 
risks to the ARC as may be appropriate. 

Investment Committee
The Investment Committee was introduced 
at the start of 2020 and operated as a 
sub-committee of the GMC. The Investment 
Committee provided control and challenge 
around major capital expenditure over £250k. 
From 2023, the function of the Investment 
Committee will be fulfilled by the GEC with 
the support of the Treasury Committee, which 
is a sub-committee of the GEC.

Group Compliance Committee 
During 2022, the Group Compliance 
Committee (GCC) was established to oversee 
the Group’s implementation of compliance 
programmes, policies and procedures required 
to meet legal, compliance and regulatory 
requirements. The GCC was responsible 
for executive monitoring of the overall 
progression of compliance activities. From 
2023, compliance activity is monitored directly 
by the GEC.

ESG Committee (management level)
The management level ESG Committee 
was established during 2021 and operated 
as a sub-committee of the GMC. It was 
responsible, along with the GMC for the 
Group Environmental Sustainability Policy 
and developing the first report on TCFD. 
During 2022, after the completion of the 
year end reporting cycle and as the strategic 
reviews progressed, each business was better 
able to manage their own approach to 
sustainability, and the committee’s work drew 
to a natural conclusion. ESG matters were 
reported directly to the GMC as appropriate. 
From 2023, the GEC is directly responsible 
for all ESG matters and is supported in its 
responsibility for ESG by a Sustainability 
Steering Committee and a Social Steering 
Committee, that report to the GEC. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Essentra purpose,  
values and culture
With the newly focused business, the Board wanted 
to ensure that the Company’s purpose and values 
reflected its culture and beliefs. Working with the 
GEC, a review was carried out to assess and agree 
the Company’s purpose.

OUR PURPOSE

OUR VISION

OUR GOALS

OUR AMBITION

LIVING OUR VALUES

We help 
customers 
build a 
sustainable 
future

To be the 
world’s leading 
responsible, 
hassle-free 
supplier of 
essential 
components

Market leader with a unique proposition 
in a fragmented £8-10bn market.

Clear strategy to drive organic growth 
and market share gains supported by 
digitalisation and sustainability.

High margin business with scope to 
expand through scale efficiencies, 
operational effectiveness and pricing.

Strong returns and cash conversion 
enabling value enhancing M&A.

To double 
the revenue 
and triple 
operating 
profits

We care 
about our 
customers

We care 
about each 
other

We deliver

We are  
an effective 
team

In developing the purpose, vision, values and 
goals, management looked to the existing 
culture and norms it had been using for 
some time, in conjunction with the previous 
Group-wide approach. This approach allowed 
the business to ensure its purpose reflected 
its culture and that it could continue and 
flourish. 

The Board, with the support and input of the 
GEC, considered the existing practices and 
following in-depth consideration, agreed 
the purpose “to help customers build a 
sustainable future” resonated with why the 
business existed and provided the meaning for 
all of the business activity. 

At the Capital Markets Event held in 
November 2022, the GEC announced its vision 
and goals for the business. The vision “to be 
the world’s leading responsible, hassle-free 

supplier of essential industrial components” 
had been used by the Components business 
for some time, and the ambition and focus 
of smooth hassle-free customer service 
underpins the priorities of the business. 

The goals had been stated around four key 
areas:
•  Market leader with a unique proposition in a 

fragmented £8-10bn market

•  Clear strategy to drive organic growth 
and market share gains supported by 
digitalisation and sustainability

•  High margin business with scope to expand 

through scale efficiencies, operational 
effectiveness and pricing

•  Strong returns and cash conversion 

enabling value enhancing M&A

The business had developed behavioural 
norms over a period of years that had been 
used in parallel with the previous Group 
values, and it was agreed that certain key 
norms were appropriate to become values. 
The Board agreed that “living our values” 
was a key way to ensure behaviours and 
expectations were able to be aligned across 
our footprint:
•  We care about our customers

•  We care about each other

•  We deliver

•  We are an effective team

Purpose during 2022
Reflecting on the prior purpose the Board 
noted the success of the previous Essentra 
House and the shared purpose enjoyed by 
three different businesses “to responsibly 
provide the products and services our 
customers need to succeed” and observed 
that during the year the purpose had 
remained relevant and supported the 
business’s approach to how it conducted 
itself. 

This had been seen first-hand by the Board 
when the Board Employee Champions had 
visited sites and been able to see the values 
of safety, respect and diversity, openness, 
honesty and integrity and energy for change 
in use. More information on these visits can be 
found on page 80.

The Board believes the previous values will 
allow the Packaging and Filters businesses 
to continue their transformation under new 
leadership.

76

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Matters considered by the Board in 2022

The Board’s agenda is set by the Chair and 
carefully planned against the strategy to 
ensure that appropriate time is given to 
managing the affairs of the Company. This 
ensures focus on the Company’s strategic 
activities and key monitoring activities, as 
well as reviewing significant issues so that 
matters are considered in line with the 
schedule of reserved matters. An annual 
cycle of agenda items is in place to support 
the work of the Board. 

During 2022, the Board held eight 
scheduled meetings with an additional 
ten meetings formed of briefing sessions, 
updates, sub-committees and formal 
meetings during which various aspects of 
the strategic reviews were considered. 

77

Strategic reviews

Financial 

Governance and ethics 

•  Approved the Company’s trading statements, 
Full Year and Half Year results and quarterly 
trading statements

•  Approved the Company budget for 2023
•  Approved dividend payments with 2021 final year 
dividend of 4.0p per share and interim dividend 
for 2022 of 2.3p per share

•  Received updates from the Board Employee 
Champions following in-person visits to sites 
which were also accompanied by virtual visits to 
other sites

•  Participated in an internally facilitated Board 
evaluation, review of the conclusions and 
agreement on subsequent action plans

•  Considered and agreed the ways in which 

•  Reviewed and approved the annual Modern 

the proceeds from the sale of the Filters and 
Packaging business could be used

Slavery Statement

•  Received updates from Board committees on 

their respective meetings

Operational and risk

•  Received regular reports from the Chief Executive 

Leadership and people

and the Chief Financial Officer

•  Received regular updates on the safety and 

•  Received detailed presentations from senior 
management across the businesses and 
considered reports from functional management 
about matters of material importance to the 
Company

wellbeing of our people

•  Monitored performance and continued 

development of Health and Safety risk and 
at each meeting assessed Health and Safety 
performance

•  Reviewed the impact of supply chain disruptions 

•  Received regular updates on the impact of the 

across the globe

•  Undertook a considered review of each Principal 
Risk and Emerging Risk and approved changes to 
the Principal Risks for the Half Year, and approved 
a refreshed set of Principal and Emerging Risks 
for the pure-play Components business 
•  Received regular updates on progress of the 

Business Process Review project

•  Continued consideration of cyber security risk

strategic reviews on our people 

•  Considered proposals on how to ensure people 

were correctly aligned to a business so that each 
business was supported at the right level, and 
that every person impacted by the strategic 
reviews were treated with respect and dignity 
throughout a challenging period 

•  Considered and agreed a governance 

framework to manage the strategic reviews 
which included regular reviews of risks 
associated with the delivery of such significant 
projects, and received regular updates on 
progress of each of the strategic reviews
•  Approved the sale of the Filters business 

to Frank Acquisition Four Limited, a direct 
subsidiary of Centaury Management 
Limited, which is owned and controlled by 
the investment office of the Markus family, 
for an enterprise value of approximately 
£262.1m including initial cash consideration 
of £200m and up to £20m deferred earn-out 
consideration. After deducting customary 
adjustments including debt like items, and 
amounts attributable to non-controlling 
interests, net cash received totalled £163m

•  Approved the publication of two Class 
1 Circulars, which the Board potentially 
acceptable and appropriate to recommend to 
shareholders for approval for the sale of the 
Packaging and Filters business

•  Approved the sale of the Packaging business to 
Mayr-Melnhof Group for a cash consideration 
of £312m (on a cash-free, debt-free basis 
subject to the customary adjustments) which 
the Board considered potentially acceptable

•  Approved a proposal for funding for the 

Essentra Pension Plan as part of the sale of the 
Packaging and Filters business

Strategy

•  Approved the acquisition of Wixroyd Holdings 

Limited, a bolt on acquisition for the 
Components business

•  Held a deep dive session on Components 

approach to safety and proposed approach to 
achieving better safety awareness ambitions

•  Received regular updates, as well as held 

in-depth sessions, on progress of the Business 
Process Redesign (BPR) project

•  Approved a lease for a new site in Mexico
•  Oversaw changes to the new Group Executive 

Committee

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Principal decisions

Principal decisions are defined 
as both those that are material 
to the Company, but also those 
that are significant to any of our key 
stakeholder groups. For more detail on our 
key stakeholder groups see pages 38 and 39. 
In making the following principal decisions 
the Board considered the views of its key 
stakeholders, as well as the need 
to maintain a reputation for high  
standards of business conduct and 
the need to act fairly between the 
members of the Company.

78

Principal decision 1
Sale of the Packaging business

•  Following a period of due diligence and 

negotiation with potential buyers, the Board 
considered and agreed to the sale of the 
Packaging business to Mayr-Melnhof Group 
(MM Group), a Vienna based business that is a 
global producer and leading player in Europe for 
cartonboard and folding cartons with an offer 
in kraft paper and uncoated fine papers for 
various end applications, for the sum of £312m 
(on a cash-free, debt-free basis subject to the 
customary adjustments), which the Board 
considered acceptable

•  The Board considered a range of offers, and once 
a range of acceptable offers had been agreed, 
the Board met on several occasions to consider 
which of the offers would provide the best 
opportunity for Essentra, for our shareholders and 
stakeholders, as well the Packaging business and 
its employees, customers and suppliers and other 
stakeholders

•  The Board agreed that the offer from MM 

Group was an appropriate and acceptable offer 
and that the terms of the Sale and Purchase 
Agreement and transitional arrangements were 
agreeable and they would seek shareholder 
approval

•  The Board were mindful of the synergies between 

the two businesses, alongside the growth 
potential in the United States that the Packaging 
business would provide MM Group and would 
provide the business with the best outcome for 
its long term sustainable growth

•  The Board considered the impact of the 

offer from MM Group on all of the Packaging 
business’ stakeholders as well as Essentra’s 
stakeholders and shareholders and concluded 
that the synergies and MM Group’s ambitions 
for growth in the pharmaceutical packaging 
industry provided a good home for the Packaging 
business and its employees

•  As the transaction required shareholder 

approval, the Board considered it appropriate 
to recommend the sale to shareholders, and 
approved the publication of a Class 1 Circular and 
Notice of General Meeting, and at the General 
Meeting were pleased that the resolution to sell 
the Packaging business was passed 

Principal decision 2
Sale of the Filters business

•  As had been announced in 2021, the Board had 
agreed previously to carry out a strategic review 
of the Filters business to best consider its future 
ownership structure

•  The Board, with the support of advisors, identified 

a range of options on how to structure the 
ownership of the Filters business

•  The Board considered two options to be viable 

and each was progressed during the year 
in parallel but at differing speeds to ensure 
resources were carefully managed and that each 
option was able to have the opportunity to be 
fully explored

•  As the options were progressed, a range of 
acceptable offers for the sale of the Filters 
business were received with one offer, from 
Centaury Management Limited, considered 
acceptable

Principal decision 3
Acquisition of Wixroyd Holdings Limited 

•  The Board approved the acquisition of Wixroyd 

Holdings Limited, a leading UK supplier of 
industrial parts for the engineering sector, at the 
end of November 2022 for an initial consideration 
of £29.5m and up to £7.0m deferred earn-out 
consideration on a cash-free, debt-free basis
•  In reaching this decision, the Board considered 

a range of factors and applied the sustainability 
criteria that the Sustainability Committee had 
reviewed during the year

•  The Board agreed that the transaction would 
help Essentra fulfil its organic and inorganic 
growth strategy that had been launched at 
the November 2022 Capital Markets Event, to 
accelerate and supplement organic growth 
through value enhancing bolt on acquisitions 
that can expand market and geographical 
breadth

•  The Board reached the conclusion that the sale 

•  The Board agreed that the acquisition would 

strengthen Essentra’s expertise and its product 
portfolio bringing about benefit for customers 
through cross selling opportunities through 
Wixroyd’s manufacturing and supply of 
innovative mechanical components, with an 
extensive portfolio of over 100,000 products

to Centaury Management Limited was structured 
in a manner that would provide Essentra and 
its shareholders with the level of return that the 
Board considered acceptable

•  The Board also gave consideration to other 

stakeholder concerns, including the buyers plans 
for the business and its employees, noting that 
Centaury intended to focus on the future growth 
of the business

•  The Board considered it appropriate to 

recommend the sale to shareholders for approval 
and accordingly, approved the publication of a 
Class 1 Circular and Notice of General Meeting in 
support of this

•  The sale allowed the Board to conclude the final 
step of the transition of Essentra to being a pure-
play Components business and for final steps in 
respect of pension contributions and prepayment 
of a portion of the US Private placement notes to 
take place, which would strengthen the position 
of Essentra’s balance sheet ensuring it the 
flexibility needed to pursue its own value creating 
organic and inorganic growth opportunities 
including bolt-on acquisitions

•  The Board had agreed that the remainder of 

funds would be returned to shareholders

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Board employee 
engagement
During 2022, the Board Champions, Mary Reilly,  
Ralf K. Wunderlich and Adrian Peace continued to 
engage with the whole of the workforce through the 
Voice of the Employee initiative. We report on the 
outcomes of those meetings and how the voice of 
employees was reported back to the Board and  
used during discussions and decision-making. 

79

The Board had previously 
committed to, and have restated 
their commitment to:

Receive updates on employee engagement 
at every meeting

Review themes from Voice of the Employee 
sessions and to engage management as 
appropriate where the Board have any 
concerns

Review formal employee feedback for 
themes that may be raised directly with 
people in the sessions to ascertain their 
view on those matters

During the year a total of nine site visits were 
undertaken by the Board Champions across 
the regions.

Of the nine visits, one was held virtually 
whilst eight were held in person. All Board 
Champions were pleased to hold the majority 
of their meetings in person and to use virtual 
meetings as a tool for sites where their 
geography made it challenging for in-person 
visits to be arranged. This approach has 
ensured that sites further away are included 
and able to contribute their views and 
thoughts on the business. 

The Voice of the Employee in-person sessions 
coincided with visits to two Components sites 
in France and Spain, where BPR was being 
rolled out. Voice of the Employee sessions 
were arranged to allow the workforce to 
engage directly on their response to the 
programme. With BPR having received 
significant investment over several years its 
success is significant for the business and this 
provided the Board with an opportunity to 
exercise oversight and ensure that the regular 
information it received on the programme 
matched that at sites. The visits to Spain and 
France provided useful insights that were 
reported back to the Board and allowed the 
Board to challenge management further on 
its approach to BPR.

Other feedback from the visits included 
comments from employees on the differing 
levels of engagement they had experienced 
from senior leadership and whether cascades 
of company news and updates could be 
carried out on a more timely basis. 

The Board agreed during the second half of 
the year, that whilst it had visited a mix of 
sites from across all three businesses during 
the year, it was not appropriate following the 
announcement of the sale of the Packaging 
and Filters business to continue to make 
those visits. The Voice of the Employee visits 
therefore focused on just Components sites 
during the second half of 2022.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Sites visited in 2022

Clayton,  
US
Packaging

Greensboro, 
US
Packaging

Kidlington,  
UK
Components

Madrid,  
Spain
Packaging

Barcelona, 
Spain
Components

Paris,  
France
Components

Nettetal, 
Germany
Components

Wolfen, 
Germany
Packaging

Sydney, 
Australia
Components

In-person

In-person

In-person

In-person

In-person

In-person

In-person

In-person

Virtual

80

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022The roles of the Chair and the Chief Executive 
are separate and clearly defined so as to 
ensure a clear separation of responsibilities 
which are set out in writing and agreed by 
the Board. The Chair leads the Board and 
ensures its effectiveness. The Chief Executive 
is responsible for the executive management 
and performance of Essentra’s operations.

The Board considers that, for the year 
ended 31 December 2022, each of the Non-
Executive Directors were independent. In 
making this assessment of independence, 
the Board considers that the Chair and 
Non-Executive Directors are independent of 
management, and free from business and 
other relationships which could interfere with 
the exercise of independent judgement now 
and in the future. The Board believes that any 
shareholdings of the Chair and Non-Executive 
Directors serve to align their interests with 
those of shareholders.

The Board considers that the Non-Executive 
Directors provide an independent view in 
Board discussions and in the development 
of the Company’s strategy. Non-Executive 
Directors ensure a sound basis for good 
corporate governance for the Company, 
challenging management’s performance and, 
in conjunction with the Executive Directors, 
ensuring that rigorous financial controls and 
systems of risk management are maintained 
as appropriate to the needs of the businesses 
within Essentra.

The Senior Independent Director (SID) can 
be contacted via the Company’s registered 
office. During the year, this role was held by 
Mary Reilly. The SID is available to shareholders 
to discuss and develop an understanding of 
their issues and any concerns which cannot 
be resolved by discussions with the Chair, the 
Chief Executive or Chief Financial Officer, or 
where such contact is inappropriate.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Division of 
responsibilities

Non-Executive Directors provide an  
independent view in Board discussions  
and in the development of the  
Company’s strategy.

The Board considers that, 
for the year ended 31 
December 2022, each of the 
Non-Executive Directors were 
independent.

81

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

82

outside appointments, provided that such 
appointments do not in any way prejudice 
the ability to perform their duties on behalf of 
Essentra.

The Chief Executive, Scott Fawcett, and 
Chief Financial Officer, Jack Clarke, do not 
hold any Non-Executive positions. The former 
Chief Executive, Paul Forman and former 
Chief Financial Officer, Lily Liu, both held 
one external Non-Executive position, and 
the Board was of the view that this was not 
detrimental to the performance of their duties 
given the time requirements involved.

The letters of appointment for Non-Executive 
Directors are available for review at the 
Company’s registered office and prior to the 
AGM. 

Directors’ elections
The Company’s Articles of Association 
require that all new Directors seek election 
to the Board at the AGM following their 
appointment. In compliance with the 2018 
Code, all eligible Directors will put themselves 
forward for re-election on an annual basis. 
The Board, including the Chair, is satisfied 
that each of the Directors being put forward 
for re-election continues to be independent 
and effective and that their ongoing 
commitment to the role is undiminished. 

The Company announced that Scott Fawcett, 
would become Chief Executive and Executive 
Director on 1 January 2023. Scott will stand 
for election at the Annual General Meeting on 
3 May 2023.

The Company announced the appointment of 
Kath Durrant as a Non-Executive Director on 
3 January 2023, and therefore she will stand 
for election also at the Company’s Annual 
General Meeting.

All other Directors will stand for re-election 
at the Annual General Meeting. The Notice 
of Annual General Meeting includes more 
detailed information on the background and 
experience of all Directors and sets out the 
reasons and rationale that the Board support 
their election or re-election. 

The conduct of Board matters
During the year, there were eight scheduled 
Board meetings. In addition to these 
scheduled formal meetings, the Board met 
on a further ten occasions, with further 
sub-committee meetings held to consider 
progress made in relation to the strategic 
reviews.

Informal discussions are also held between 
the Chair and the Non-Executive Directors 
on a regular basis and additionally prior to or 
post each scheduled Board meeting. Regular 
contact is also maintained with the Chief 
Executive and with members of the Group 
Executive Committee (GEC) and during the 
year meetings between senior management 
and the Board were initiated. The SID has also 
held meetings with Non-Executive Directors 
without the Chair present. 

The Board is supported in its role by Board 
committees and whilst they are a valuable 
part of the Company’s corporate governance 
structure, the Board, as a whole, maintains 
oversight of important matters and, after 
each Committee meeting, the Chairs of the 
committees report on the matters which 
have been reviewed. In particular the Board 
looks to the Audit and Risk Committee to 
undertake the majority of the work involved 
in monitoring and seeking assurance as to 
compliance with the internal controls and risk 
management practices within this structure.

Other specific responsibilities are delegated 
to the Remuneration, Nomination and ESG 
Committees. The Board believes that it, 
and its Committees, have the appropriate 

All of the Board have 
attended all Board and 
Committee meetings this year 
and with their commitment to 
their roles clear, the Board is 
content that the Non-Executive 
Directors devote sufficient time 
to the business of Essentra. 

External commitments
The Board is fully aware of current external 
commitments for all of the Non-Executive 
Directors and is satisfied these do not distract 
from the time committed to Essentra. 
Non-Executive Directors are also required to 
discuss any additional external appointments 
with the Chair prior to their acceptance. 
In addition, the time commitments of the 
Chair are the subject of review by the SID, in 
conjunction with the other Non-Executive 
Directors. The Conflicts of Interest register is 
reviewed at each Board meeting.

All of the Board have attended all Board and 
committee meetings this year and with their 
commitment to their roles clear, the Board 
is content that the Non-Executive Directors 
devote sufficient time to the business of 
Essentra. Executive Directors may accept 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Operational matters and 
the responsibility for the 
day-to-day management of 
the business is delegated to 
the Chief Executive, supported 
by senior executives within 
delegated authority limits.

83

composition to discharge their respective 
duties effectively with the appropriate level 
of challenge and independence, and that the 
members of the Board in conjunction with 
the senior executive teams are well equipped 
to drive and deliver, the Company’s strategic 
objectives. 

The Board is of the view that it has a highly 
competent Chair who, together with each 
of the other Non-Executive Directors, has 
considerable international experience at a 
senior level in the management of activities 
broadly similar to those carried out by 
Essentra and the material issues likely to arise 
for the Company.

Operational matters and the responsibility 
for the day-to-day management of the 
business is delegated to the Chief Executive, 
supported by members of senior executive 
management as appropriate, within 
delegated authority limits and supported 
by a Schedule of Authority that ensures a 
strong culture towards control is in place. 
The support of the GEC ensures a strong link 
between Essentra’s overall corporate strategy 
and its implementation within an effective 
internal control environment and robust risk 
management.

The GEC is the newly formed executive 
committee and from the start of 2023, they 
have met on a weekly basis. 

Full details of the membership of the GEC can 
be found on page 66.

During 2022, the former executive committee, 
the GMC, also met weekly to discuss the 
strategic reviews, providing ongoing guidance 
to ensure each business remained on track 
and was not distracted by the strategic 
reviews. 

Both the former executive committee, GMC, 
and the current GEC, has adopted a clear 
governance framework: agendas are set 
according to the framework and all matters 
arising are addressed. Papers are circulated 
in advance of the meetings. Both the former 
and current CEO make good practice of 
ensuring views of all executive members are 
heard and that these behaviours are modelled 
across the business.

Board papers 
During 2022, some Board papers were 
submitted to the Board at short notice, 
reflecting the pace at which the strategic 
reviews were developing. The Board were kept 
up to date of all issues so they were able to 
exercise oversight and issues were flagged 
to them ahead of meetings. The Board 
acknowledged in the 2022 Board Evaluation 
that whilst papers were later than they may 
have liked, they recognised the fluid nature of 
the issues being presented and the need to 
consult widely on some proposals. The Board 
and management have agreed for 2023, that 
there will be a return to Board papers being 
provided well ahead of the meeting.

At the end of 2021, the Board had also 
fed back that some regular papers had 
become longer than necessary, and actions 
were agreed to improve this in 2022. The 
GEC has committed to continue making 
improvements to reduce the length of papers 
to make papers more concise and meetings 
efficient, with a proportionate amount of 
time allocated to board agenda items.

Applying Essentra’s corporate 
responsibility principles
From 2023, the Chief Operating Officer is 
responsible for co-ordinating the operation 
of policies on health and safety and 
sustainability; the Company Secretary is 
responsible for co-ordinating policies on 
ethics and the Head of Risk is responsible for 
compliance related policies. Further details 
can be found in the ESG report on pages 22 
to 35.

Diversity
During 2022, the Company continued to 
ensure its approach to Diversity & Inclusion 
was reflected in how it conducted business 
and its approach to its employees. 

Towards the end of 2021, the Nomination 
Committee agreed that a thorough review 
of the Diversity & Inclusion Policy should take 
place during 2022. However, the Nomination 
Committee agreed to defer the review until 
the conclusion of the strategic reviews, 
as resource was required to complete the 
strategic reviews, and the outcome would 
be challenging to meaningfully apply across 
the three businesses given they would be 
in different positions with regards to their 
structures. 

Despite this, the Board and senior 
management are committed to ensuring 
ethnic and gender balance across the 
business to reflect the communities in which 
we operate and consider it as critical to the 
business’s success. 

The Board were pleased to voluntarily report 
on its ethnicity. Furthermore the Board also 
reported on gender during 2022 in compliance 
with the Companies Act and the Code. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

In terms of Board diversity as at 31 December 
2022:
•  38% of the Board were female

•  the Senior Independent Director was a 

woman

•  the Board membership consisted of 

two individuals from a non-white ethnic 
minority background

At the time of publishing this Report, the 
Board are pleased to have been able to see 
through the promise made at the 2022 AGM 
by the Chair to recruit a further women 
to the Board. As a result, the composition 
of the Board made up by women has 
increased to 38%. The Board have further 
increased the gender diversity on the Board 
by the appointment of a woman Company 
Secretary. The Board recognise that the 
Company Secretary is not counted in the 
published statistics, but as the Board takes 
an inclusive approach, it is pleased that the 
appointment of a female Company Secretary 
further strengthens the gender ratio on the 
Board to 44%.

The Board continues to confirm a strong 
commitment to diversity including, but not 
limited to, gender diversity at all levels of the 
Company, and considers its own composition 
provides a reasonable indication of its 
approach to this commitment. 

84

The Board continues 
to confirm a strong 
commitment to diversity 
including, but not limited to, 
gender at all levels of the 
Group.

The Board Diversity Policy continues to serve 
to ensure that all candidates for Board 
appointments are considered in accordance 
with the Policy during the nomination process. 
In continued support of increasing diversity 
for all UK listed companies, the Board has 
commenced a search for its next Board 
trainee and will report on the outcome in next 
year’s Annual Report. Further information on 
diversity can be found on page 94 whilst more 
information on ESG can be found on pages 
22 to 35.

Conflicts of interest
Directors have a statutory duty to avoid 
actual or potential conflicts of interest. The 
Company’s Articles of Association permit 
the Board to consider and, if it sees fit, to 
authorise situations where a Director has 
an interest that conflicts, or may possibly 
conflict, with the interests of the Company. 
The decision to authorise a conflict of interest 
can only be made by non-conflicted Directors. 
A register of Directors’ Interests is maintained 
so that any potential concerns are addressed 
before any material issues may arise.

The Conflicts of Interest register and the 
schedule of Directors’ Interests is reviewed 
at each Board meeting. During the course 
of the year, there was one potential conflict 
and accordingly, that Director removed 
himself from the meeting returning only when 
authorised to do so by the Chair. The conflict 
subsequently fell away with the progression 
of events and there were no other material 
conflicts of interest impacting on the conduct 
of the Board’s activities.

Information and professional 
development
The Chair, supported by the Company 
Secretary, takes responsibility for ensuring 
that the Directors receive accurate, timely 
and clear information.

On appointment, an induction programme 
tailored to their individual needs is available 
to Directors, and is designed to assist them 
in their understanding of Essentra and its 
operations.

Throughout a Director’s tenure, they are 
encouraged to develop their knowledge of 
the Company through meetings with senior 
management and site visits. Directors are also 
provided with updates, as appropriate, on 
matters such as fiduciary duties, Companies 
Act requirements, share dealing restrictions 
and corporate governance matters.

All Directors have access to the advice 
and services of the Company Secretary. In 
the furtherance of their duties, there are 
agreed procedures for the Directors to take 
independent professional advice, if necessary, 
at the Company’s expense. No Director took 
independent professional advice during the 
year in respect of Board matters other than 
Paul Forman who took advice with respect 
to reaching an agreement with regards 
to his departure as Chief Executive. More 
information relating to that is reported on 
page 119.

The Board continues to confirm a strong 
commitment to diversity including, but not 
limited to, gender at all levels of the Group.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022Directors understand the views and 
concerns of major shareholders 
in relation specifically to their 
views on environmental, social 
and governance issues and the 
way in which they are embedded 
in strategy and measured in the 
performance of the Company 
against strategy. 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Shareholder communications
The Board recognises the importance of 
effective communication, and seeks to 
maintain open and transparent relationships 
with its shareholders and other stakeholders, 
including providers of finance, customers and 
suppliers. This is achieved by regular updates 
through public announcements, the corporate 
website and other published material.

All shareholders can meet any of the Directors 
of the Company should they so wish. In 
particular, the SID is available to shareholders 
should they have concerns or wish to share 
their views. Feedback from meetings with 
shareholders is provided regularly to the Board 
so they are aware of any issues or concerns, 
and ensures that the Board has a balanced 
view from major investors. In 2022, the 
Board hosted its first hybrid AGM which was 
conducted both on an in-person and virtual 
basis from its registered office, and the UK 
head office in Kidlington. No shareholders 
joined the meeting virtually whilst some 
shareholders did attend in person and enjoyed 
visiting the site. Therefore the Board have 
agreed that this year’s AGM will be held in 
person only.

At the AGM, the level of proxy votes lodged on 
each resolution is made available, both at the 
meeting and subsequently on the Company’s 
website. Each substantially separate issue is 
presented as a separate resolution, and the 
Chairs of the Audit and Risk, Nomination, 
Remuneration and ESG Committees 
are available to answer questions from 
shareholders. 

The Company communicates and engages 
regularly with its major institutional 
shareholders and ensures that all the 
Directors, including the Non-Executive 
Directors, understand the views and concerns 
of major shareholders in relation specifically to 
their views on governance and performance 
of the Company against strategy. The Chief 
Executive, Chief Financial Officer and Inverstor 
Relations Manager have primary responsibility 
for investor relations. Virtual presentations for 
analysts and shareholders were held during 
the year, and virtual meetings were also 
undertaken with key institutional investors to 
discuss strategy, financial performance and 
investment activities. Slide presentations are 
made immediately available after the Full and 
Half Year results, and are also available on the 
Company’s website to view and download. In 
November 2022, the Company held a Capital 
Markets Event, to support the launch of the 
pure-play Components business, which was 
well attended virtually and in person. The 
event laid out the strategy of the standalone 
business and included presentations from 
members of the GEC. The Company ensures 
that any price-sensitive information is 
released to all shareholders at the same time, 
in accordance with regulatory requirements. 
During the year the Board Chair, Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee and Chair of the 
Sustainability Committee (now ESG) have 
held independent meetings with shareholders 
and additionally, the Chair has attended 
meetings with the Chief Executive and 
the Chief Financial Officer. At each Board 
meeting reports are presented detailing the 
engagements with shareholders to ensure 
that the Board as a whole has a clear 
understanding of the views of shareholders.

Financial reporting
The Directors have acknowledged, in the 
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities 
set out on page 132, their responsibility for 
preparing the Financial Statements of the 
Company. 

The Directors are responsible for preparing 
the Annual Report and Accounts, and 
they consider that the Annual Report and 
Accounts taken as a whole are fair, balanced 
and understandable. The External Auditor has 
included a statement about their reporting 
responsibilities in the Independent Auditors‘ 
Report, set out on pages 193 to 199.

Directors understand the views and concerns 
of major shareholders in relation specifically 
to their views on environmental, social and 
governance issues and the way in which they 
are embedded in strategy and measured in 
the performance of the Company against the 
strategy.

The Directors are also responsible for the 
publication of Half Year results, as required by 
the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the 
Financial Conduct Authority. This provides a 
general description of the financial position 
and performance of the Company during the 
relevant period.

In accordance with the 2018 Code, the Board 
acknowledges its overall responsibility to 
shareholders to ensure that an adequate 
system of risk management and internal 
control is in place. The Board believe that the 
Risk Assurance team continues to provide a 
clear indication of, and commitment to this, 
and the Board are satisfied with the strength 
and depth of knowledge held by the Risk 
Assurance team. 

85

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Senior Independent 
Director (SID) 

•  Provides a “sounding board” 

for the Chair

•  Serves as an intermediary 

for the other Directors when 
necessary

•  Acts as an alternative point 
of contact for shareholders 
where contact through the 
normal channels of Chair, or 
other Executive Directors, has 
failed to resolve any concerns, 
or for which such contact is 
inappropriate

•  Leads the annual assessment 
of the effectiveness of the 
Chair

•  Leads the search and 

appointment process and 
makes the recommendation to 
the Board for a new Chair

Non-Executive Directors 

Chief Executive 

Chief Financial Officer 

Company Secretary 

•  Provides constructive and 
independent challenge to 
executive management

•  Brings experience and 

objectivity to the Board’s 
discussions and decision-
making

•  Monitors the delivery of the 
Company’s strategy against 
the governance, risk and 
control framework established 
by the Board

•  Responsible for evaluating the 
performance of the Chair, led 
by the SID

•  Proposes the strategy to the 
Board and implements the 
strategy which has been 
approved by the Board
•  Communicates to the 

workforce the expectations 
in respect of the Company’s 
culture and ensures that 
operational policies and 
practices drive appropriate 
behaviour

•  Develops manageable goals 
and priorities for the GEC
•  Leads and motivates senior 

management

•  Ensures that the Board is 
aware of the views of the 
senior management team on 
business issues

•  Develops proposals to present 

to the Board on all areas 
reserved for its judgement 

•  Leads, directs and oversees 

all aspects of the finance and 
accounting functions of the 
Company

•  Contributes to the 

development of strategy 
and management of the 
Company’s business

•  Manages relationships with 
the external auditor and key 
financial institutions and 
advisors 

•  Ensures effective internal 
controls are in place and 
compliance with appropriate 
accounting regulations for 
financial, regulatory and tax 
reporting

•  Maintains a record of 
attendance at Board 
meetings and committee 
meetings

•  Responsible for ensuring 
good information flows 
to the Board and its 
committees, and between 
the GEC and the Non-
Executive Directors

•  Advises the Board on all 

regulatory and corporate 
governance matters

•  Assists the Chair in ensuring 
that the Directors have 
suitably tailored and detailed 
induction and ongoing 
training and professional 
development programmes

Roles and responsibilities

Chair

•  Sets the Board agenda 

primarily focused on strategy, 
performance, value creation, 
culture, stakeholders and 
accountability, and ensuring 
that issues relevant to these 
areas are reserved for Board 
decision

•  Shapes the culture in the 

Boardroom

•  Encourages Board members 
to engage in Board and 
committee meetings and 
ensures sufficient time 
is allocated to promote 
effective debate to support 
sound decision making
•  Fosters relationships based 
on trust, mutual respect 
and open communication 
between Non-Executive 
Directors and the Group 
Executive Committee

•  Develops a working 

relationship with the Chief 
Executive

•  Provides guidance and 

mentoring to new Directors 
as appropriate

•  Maintains a dialogue 

with shareholders on the 
governance of the Company

86

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022Directors’ and Officers’ insurance
In accordance with the Company’s Articles of 
Association, and to the extent permitted by 
the laws of England and Wales, the Directors 
are granted an indemnity from the Company 
in respect of those liabilities incurred as 
a result of their office. In respect of those 
matters for which the Directors may not be 
indemnified, the Company maintained a 
Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance 
Policy throughout the year. It is anticipated 
this policy will be renewed. Neither the 
Company’s indemnity, nor the insurance 
policy provide cover, to the extent that a 
Director is proven to have acted dishonestly or 
fraudulently.

Further details on the Company’s risk 
management system and internal controls 
can be found on page 87.

The following enables the Board to review the 
effectiveness of the system of internal control 
and the financial reporting processes:
•  the ARC meets regularly and reports to 

the Board, no less frequently than at every 
Board meeting following an ARC meeting

•  the terms of reference provide a framework 

for the ARC to review and oversee the 
quality, integrity, appropriateness and 
effectiveness of the Group’s internal control 
framework

•  the Board received updates from each 

business whilst they remained part of the 
Essentra Group, and subsequent to that, 
the MD of each of the businesses, alongside 
their Divisional Compliance Officer, 
provided updates on controls that were 
reported to the ARC

•  during the period that was relevant for 
each business, every month, the three 
businesses submitted detailed operating 
and financial reports covering all aspects 
of performance. These were reviewed by 
the Chief Financial Officer and the Group’s 
central Finance function, and summary 
reports are communicated to the Chief 
Executive, GMC/GEC and the Board

•  certificates were required from each of the 
businesses (for the period during which 
they were part of the Essentra Group) 
to confirm compliance with the Group’s 
policies (including financial) and procedures 
at both the Half Year and Full Year.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT CONTINUED

Internal controls
In accordance with the 2018 Code, the Board 
acknowledges its overall responsibility to 
shareholders to ensure that an adequate 
system of risk management and internal 
control is in place and for reviewing the 
effectiveness of this system. Such a system 
can only be designed to mitigate, rather 
than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve 
business objectives, and can therefore 
only provide reasonable, and not absolute, 
assurance against material misstatement 
or loss. This is essential for reliable financial 
reporting and also for the effective 
management of the Group.

The internal control and risk management 
process for financial reporting processes is 
documented within the Essentra Accounting 
Manual (the “Manual”) that is updated as 
required. The Manual sets out the procedures 
and processes established for internal and 
external financial reporting and incorporates 
accounting policies that are adopted by the 
Company, as well as processes and controls 
relating to tax and treasury matters. The 
Manual sets out clear processes that cover, 
amongst other matters, segregation of 
duties, reporting responsibilities and review 
and approval requirements. The Manual 
prohibits management overrides and the 
processes set out within the Manual are also 
reflected within financial reporting systems 
and the framework for financial controls 
within the Group. A Delegation of Authority 
is in place, that is also reviewed and updated 
on a regular basis, that identifies approval 
processes for different matters. The Manual 
is applied across the entire Group and 
supported by twice-yearly confirmations from 
management in relation to adherence to the 
Group accounting policies.

87

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REPORT

Sustainability  
Committee Report

The Company believes that sustainability provides it with a unique 
opportunity and is a source of competitive advantage whilst the output 
contributes to reducing climate change. The overall approach adopted 
across the business arises out of its ambition to make real change.”

RALF K. WUNDERLICH
Non-Executive Director

Roles and responsibilities
Membership and attendance

Membership and attendance

Roles and responsibilities during 2022
•  Reviewing and assessing the Company’s 

exposure as well as identifying 
opportunities for sustainability related 
issues

•  Assessing the Company’s responses to 

these issues

•  Understanding whether these responses 
are consistent with the risk appetite of 
the Company

•  Understanding stakeholder’s expectations 

with respect to sustainability

•  Identifying potential gaps in approach 
and determining high-level approaches 
to resolve 

•  Monitoring the Company’s progress in 

improving its sustainability record and its 
sustainability targets

•  Keeping under review the role and 

responsibility of the Committee and 
adapting the purpose of the Committee 
to align with internal and external needs

Roles and responsibilities for 2023
•  Overseeing the Company’s approach to 
its ESG strategy and ensuring it aligns 
with the overall strategic plan and 
promotes the Company’s long-term 
sustainable success, purpose and long-
term strategy

•  Providing advice and assurance to the 
Group Executive Committee and other 
Board committees on developing ESG 
targets and monitoring the Company’s 
progress towards the achievement of 
these targets 

•  Reviewing and advising on the Task Force 
on Climate Related Disclosures (TCFD) 

•  Ensuring policies relating to ESG 

matters are in place with onward 
recommendation to other Board 
committees were necessary 

•  Working with other Board committees 

to ensure information is passed between 
each committee and up to the Board to 
support the Board’s responsibility for ESG

88

Meetings during the year

Ralf K. Wunderlich  
Chair

Dupsy Abiola  
Non-Executive Director

Adrian Peace  
Non-Executive Director

Jon Green  
Company Secretary and General Counsel

Paul Forman  
Chief Executive Officer

Mary Reilly  
Non-Executive Director

Nicki Demby  
Non-Executive Director

Lily Liu  
Chief Financial Officer

Nick Pennell  
Group Programme Director

4 (4)

4 (4)

4 (4)

4 (4)

4 (4)

4 (4)

2 (2)

2 (2)

1 (1)

Figures in brackets denote the maximum number of 
meetings that could have been attended. During the 
year, Nick Pennell, Lily Liu and Nicki Demby stepped 
down from the Committee following their departures 
from Essentra and attended those meetings for which 
they were eligible. 

Other attendees

During 2022, Paul Lester, Chair of the Board, attended 
every meeting. During the year, as deemed appropriate, 
as part of his induction process for becoming Chief 
Executive, Scott Fawcett attended meetings. Other 
regular attendees included Jennifer Spence, Head 
of Sustainability Strategy, Emma Reid, Head of 
Governance, Jack Clarke, CFO and Oshin Cassidy, Chief 
People and Culture Officer.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022Continued sustainability progress
During the year the Committee continued its 
work to ensure that each business continued 
to make progress against the sustainability 
targets, and as the year progressed, the 
Committee recognised that reporting would 
reflect the changing shape of the business. In 
this respect, the Committee paid attention 
to methods of analysis and reporting to 
normalise the results to ensure meaningful 
changes were taking place. 

The use of the sustainability M&A criteria 
is pivotal for supporting the business in its 
inorganic growth strategy and therefore the 
criteria covers the diligence phase, and post-
acquisition integration to best assess how, 
and if, an acquisition can be integrated into 
the existing business as effectively as possible. 
During the year the criteria was applied to 
all acquisitions under consideration with the 
result that it was agreed to not proceed with 
one potential acquisition. 

For example, removing the effects of using a 
mix of raw materials used on assessing results. 
To ensure robust plans were in place to meet 
current targets, the Committee worked with 
management to ensure actions were in place 
to help bridge from actual achievement, to 
mid-term and long-term targets, and the 
Committee carefully assessed the robustness 
of these bridges.

The Committee was pleased to continue 
its practice of inviting guest speakers to 
join meetings and over the last year was 
particularly pleased to learn more about 
how a Swedish-based customer had made 
significant progress and advanced along their 
own sustainability journey. Understanding 
that sustainability requirements are 
constantly evolving and how to integrate 
sustainability into a business motivates 
Essentra towards continuing our own journey. 
The Committee also reviewed sustainability 
related criteria for use when the Board and 
GEC consider potential acquisitions.

Impact of the strategic reviews
During the year, with the progress of 
the strategic reviews, the Components 
existing Sustainability Steering Committee 
became the primary forum for managing 
sustainability and other ESG related 
topics at management level. With the 
sale of Packaging and Filters, the former 
management level ESG Committee, which 
had been formed of representatives from 
Packaging, Filters, Components and Group, 
agreed it was appropriate to pass its duties 
over to the Sustainability Steering Committee 
following the divestment of the Filters and 
Packaging businesses. The Sustainability 
Steering Committee is attended by the Chief 
Executive, Chief Operating Officer, Company 
Secretary and Head of Sustainability Strategy 
and other management. The Sustainability 
Steering Committee will continue its role and 
escalate matters as needed to both the GEC 
and the new Board level ESG Committee.

•  Reviewed the sustainability criteria used 
when considering potential acquisitions 
both during the due diligence phase and 
the acquisition phase 

•  Approved Essentra’s commitment to 

meet the Science Based Target initiative 
(SBTi), committing to near-term and net-
zero targets

•  Supported the development of a 

sustainability strategy that could be 
used post divestment for Filters and fully 
integrated for Packaging

•  Led discussions on how to approach 

sustainability, as well as ESG topics, as 
the Company transitioned into being a 
pure-play Components business

•  Approved and recommended to the 

Board that the Committee transition to 
become a broader ESG Committee, with 
Terms of Reference updated to reflect 
this change

•  Approved ESG Pillars for the pure-play 
Components business providing the 
foundation for the ESG strategy

The targets selected are chosen because they 
provide a positive and measurable impact on 
the environment at the same time as being 
the right thing to do for a broader range of 
stakeholders including regulatory bodies. 
This approach is enabling us to run a better 
business for the benefit of all stakeholders.

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

Key activities 2022

•  Monitored reporting and progress of the 
sustainability targets for i) zero waste to 
landfill sites ii) total waste production 
iii) the percentage of packaging and raw 
materials from sustainable sources and 
iv) Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions

•  Reviewed sustainability reporting for 

the 2021 Annual Report, including this 
Committee report, and agreed the 
approach for reporting for the 2022 
Annual Report, reflecting the approach 
to embedding environmental, social and 
governance matters into the business 

•  Reviewed the regulatory disclosures on 
TCFD and assessed ways in which they 
can be integrated into the business to 
bring about greater impact 

•  Considered the Company’s approach 
to external benchmarking and ratings 
agencies, including submission and the 
outcomes for CDP and Ecovadis

•  Led deep dives into the four sustainability 
targets to ensure that they remained on 
track and relevant to the organisation 
and to understand whether they were on 
target and how the Company intended 
to meet its longer-term targets

The Company believes that sustainability 
provides a unique opportunity and is a source 
of competitive advantage whilst the output 
contributes to reducing climate change. 
The overall approach adopted across the 
business arises out of its ambition to make 
real change. This is enabling management 
to channel its resources to identify and 
implement essential changes effectively and 
efficiently. 

89

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

Task Force on Climate Disclosure
During the year the Committee considered 
its approach to TCFD and agreed that 
given the in-depth work carried out during 
2021, a multi-disciplinary approach would 
be used. Colleagues from Sustainability, 
Risk Assurance, Finance, Operations 
and Governance teams reviewed the 
building blocks for assessing disclosures on 
governance, strategy, risk management and 
metrics and targets for 2022. 

As part of that review, it was noted that the 
strategic reviews required the business to 
consider and analyse whether the scenarios in 
last year’s TCFD report remained relevant or 
whether they needed to evolve. Management 
and the Committee concluded that at this 
stage, the scenarios were relevant and would 
support the business as the output from the 
TCFD report was integrated into the business 
plan for the coming year. The Committee, 
and management, also considered the range 
of risks identified within the TCFD report 
and agreed that some risks were no longer 
relevant and were therefore removed. 

The Committee reviewed all TCFD disclosures 
in detail, including the progress made on 
quantifying risk and how this impacted 
the Long-Term Viability Statement, with 
reporting on this also made to the Audit & 
Risk Committee. The full report on TCFD is 
available on pages 40 to 46.

Board ESG Committee
Each year, on an ongoing basis and formally 
towards the end of the year, the Committee 
evaluates its performance and whether its 
Terms of Reference remain both relevant 
and fit for purpose. As the last few years 
have seen a significant shift in purpose-led 
organisations with environmental, social and 
governance related topics embedded into 
an organisation’s operations, the Committee 
agreed it was necessary to evolve its own role 
and responsibilities. 

In addition, as the strategic reviews 
progressed, the Committee, as well as the 
Board, acknowledged that with the business 
model simplified to focus on Components 
alone, the challenges that the Group had 
faced in creating a cohesive ESG strategy 
that could apply meaningfully to a Packaging, 
Filters and Components business, would drop 
away as the business moved forward. This 
provided the Committee with an opportunity 
to take more significant steps forward in 
supporting the new GEC as they developed 
their ESG approach and to incorporate Social 
and Governance topics, whilst ensuring 
that the Remuneration and Nomination 
Committees and ARC would continue to 
retain their responsibilities for those areas. 
With the Board’s support and agreement, the 
Committee has now transitioned to become 
a Board level ESG Committee. 

The ESG Committee provides the business 
with the momentum required to ensure 
that ESG related opportunities are used to 
drive the business forward towards long-
term sustainable success. The business, and 
the ESG Committee, recognise that there 
are interdependencies between each of the 
environmental, social and governance related 
topics, such as the impact of end-to-end 
supply chain governance on both individuals 
and the impact that has on Scope 1, Scope 
2 and Scope 3. Therefore, full oversight 
and governance of this area is critical for 
the Board, and to ensure this is carefully 
monitored and challenged, the Board has 
delegated this work to the newly formed  
ESG Committee.

Through forming the ESG Committee, the 
Board will be able to ensure that more time 
is given to each of these areas, and that they 
are monitored closely to ensure they support 
the long-term strategic objectives. 

The ESG Committee is chaired by Ralf K. 
Wunderlich with the support of the following 
colleagues: 
•  Kath Durrant

•  Dupsy Abiola

•  Adrian Peace

•  Mary Reilly

•  Scott Fawcett

Jennifer Spence, Head of Sustainability 
Strategy, and Emma Reid, Company 
Secretary, have a standing invitation to 
attend every meeting, reflecting their day-to-
day responsibility for the overall ESG strategy.
Jack Clarke, CFO, also attends every meeting, 
reflecting the significance of ESG to our 
overall strategy.

The ESG Committee invites all members of 
the Board to attend all meetings, and the 
GEC are invited to join meetings when guest 
speakers are present or when specific topics 
are discussed. The ESG Committee also invites 
subject experts from across the business to 
present on their individual specialisms.

The Terms of Reference for the new ESG 
Committee are available on our website 
www.essentraplc.com/investors/corporate-
governance/sustainability-committee.

Ralf K. Wunderlich
Non-Executive Director
Sustainability Committee Chair
28 March 2023

  To learn more about our full ESG strategy 
and the goals we have set for ourselves, 
refer to pages 22 to 35.

90

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Nomination Committee Report

The Committee has maintained its focus on ensuring the Board’s 
composition is strong and diverse, providing support and advice 
to enable management to steer the Company forward a pure-
play Components business”

PAUL LESTER, CBE
Board Chair

Roles and responsibilities

Membership and attendance

•  Leading the process of appointments 
to the Board and senior management 
positions using a formal, rigorous and 
transparent procedure for appointment in 
accordance with the Board Diversity Policy

•  Reviewing the skills of the Board to ensure 
the combined skills remain appropriate 
and support the long-term strategic 
objectives and determining Non-Executive 
Directors’ independence

•  Reviewing and making recommendations 

on the composition of the Board to 
ensure skills and membership are regularly 
refreshed

•  Oversight of a diverse pipeline for 

succession for the Board and other senior 
positions including the executive

•  Arranging the annual evaluation of the 

Board, Committees, Chair and individual 
Directors

•  Agreeing an action plan in response to the 

annual Board evaluation

•  Assessing whether Directors commit 

sufficient time to discharging their duties

•  Review the induction and training needs of 
each Director and the Board as a whole

Paul Lester  
Chair

Mary Reilly 
Senior Independent Director

Ralf K. Wunderlich 
Non-Executive Director

Adrian Peace 
Non-Executive Director

Dupsy Abiola 
Non-Executive Director

Nicki Demby 
Non-Executive Director

Meetings during the year

4 (4)

4 (4)

4 (4)

4 (4)

2 (2)

2 (2)

Figures in brackets denote the total number of 
meetings a Director could attend and reflects 
directors left or joined part way through the year.

Nicki Demby retired from the Board on 19 May 2022 
following the conclusion of the Annual General 
Meeting. Dupsy Abiola was appointed to the Board in 
March 2022 and to the Committee with effect from 
the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting in May 
2022, although Dupsy had attended the meetings 
held earlier in the year in her capacity as Board 
Trainee. 

Other attendees

During the year, as deemed appropriate, as part of his 
induction process for becoming Chief Executive, Scott 
Fawcett attended meetings. 

During 2022, the Chief People and Culture Officer 
attended by invitation as appropriate. The Company 
Secretary and Head of Governance attended each 
meeting.

91

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

Key activities 2022

•  Reviewed the role of the Chief Executive 
and considered potential candidates for 
the role, recommending the appointment 
of Scott Fawcett as Chief Executive 
pending the outcome and completion of 
the strategic reviews 

•  Reviewed the role and scope of the 

Chief Financial Officer and carried out 
a recruitment process, recommending 
the appointment of Jack Clarke as Chief 
Financial Officer

•  Recommended the appointment of 

Kath Durrant as Non-Executive Director 
and member of the Remuneration, 
Nomination and ESG Committees, to 
take effect from 3 January 2023

•  Recommended the appointment of 

Dupsy Abiola as Non-Executive Director 
and member of the Nomination, 
Remuneration and Sustainability 
Committees

•  Recommended the appointment of 
Ralf K. Wunderlich as Remuneration 
Committee Chair

•  Supervised an open and transparent 

recruitment process for the appointment 
of a new Non-Executive Director, required 
in order to ensure the Board and its 
committees has a suitable pipeline of 
members 

Key activities for 2023

•  Reviewed the role of Company Secretary 
to ensure the role aligned appropriately 
to a pure-play Components business 
and recommended the appointment 
of Emma Reid as Company Secretary 
pending the outcome and completion of 
the strategic reviews 

•  Kept under continuous review, the 

composition, structure and size of the 
Board and the committees, in view of the 
changing shape of the organisation as 
the strategic reviews progressed

•  Reviewed the roles and structure of the 
new Group Executive Committee to 
ensure it would be appropriate in size, 
experience and knowledge so that it is 
able to properly support the pure-play 
Components business

•  Reviewed the potential leadership options 
for the Packaging and Filters businesses 
as they progressed through each of their 
strategic reviews 

•  Oversaw the 2022 Board Evaluation 

•  Reviewed and approved the Nomination 
Committee Report for inclusion in the 
2021 Annual Report

•  Reviewed and agreed revised Terms of 

Reference for the Nomination Committee

•  Encouraging further development of 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives 
as part of the wider ESG programme and 
ensuring effective reporting on progress 
is captured for the Committee and for 
external reporting

•  Overseeing the recruitment of a future 

•  Overseeing the induction and training 
programme for Kath Durrant, the new 
Non-Executive Director

•  Overseeing the ongoing training and 
mentoring being provided to Scott 
Fawcett and all members of the Group 
Executive Committee

Board Trainee

92

Chief Executive recruitment
During the year, the Committee carried out 
an assessment of the skills and experience 
required for the Chief Executive of a pure-
play Components business. The Committee 
concluded that a Chief Executive with a 
strong Components background would 
be required. The assessment that the 
Committee carried out concluded that 
the skills required for the potential future 
role differed from the existing role, and the 
Committee considered the existing pipeline 
for a successor. The Committee were 
supported in the assessment by external 
advisor, Korn Ferry, who carried out a skills 
mapping exercise as part of the assessment. 
Both internal and external candidates were 
considered, with internal candidates having 
been identified from amongst existing senior 
leaders. The Committee concluded that 
Scott Fawcett had the skills and experience 
required for the future Chief Executive role 
due to the leadership qualities he possessed, 
his knowledge of the business and the 
market. During the year, the Chair and 
the Senior Independent Director provided 
Scott with mentoring and development 
opportunities and towards the end of the 
year, the Committee reconvened to consider 
the role. The Committee agreed that 
subject to certain key factors in the strategic 
reviews materialising, Scott was the most 
appropriate candidate to be appointed. 
Following confirmation that the sale of the 
Packaging business had completed, and the 
Filters business sale, the Committee agreed 
to make the recommendation to the Board, 
who in turn confirmed their approval of the 
appointment to take effect from 1 January 
2023.

NED recruitment 
During the year, Nicki Demby, Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee, informed the 
Board that she did not intend to stand for re-
election at the 2022 AGM. When considering 
how to approach recruiting a new Non-
Executive Director, the Committee were 
mindful that during 2021, they had recruited 
Dupsy Abiola through an open, robust 
and transparent recruitment process, that 
mirrored the process used for a Non-Executive 
Director. The Committee considered this and 
agreed that it was appropriate to recommend 
that the Board appoint Dupsy as a Non-
Executive Director in March 2022. 

Subsequent to that appointment, early in 
2022, the Committee further agreed that 
one more Non-Executive Director should be 
appointed, with recruitment starting later in 
the year dependent upon the progress of the 
strategic reviews. The recruitment process 
started in H2 2022, with The Inzito Partnership 
appointed to support the search. 

A long list, short list and interview process was 
followed that identified suitable candidates 
and the Committee were pleased that 
following some further consideration, to 
recommend Kath Durrant be appointed to 
the Board as a Non-Executive Director. 

Committee appointments
As a highly experienced remuneration expert, 
Nicki’s departure left a gap in the Board’s 
skills. Following a thorough review of Non-
Executive Directors’ skills, it was considered 
that Ralf K. Wunderlich, was the most suitably 
skilled and experienced director, having 
experience of remuneration through his 
Executive and Non-Executive career. Ralf has 
been a Remuneration Committee member 
since 2018, thereby satisfying the Code 
Provision 3 of serving on the Remuneration 
Committee for at least 12 months prior to 
becoming Chair. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

During the year, the 
Committee considered what 
leadership, both non-executive 
and executive, would be 
needed for a global pure-play 
Components business

The Committee was very pleased to be able 
to recommend his appointment to the Board 
and following the conclusion of the AGM in 
2022, Ralf was appointed as Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee.

The Committee also considered which 
committees Kath Durrant should be 
appointed to and given her extensive 
experience leading people, cultures and 
Human Resource teams it was agreed 
to recommend to the Board that she be 
appointed to the Remuneration Committee, 
Nomination Committee and the new 
ESG Committee given she has extensive 
experience in both areas.

Group Executive Committee 
appointments, talent management 
and succession planning
In view of the good progress made in 
executing the strategic reviews, the 
Committee also considered the composition 
of the future executive committee, as with 
the success of the strategic reviews, existing 
members of the former executive committee 
(Group Management Committee) had 

93

departed with their existing business, or 
their tenure at the Company had reached 
a natural conclusion. The business would 
therefore require a new executive committee, 
known as the Group Executive Committee, 
ready in the background to take hold of the 
reins.

The Committee considered the existing 
succession pipeline in place for the Group 
Management Committee as well as the 
composition of the existing senior leadership 
team within the Components business. Led 
by Scott Fawcett, with the support of Oshin 
Cassidy, the Chief People and Culture Officer, 
proposals for the composition and skills 
required for the Group Executive Committee 
were considered. 

As the composition of the Executive 
Committee was agreed, roles were advertised 
internally and where there was no suitably 
qualified and experienced candidate, roles 
were advertised externally. The final outcome 
provided a mix of existing and new joiners 
forming the Group Executive Committee. 
The Committee was very pleased that the 
succession pipeline had been able to provide 
an excellent calibre of candidates.

Oshin Cassidy agreed to continue in role until 
a permanent Chief People and Culture Officer 
is recruited. Oshin has provided continuity to 
the new Essentra and has played a pivotal 
and ongoing role in the strategic reviews and 
transitional services arrangements, in addition 
to her day to day responsibilities for Human 
Resources across the business. 

Lynne Vandeveer was successfully recruited 
from an external recruitment process, and 
was appointed as Chief Marketing Officer 
and President, Americas during the year, with 
the role reflecting her current responsibilities, 
other than membership of the Group 
Executive Committee from the outset of her 
appointment.

Group Executive Committee appointments

Hugues Delcourt

Sam Edwards

Rob Baker

Prior role

New GEC role

Length of service  
with Essentra

Components Europe 
Managing Director

Chief Sales Officer & 
Managing Director, EMEA

4 years

Components Digital and 
Marketing Director 

Chief Digital Information 
Officer

9 years

Components Supply 
Chain Director

Chief Operating Officer

2 years

Emma Reid

Head of Governance

Company Secretary

3 years

Gabriele Hannen

Components Finance 
Director

Chief Strategy Officer

3 years

Oshin Cassidy

Group HR Director

Chief People and Culture 
Officer

5 years

Lynne Vandeveer

Chief Marketing Officer  
& President, AMERS, 

Chief Marketing Officer  
& President, AMERS, 

1 year

•  ensure sufficient time is provided to pursue 

strategic discussions including consideration 
of the skills required within the business to 
deliver the strategy

•  ensure a suite of KPIs were developed that 
supported the Board and the business in 
monitoring its progress

•  develop deeper relationships between the 

Board and the new executive management 
through a mentoring programme between 
the Board and GEC

•  oversee the ESG strategy and the resources 
required to support its delivery, through 
establishing the ESG Committee

•  assess and monitor current approaches 

to stakeholder engagement, keeping this 
under review both inside and outside of 
Board meetings.

Board evaluation
Our Board evaluation for 2022 was internally 
facilitated and included both a survey and a 
one-to-one discussion. Feedback was provided 
to the Chair, followed by the remainder of the 
Non-Executive Directors and the Executive 
Directors. The key findings of the review were:
•  the Board were keen to support the new 

management team and Chief Executive in 
delivering their strategy

•  Key Performance Indicators were required 
from the outset to ensure the Board had 
the information needed to meet their duties

•  Board dynamics had improved as the Board 
had met in person again over the past year

•  committees continued to be well run 

and provided the Board with the support 
required to challenge and understand 
challenges faced by the business, such as its 
approach to sustainability.

In response, a proposal was put together to 
focus on the areas that the Board believed 
would bring the most benefit during the year, 
and the Board agreed during 2023 to:

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022To be a world-
leading business, our 
Board believes diversity, 
inclusiveness and equality are 
key to driving greater success 
and providing the momentum 
required to produce a superior 
business performance, 
growth and innovation. 

NOMINATION COMMITTEE REPORT CONTINUED

In response to the second Board Evaluation 
carried out in 2021, the Board agreed the 
actions would include:
•  giving appropriate time to the consideration 

of strategy with separate meetings if 
necessary

•  development of talent alongside the 
strategic review process including 
consideration of skills and composition of 
the Board.

The Board consider that they have made 
significant progress on each of these. 

The first action was met through a 
combination of the Board schedule during the 
year, which included its usual eight meetings. 
The Board ensured it split its time between 
managing oversight of the business of each 
of the divisions and the strategic reviews, 
through a combination of additional Board 
meetings and Board Briefing meetings. In 
total, the Board and its sub-committee met 
on 20 occasions to ensure it discharged all of 
its responsibilities in line with Section 172 of 
the Companies Act 2006.

With regards to the second agreed action, 
the composition of the leadership team has 
evolved significantly and more detail on this 
is reported on page 13 of this report and GEC 
biographies are available on page 66.

Diversity and Inclusion
To be a world-leading business, our Board 
believes diversity, inclusiveness and equality 
are key to driving greater success and 
providing the momentum required to produce 
a superior business performance, growth and 
innovation. The Board is committed to gender 
diversity, and as committed to at the Annual 
General Meeting in 2022, a further female 
Non-Executive Director has been recruited 
at the start of this year. However, Kath’s 
appointment increases our total number 
of Directors and therefore the percentage 
remains just marginally below the target of 
40%. Our target for Diversity remains 40% in 
line with the targets set by the FTSE Women 
Leaders Review. At present, we also intend 
to use this as our target in response to the 
FCA Diversity Targets, whilst for ethnicity our 
target reflects that of the Parker Review, to 
have at least one member of our Board from 
a minority ethnic background. We intend to 
keep these targets under review annually. The 
Board is cognisant of the recently published 
Parker Review on setting targets. We intend to 
publish these during 2023 and in next year’s 
Annual Report.

When recruiting Non-Executive Directors, 
we use recruitment firms who have made 
a commitment to diversity on boards and 
reflect this within their long and short lists of 
potential candidates.

Board gender diversity, Board ethnic diversity, 
GEC gender diversity and Senior Management 
gender diversity is reported on page 37 and 
is reported in line with Code provision 23. 
The Board and the Committee, believe the 
more diverse Essentra is as an organisation, 

the better the range of outlooks it has 
and that improves the Company’s overall 
decision-making and problem-solving 
and ensures Essentra’s leadership better 
represents the communities in which it 
operates. The Committee therefore monitors 
diversity and for 2023 has agreed to focus 
on gender diversity at GEC-1. As at the date 
of this Annual Report, the Board comprises 
eight Directors, two Executive and six Non-
Executive Directors. Of those, three (37.5%) 
are female; five are male (62.5%); two (25%) 
represent the Black, Asian or non-white 
ethnically diverse groups.

As at the date of this Annual Report, the GEC 
comprises nine members, four (44%) female 
and five (56%) male. The Board and GEC are 
committed to improving both gender and 
ethnicity at all levels, and this forms a key 
part of the ESG strategy, which you can read 
more about on pages 22 to 35.

Board trainee – Diversity and 
Inclusion in practice
The Committee agreed towards the end of 
2022, that as the Board trainee initiative 
had been successful, and resulted in the 
appointment of Dupsy as a Non-Executive 
Director, it would run the initiative again. 
The Board trainee is a unique opportunity to 
increase the pool of diverse talent available 
to all plcs. The Board trainee role is voluntary 
with training, coaching and mentoring an 
integral part of the scheme. 

Paul Lester, CBE
Non-Executive Chair
Nomination Committee Chair
28 March 2023

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STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIR OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE’S LETTER

Audit, risk and internal control

During the year, the Audit and Risk Committee continued to assist the 
Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by monitoring and robustly 
challenging the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting, reviewing 
and challenging the use of accounting policies and scrutinising the systems 
of internal control and its risk management framework.”

MARY REILLY
Non-Executive Director

Roles and responsibilities

Financial Reporting
•  Overseeing financial reporting and 

internal controls to ensure the interests of 
shareholders are properly protected

•  Monitoring and reviewing the integrity of 
the Financial Statements and any formal 
announcements relating to financial 
performance

•  Reviewing the relevance and adequacy of 

our current accounting policies

•  Challenging significant accounting 

Risk Management, Internal Control 
and Compliance
•  Reviewing regular reports from the 

Group Risk Committee and reviewing risk 
management processes

External Audit
•  Making recommendations to the 

Board in relation to the appointment, 
reappointment and removal of the 
External Auditor

•  Reviewing the effectiveness of internal 

•  Reviewing the relationship with the 

controls

•  Monitoring the Right to Speak 

External Auditor and monitoring their 
independence and objectivity

arrangements and the assessment and 
investigation of any claims made through 
this mechanism

•  Continuous challenge of the effectiveness 
and quality of the external audit process

•  Agreeing the scope, terms of engagement 

judgements 

•  Reviewing regular compliance updates 

and fees for the external audit

and assessing progress on the compliance 
transformation programme

Internal Audit
•  Overseeing the internal audit activities

•  Monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness 

of the Internal Audit function

•  Agreeing the annual internal audit plan 

and monitoring its delivery

•  Initiating and supervising a competitive 

tender process for the external audit when 
required

•  Monitoring the engagement policy of 

the External Auditor to supply non-audit 
services

•  Reviewing and discussing reports 

presented by the external auditor at each 
meeting

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STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIR OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE’S LETTER CONTINUED

Membership and attendance

Meetings during the year

Mary Reilly 
Chair

Ralf K. Wunderlich 
Non-Executive Director

Adrian Peace 
Non-Executive Director

Nicki Demby 
Non-Executive Director

5 (5)

5 (5)

5 (5)

1 (1)

Figures in brackets denote the number of meetings 
that could have been attended.

Other attendees

Nicki Demby resigned as a Non-Executive Director 
on 19 May 2022 and therefore only attended one 
meeting. During the year, as deemed appropriate 
as part of his induction process for becoming Chief 
Executive, Scott Fawcett attended meetings.

The External Auditor, Chair of the Board, Chief 
Executive, Chief Financial Officer, Head of Risk 
Assurance, Group Financial Controller, members of 
the General Management Committee (GMC) and 
divisional Finance Directors attended meetings by 
invitations, as appropriate. During the year, the ARC 
met the External Auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP (PwC) and the Head of Risk Assurance without 
the Executive Directors being present. 

The ARC received presentations from the Chief 
Executive, the Chief Financial Officer, Group Financial 
Controller, Head of Risk Assurance, Group Head of 
Tax and Treasury, Head of Governance, UK Shared 
Services Finance Director and the Chief Digital 
Information Officer.

During 2022, the Company Secretary and General 
Counsel acted as Secretary to the ARC, with the 
support of the Head of Governance who attended  
all meetings. 

Dear Shareholder, 
As Chair of the Essentra plc Audit and Risk 
Committee (ARC), I am pleased to present 
my report for the year ended 31 December 
2022 to shareholders. 

During the year, the ARC continued to 
assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight 
responsibilities by monitoring and robustly 
challenging the integrity of the Company’s 
financial reporting the systems of internal 
control and its risk management framework. 
This report gives an overview of the activities 
undertaken and overseen during the year 
and explains how the ARC has met the 
requirements placed on audit committees 
by the 2018 Code and applicable guidance, 
laws and regulations. In carrying out its 
duties the ARC also operated in accordance 
with recommendations set out in the FRC 
Guidance on Audit Committees which was 
published in April 2016 and remains cognisant 
of updated FRC guidance, letters and reports 
that are relevant to the work of the ARC.

The ARC worked largely to a recurring and 
structured programme of activities, which 
was adapted to ensure the strategic reviews 
were included with appropriate oversight, 
scrutiny and assurance provided at each 
stage as the reviews progressed.

The 2022 internal audit plan was presented to 
the ARC at the end of 2021, in the knowledge 
that the strategic reviews would require the 
team to take an agile and flexible approach 
to ensure that the ARC and the Board would 
have the level of assurance required to work 
through often complex and difficult decisions 
that the strategic reviews would present. The 
internal audit plan proposed a blend of audits 
that focused on the Principal Risks, strategic 
initiatives and traditional site visits. Of the 
12 Principal Risks presented during 2022, the 
internal audit plan focused on nine of those 
areas, which provided good coverage but also 
allowed the internal audit team the capacity 
and time required to support the strategic 
reviews. 

The Principal Risk areas covered during 2022 
have included delivery of strategic projects, 
regulatory governance, operational and 
supply chain disruption, internal processes 
and control, safety, health and wellbeing, 
exposure to cyclical industrial markets and the 
strategic reviews. 

The Risk Assurance team spent considerable 
time working on the Class 1 Circulars to 
support the strategic reviews of each of the 
Packaging and Filters business. The team 
undertook reviews of the risks associated with 
each of the transactions and provided input 
to the Class 1 Circular documents. 

The team took specific responsibility for 
the preparation of Financial Position and 
Prospects Procedures documentation and 
preparation of Board memoranda and also 
supported the preparation of historical 
financial information and the pro-forma 
financial information of the retained business. 
The Board had an extensive role to play in 
approval of these documents and the internal 
audit team therefore had a significant role to 
play in reviewing the detail and reporting to 
the ARC on the financial information that was 
being presented to shareholders.

The ARC spent time considering the impact 
of the sale of the Packaging and Filters 
businesses. For the Packaging business, the 
ARC debated the effect of accounting for 
the discontinued operations for both the 
Half Year and then Full Year accounts. The 
ARC noted the business’s obligations for 
transparent disclosure and that it would be 
necessary to recognise an impairment of the 
Packaging business. Similarly, for the Filters 
business, the ARC considered the impact of 
the sale, including providing assurance on the 
Class 1 Circular process, as well as the impact 
on the financial position of the Company 
following completion, and the presentation 
of discontinued operations in the year-end 
financial statements. In March 2022, the ARC 
considered the External Auditor’s request 
for additional time to complete its standard 
procedures as a result of the disposals 
of the Filters and Packaging businesses 
during the year. This resulted in a slight 
delay in the publication of the Company’s 
preliminary financial results for the year ended 
31 December 2022.

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STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIR OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE’S LETTER CONTINUED

A key role of the ARC is to support the 
Board in its assessment of the Principal 
and Emerging Risks and effectiveness of 
mitigation plans. The ARC considered the 
profile of some of the Company’s Principal 
Risks which changed throughout the 
year reflecting the changing shape of the 
Company. By the time the year closed, each 
of the strategic reviews had completed and 
the Company was, as had been anticipated, 
a pure-play Components business, with 
a different risk profile. The ARC agreed to 
recommend to the Board a revised set of 
Principal and Emerging Risks that were 
relevant to the refreshed business and 
reflected its goals and ambitions. 

During the year, the Company received a 
letter from the FRC which had carried out 
a thematic review into how companies 
had reported on their judgments and 
estimates disclosures. As reported under the 
key activities of the ARC, the FRC had no 
questions or queries to raise in relation to 
the FY2021 Financial Statements. The FRC 
highlighted areas to be considered during 
the preparation of the FY2022 Financial 
Statements where it believed the reader 
would benefit from improvements to existing 
disclosures. These points, where relevant, 
were then adopted by the Company in these 
accounts. 

The ARC continued to receive regular 
reports on the compliance transformation 
programme. The ARC noted that each division 
had continued to encourage and enhance 
compliance reporting and emphasised that 
the importance of compliance remained 
even more relevant during a period of intense 
change. 

There were no material breaches during 
the year and as the strategic reviews 
were concluded, the Group Compliance 
Committee, which had provided oversight 
and assurance to the ARC, transitioned 
its support to the retained business and 
embedded its people and functions within  
the business itself. 

The ARC and the retained business recognised 
the lessons learnt around the DPA agreed 
with the DoJ in relation to historical non-
compliance with US trade sanction laws 
arising out of the Filters business and believe 
this has provided a healthy culture and 
approach to compliance as a result. 

During the year, Nicki Demby resigned from 
the ARC and I would like to extend my thanks 
to Nicki for the support and active role she 
took on the ARC.

Finally, as Chair of the ARC, I am pleased to 
engage with shareholders and continue to be 
available to meet if asked.

Mary Reilly
Senior Independent Non-Executive Director
Audit and Risk Committee Chair
28 March 2023

97

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE

Report of the Audit  
and Risk Committee

Ensuring the integrity of the 
Financial Statements and 
associated announcements  
is a fundamental responsibility 
of the ARC.”

An internal evaluation was carried out during 
the year. The ARC continued to be considered 
as a well run committee, operating in line with 
the Code and of appropriate length and with 
the opportunity for all members to contribute 
and consider issues properly. 

The ARC observes an annual cycle of items 
that covers the requirement of the external 
audit cycle and any other relevant matter,  
as detailed in the Terms of Reference of the 
ARC. The agenda cycle is reviewed annually  
to ensure that the ARC remains proactive and 
relevant. The current Terms of Reference for 
the ARC are available at www.essentraplc.
com and are also reviewed annually. 

Governance
All the Audit and Risk Committee 
(ARC) members are independent Non-
Executive Directors and have financial, risk 
management or related business experience 
gained in senior positions at other large 
diverse organisations. Mary Reilly has been 
the Chair of the ARC since April 2018, and the 
Board is satisfied that Mary has recent and 
relevant financial experience. Mary spent the 
majority of her career at Deloitte and is an 
experienced audit Chair. Each of the other 
ARC members also have relevant experience: 
Ralf K. Wunderlich has a deep understanding 
of internal capital market regulations and is 
a member of other firms’ audit committees 
and Adrian Peace has extensive financial 
experience as a manufacturing industry 
expert. Biographies of the ARC members 
can be found on pages 70 and 71 and in the 

Notice of Annual General Meeting. As a whole 
the Board believes that the members of the 
ARC are competent in the business sectors 
within which Essentra operates. The ARC 
supports the Board and reports to it following 
each of its meeting. No member of the ARC 
has a connection with the current External 
Auditor. 

The ARC has independent access to the 
Risk Assurance Team and the Head of Risk 
Assurance, who also leads the Internal 
Audit team and the External Auditors and 
may obtain outside professional advice if 
required. Risk Assurance and the External 
Auditor has direct access to the Chair of the 
ARC who held a number of meetings with 
the Risk Assurance Team and the External 
Auditor during the year outside formal ARC 
meetings. The Chair of the ARC also liaises 
with the Chief Financial Officer as well as the 
Company Secretary as necessary to ensure 
there is robust oversight and challenge in 
relation to financial control, risk management 
and compliance. 

98

The Terms of Reference provide a framework 
for the ARC’s work to review and oversee 
the quality, integrity, appropriateness and 
effectiveness including the following:
•  Financial Statements and external financial 

reporting

•  internal controls

•  significant financial judgements

•  Tax and Treasury function 

•  cyber security response

•  the compliance programme

•  the efficacy of the Internal Audit function

•  the risk management processes and 

practice

•  the relationship with, and performance of 

the External Auditor.

Financial Statements and external 
financial reporting
Ensuring the integrity of the Financial 
Statements and associated announcements 
is a fundamental responsibility of the ARC. In 
recommending to the Board, with regard to 
the approval of the 31 December 2021 Annual 
Report and the 30 June 2022 Half Year Report, 
the ARC reviewed, examined and challenged 
the Chief Financial Officer and External 
Auditor on their respective assessments on 
such items as accounting for cloud-based 
software as a service, bad debt provision, 
an assessment of quantitative disclosures 
relating to TCFD, whether the Packaging or 
Filters businesses were held for sale at both 
the Year End and Half Year, hyperinflation in 
Turkey, accounting policies and disclosures, 
any financial reporting issues, significant 
financial judgements made and appropriate 
levels of disclosures to ensure that the reports 
are fair, balanced and understandable. The 
ARC also challenged the External Auditor on 
the appropriateness of their audit coverage 
and their measure of materiality. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022During the year, the ARC also 
considered the contents and 
suitability of the Long-Term 
Viability Statement and going 
concern, and challenged the 
risk scenarios, the range of 
sensitivities applied and the 
potential impacts considered 
in line with FRC guidance.”

The ARC considered the matters presented 
and were satisfied with the approach being 
taken.

Additional details on the Group Tax Strategy 
can be found at www.essentraplc.com/
responsibility.

Cyber security response 
During the year the Chief Information Security 
Officer, Laurence Dale, met with the ARC 
Chair regularly and was also invited to attend 
an ARC meeting. 

As the strategic reviews progressed, the 
role transitioned to the become the Chief 
Digital and Information Officer, with a new 
roleholder, Sam Edwards, taking up the role. 
From September 2022, the Chief Digital and 
Information Security Officer was responsible 
for the Company’s approach to cyber security. 
Sam attended the ARC towards the end of 
the year to provide a report on the continual 
improvements and controls both in place and 
in progress to strengthen the position and 
mitigate against the increasing risk posed to 
businesses by cyber attack. 

The key priorities during the year remained 
an ongoing mitigation of key compliance 
and control risks, alongside ensuring that 
robust challenge was in place over financial 
disclosures made in respect of the strategic 
review. 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE CONTINUED

As part of the year end process, the ARC 
reported on its assessment of the Financial 
Statements so that the Remuneration 
Committee could consider whether it needed 
to exercise its discretion when considering the 
outturns for 2022.

The ARC also spent considerable time 
considering impairment of the carrying value 
of the Packaging and Filters businesses, 
and the remaining entity, during the year 
and concluded that an impairment of the 
Packaging business was necessary. Having 
concluded that no impairment was necessary 
when considering the Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2021, when 
the ARC then met to consider the interim 
financial statements for the Half Year 2022, 
there had been significant changes to this 
position: the economic outlook had changed 
significantly since the year end and key 
impairment indicators were considered in 
depth by the ARC towards all businesses. As 
well as the shift in the economic outlook, 
the Company had also announced the sale 
of the Packaging business, and entered into 
a binding sale and purchase agreement 
on 24 June 2022. During the latter stage of 
the strategic review process, it was noted 
there was a shift in the M&A market with 
heightened risk aversion to COVID-19 related 
adjustments that included a return to prior 
levels of performance in longer term forecasts. 
Alongside the challenging macroeconomic 
backdrop and the recent performance of 
the business, the ARC agreed that it was 
necessary to recognise a discontinued 
business operating impairment charge of 
£181.6m. As the Packaging business has now 
been sold, the factors used to assess the 
impairment will not continue to be relevant to 
the wider business.

During the year, the ARC also considered the 
contents and suitability of the Long-Term 
Viability Statement and going concern, and 
challenged the risk scenarios, the range of 

99

sensitivities applied and the potential impacts 
considered in line with FRC guidance. The risk 
scenarios used for the ear end 2022 reflected 
the critical importance of the strategic 
reviews, alongside areas regularly monitored 
by the businesses, such as operational and 
supply chain disruption, which remained 
common concerns for all three businesses.

Following consideration of these assessments, 
the ARC confirmed that the application of 
the going concern basis for the preparation 
of the Financial Statements continued to be 
appropriate. 

Tax and treasury 
During the year presentations were made to 
the ARC by the Group Head of Treasury and 
Tax.

Particular attention in the presentations was 
drawn to:
•  the underlying tax rate of 19.7% at year 
end 2021 (represented for continuing 
group: 3.2%) and the assumptions and 
judgements used to forecast the effective 
tax rate during the year

•  the underlying tax rate for the continuing 
group of 21.4% to the half year ended 30 
June 2022 with an expected range of 21-
22% for the full year 

•  provision for some uncertain tax positions

•  a review of FX exposures which confirmed 
the business was operating in line with the 
Treasury Policy

•  repayment of the 2017 and 2019 USPP 
and the partial repayment of the 2021 
USPP using the funds received from the 
divestment of the Filters and Packaging 
businesses

•  a review and update of all Treasury process 
notes and an update on the systems used 
by Treasury.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE CONTINUED

Key activities 2022

Compliance

The Company’s commitment to conducting 
its business activities in accordance with all 
applicable laws and regulations continued 
to be prioritised during the year and the 
businesses were aware that maintaining 
momentum and a positive compliance 
culture would be critical to ensuring the 
strategic reviews progressed a good 
outcome. The Compliance programme 
therefore operated on a business-as-
usual basis, with opportunities for raising 
awareness and the requirement for training 
remaining regular features during the year, 
with some changes as set out below. 

The Group Compliance Committee 
continued its role for the first half of the 
year, and was chaired by the Company 
Secretary and General Counsel. Once the 
sale of the Packaging business had been 
announced, it was agreed to monitor 
compliance directly with the remaining 
businesses, with each divisional Compliance 
Officer, providing regular updates.

Each business continued their approach 
to compliance, training and awareness, 
and had particular regard to the impact 
of the Deferred Prosecution Agreement 

requirements around regulatory and 
sanctions compliance, third-party due 
diligence, insider dealing and data privacy 
and undertook activity that supported these 
key areas.

The GMC received regular reports 
monitoring compliance training whilst the 
ARC continued to receive broad compliance 
reports which the Company Secretary 
and General Counsel provided, following 
consultation with the remaining Divisional 
Compliance Officer on their key compliance 
risks, and their fulfilment of the programme 
of activities designed to mitigate exposure.

As a result of this approach towards the 
Compliance Programme, each business had 
already integrated into their own capabilities 
to continue their own compliance 
programmes and upon the separation of 
the Packaging and Filters business, they were 
able to continue their compliance related 
activities, including those reliant upon 
compliance systems, seamlessly. Likewise, 
the Components business has continued 
in a similar manner, and reports on its 
Compliance Programme to the GEC on a 
regular basis.

•  Continued review and roll out of 

compliance training

•  Regular discussions with each business 

and their divisional Compliance Officers 
to assess and monitor their approach to 
compliance 

•  Ongoing monitoring of the Group’s 

compliance with the Deferred 
Prosecution Agreement

•  Transitioning responsibility for 

compliance to within each of the 
businesses, with the full support of the 
Group compliance team to provide the 
systems required to continue their own 
compliance programme

•  Ongoing completion of the divisional 

Compliance Certification process at Full 
Year and Half Year

•  Continued focus on third party due 

diligence

•  Regular review of training completion 

rates across the Group

•  Risk assessments 

•  Development of a Components 

Compliance Plan for 2023

•  Monitoring and testing of the 

effectiveness of the compliance 
programme

•  The Company reviewed a letter from the 
FRC regarding a thematic review into 
the disclosures reported on judgments 
and estimates. The FRC had no questions 
or queries but ARC has agreed to 
adopt additional disclosures around 
these points. The review conducted 
by the FRC was based solely on the 
Group’s published Annual Report and 
does not provide assurance that the 
Annual Report is correct in all material 
respects; the FRC’s role is not to verify 
the information provided but to consider 
compliance with reporting requirements

100

Right to speak and whistleblowing
The ARC received updates at each of its 
meetings on any Right to Speak issues raised 
and sought assurance from management 
on the issues raised and the Company’s 
response. The ARC noted that the Company 
has responded to each report received 
through the Ethics Points reporting system 
through arranging an investigation or 
response protocols, depending on the nature 
of the report, or by referring the case for 
resolution pursuant to HR grievance protocols.

During the year, the issues raised related 
primarily to specific HR concerns and where 
there were particular concerns expressed, the 
ARC had oversight of the actions taken in 
response which it found to be appropriate. 

Internal control and internal audit 
The ARC supports the Board in meeting its 
responsibility for maintaining and monitoring 
sound risk management and internal control 
systems and achieves this by assessing the 
effectiveness of the risk management process 
and internal control systems. The ARC is 
supported in this work by the Risk Assurance 
Team, who are also responsible for internal 
audits. 

The Risk Assurance Team made significant 
progress in its approach during 2021 and 
continued this in 2022, having adopted a 
business partnering approach. The ARC also 
agreed that for 2022, it was important for Risk 
Assurance to have an agile and adaptable 
mindset. Audit reviews were prioritised against 
current risk exposures and alignment with 
longer-term strategic objectives. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE CONTINUED

This ensured Risk Assurance continued to 
meet its core function as well as supported 
the Company where it was needed the 
most and accomplished its objectives 
through a systematic and disciplined 
approach to the evaluation, assurance and 
improvement in the effectiveness of the 
organisation’s risk management, internal 
control and governance processes. It provided 
independent assessments of key processes 
and controls across the Group in support of its 
business objectives and strategies. In order to 
achieve this the ARC reviewed:
•  the internal audit plan and its achievement 

of the approved internal audit plan’s 
activities

•  the level and skills of the resource available 
to the Risk Assurance function in line with 
the budget

•  the effectiveness of the Risk Assurance 

function including its structure, and how 
Risk Assurance would transition into 
supporting a pure-play Components 
business 

•  internal audit activities with a focus on 

unsatisfactory audit results 

•  the adequacy of management’s response 

and the necessary actions taken to address 
and rectify any weaknesses identified in a 
timely manner. 

At the ARC meetings, Risk Assurance provided 
a report on the latest position with regards to 
the Company’s systems of internal control, its 
effectiveness in managing principal risks and 
identifying any control failings or weaknesses. 

Risk Assurance also reported on resourcing 
of the function, and whilst the plan was 
delivered mainly through internal resource, 
having recruited strong candidates to fill all 
roles within the function, some work was 
co-sourced where specific subject matter 

101

In July, the ARC approved the 
new Risk Assurance Charter 
which included the scope of 
work for Risk Assurance and 
its key role in promoting the 
improvement of governance, 
risk management and 
control processes by 
examining controls, risk 
management systems and 
operations to assess the 
extent to which these are 
effective and recommending 
improvements.”

used to identify, assess and mitigate 
responses to existing and evolving risks to the 
Company achieving its long-term strategic 
objectives. This approach, combined with 
the risk management approach supported 
the ARC’s challenge of the effectiveness of 
the Company’s response, its actions and the 
process used to consider the effectiveness of 
the mitigations. 

The ARC concluded that the process had 
been very thorough and remained fit for 
purpose and as the Chair of the ARC had also 
been present at the Group Risk Committee 
meetings when both ongoing review of 
risks, and consideration of the pure-play 
Components risks had been considered, the 
ARC was assured that the risks had been 
reviewed and challenged thoroughly, with 
appropriate resilience testing of assumptions 
also having been undertaken. The ARC’s work 
in turn supported the Board by providing it 
with the assurance it needed as to the robust 
nature of the process used by the Company 
to identify risk. 

The ARC concluded at Half Year 2022 that 
it was appropriate to change the Principal 
Risks, reflecting the changes in the business, 
followed by more extensive changes at year 
end 2022 to reflect the transition to a pure-
play Components business.

More information on Principal and Emerging 
Risks can be found on pages 52 to 65, the 
Long-Term Viability Statement on page 103 
and and the Risk management process on 
101.

expertise was required, or local language skills 
and ongoing COVID-19 restrictions prevented 
the internal team undertaking the review 
themselves, such as at our Components 
Hengzhu China site, where a co-sourced local 
team visited the site in person to carry out a 
review.

For Business Process Redesign (BPR) the Risk 
Assurance team used a continuous auditing 
approach to provide real time input for the 
BPR team whilst the programme rolled out 
in Spain and France, and this approach has 
been integrated into the BPR programme.

The agility required of the Risk Assurance 
function, also meant that they undertook 
work that supported the strategic reviews and 
supported the Class 1 process for each of the 
Packaging and Filters sales through providing 
assurance and oversight of the Financial 
Position and Prospects Procedure and risk 
factor disclosures. 

Risk management process
The ARC’s discussions and considerations and 
oversight of the risk management process 
continued throughout the year working closely 
with the Group Risk Committee and the Risk 
Assurance function. There was a focus during 
2022 on assessing the changing risk landscape 
as a result of the strategic reviews, but also 
from the impact of the Ukraine invasion by 
Russia on the supply chain. The Risk Assurance 
function worked with the Components 
business to consider their Principal Risks in 
anticipation of the conclusion of the strategic 
reviews, recognising that whilst some of the 
Group’s previous Principal and Emerging Risks 
would remain, others would not apply to a 
pure-play Components business. 

In addition to considering new Principal and 
Emerging Risks, the existing risk management 
process continued to enable the ARC to assess 
the quality of existing practices and processes 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE CONTINUED

•  the Chair of the ARC met with the External 
Audit partner frequently outside of the 
meeting schedule.

Assessment of the External Auditor 
The ARC is dedicated to ensuring that 
the Company receives a high quality and 
effective external audit. Throughout the year, 
the ARC is provided with reports, reviews, 
information and advice, as set out in the 
terms of the External Auditor’s engagement 
and performance is formally assessed by the 
ARC in conjunction with the GMC. The ARC 
assesses the External Auditor’s independence 
annually and remains satisfied that the 
External Auditor is effective and provided 
appropriate independent challenge to the 
Company’s management.

In reaching this conclusion, the ARC 
considered the additional processes that 
had been observed by the External Auditor in 
view of his serving for a sixth year to ensure 
he maintained his independence. The ARC 
were satisfied that the additional checks 
introduced provided the level of scrutiny and 
the ARC were appropriately reassured. 

Independence of the External Auditor
The ARC believes that it is important to 
maintain the objectivity and independence 
of the External Auditor by minimising their 
involvement in projects of a non-audit nature. 
The Company policy complies with the FRC 
Revised Ethical Standard 2019 which provides 
a whitelist of services which may be provided 
to public interest entities and reflects best 
practice in relation to the engagement of the 
External Auditor to supply non-audit services 
in compliance with the whitelist, with defined 
parameters and approval requirements.

External Auditor
During the year the ARC:
•  agreed to request an extension of the 

Audit Partner, Nicholas Stevenson, for one 
further year, being his sixth successive year. 
The ARC believed this would support both 
the Company and the External Auditor 
in carrying out and completing the 2022 
year end audit, having considered the 
activity presented by the strategic reviews, 
the change in Chief Financial Officer and 
Group Financial Controller, to be a risk to 
audit quality. The ARC noted that the FRC’s 
Ethical Standard permitted extensions for 
exceptional circumstances such as those 
that applied to Essentra during 2022

•  sought and received assurance that 

additional safeguards were in place to 
guard against any threat to independence 
from Nicholas Stevenson being in place for 
a further year. This was discussed in both 
open and private sessions between the ARC 
and PwC

•  agreed the terms of engagement and fees 

to be paid to the External Auditor

•  reviewed and agreed the scope and 

strategic nature of the audit work to be 
undertaken, with changes to sites in scope 
reflecting the change in the shape of the 
Company

•  reviewed the qualifications, resources and 
independence of the External Auditor and 
assessed its performance with particular 
regard to the overall quality of the external 
audit and especially challenged the External 
Auditor’s ability to carry out a robust audit 
on a hybrid basis

•  reviewed the level of non-audit work carried 
out by the External Auditor which, during 
2022, comprised of work relating to the 
Class 1 Circulars arising out of the strategic 
reviews. The ARC concluded this was best 
carried out by the External Auditor given 
their existing knowledge of the business

102

The ARC concluded at 
Half Year 2022 that it was 
appropriate to change the 
Principal Risks, reflecting 
the changes in the business, 
followed by more extensive 
changes at year end 2022 
to reflect the transition to 
a pure-play Components 
business.”

The ARC Chair, without the approval of the 
ARC, is authorised by the Company to engage 
the External Auditor on non-audit related 
work where the service is in compliance with 
the whitelist of services under the Revised 
Ethical Standard 2019, and the fees per 
project are not considered to be significant, 
provided that the annual aggregate of non 
audit related fees shall not exceed 70% of the 
average of the audit fees paid in the last three 
consecutive financial years.

At the time of accepting non audit services 
in relation to the disposal of the divisions, 
a number of scenarios and a range of fees 
were considered possible, all of which were 
expected to be within the 70% fee cap 
(calculated based on the average of the last 
three years audit fees). Subsequently, there 
were a number of changes to the scope of 
this work and as a result the total value of 
non-audit services for the financial year 2022 
was expected to exceed the fee cap. The 
External Auditor discussed at length with 
the ARC Chair and management before 
an exemption to the fee cap for non-audit 
services from the FRC was requested. The 
request was approved in September 2022 
subject to the Company disclosing in its 
Annual Report how the ARC satisfied itself 
as to the continued independence of PwC to 
act as auditor given the additional non-audit 
services in 2022. Details on how ARC satisfied 
itself can be found in other sections on this 
page.

Details of the fees paid to PwC up until 31 
December 2022 can be found in Note 2 of 
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements, which includes fees paid to 
the External Auditor and its network firms 
for audit services, audit-related services 
and non audit services. PwC provided a 
letter confirming that it believes it remains 
independent within the meaning of the 
regulations on this matter and in accordance 
with their professional standards. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE CONTINUED

The ARC formally reviewed the letter 
which describes arrangements in place to 
identify, report, and manage any conflicts 
of interests and policies and procedures 
including the extent of non-audit services, to 
maintain independence and the subsequent 
monitoring.

maintained their independence with PwC 
having put in place additional safeguards to 
guard against any threat to independence 
given his familiarity with the Company. More 
information on how ARC satisfied itself on this 
can be found on page 102. The ARC has now 
agreed a new Audit Partner for 2023. 

Effectiveness of the External Auditor
The ARC assessed the effectiveness of the 
External Auditor by reviewing:
•  the External Auditor’s fulfilment of the 

agreed audit plan and the quality of their 
work including the depth and appropriate 
challenges of management

•  feedback highlighting the major issues that 

arose during the course of the audit

•  feedback from the businesses and 

management evaluating the performance 
of each assigned audit team.

Engagement of the External Auditor
The External Auditor was originally engaged 
by the Company in 2017 following a 
competitive tendering process. The External 
Auditor is engaged to express an audit opinion 
on the truth and fairness of the Financial 
Statements. The external audit includes the 
review and testing of the system of internal 
financial controls and the data contained 
in the Financial Statements to the extent 
necessary. In order to protect independence 
and objectivity and provide fresh challenge to 
the business, the External Auditor periodically 
changes the audit partners at a Group, 
divisional and country level, in accordance 
with professional and regulatory standards. 
Such changes are carefully planned to ensure 
that the Group benefits from staff continuity 
without incurring undue risk of inefficiency. 
However, it was agreed to extend the Audit 
Partner, Nicholas Stevenson’s tenure as 
the audit engagement leader due to the 
exceptional circumstances that the strategic 
reviews presented. The Company and PwC 
are comfortable that Nicholas and PwC 

103

The ARC has been kept up to date with the 
development of regulations concerning 
audit tenure and the longevity of audit firm 
relationships with companies they audit. In 
2016 a comprehensive competitive tender 
was undertaken for the external audit and 
subsequently the appointment of PwC to 
replace the Company’s previous auditors was 
approved by the shareholders at the 2017 
AGM. As detailed above the ARC is satisfied 
with the External Auditor’s effectiveness 
and independence and accordingly has 
recommended to the Board that PwC be 
reappointed as the Company’s External 
Auditor at the 2023 AGM. The Company has 
discussed the rotation of the external auditor 
and continues to consider,on a regular basis 
any potential benefits from tendering the 
audit process having regard, in particular, 
to the importance of audit quality or the 
continued independence of the External 
Auditor. There are no contractual obligations 
in place that restrict the Company’s choice of 
statutory auditor.

The Company currently anticipates that it will 
tender for the role of external auditor during 
2025 or 2026 to ensure, that if a change is 
deemed appropriate, the new external auditor 
is able to familiarise themselves with the 
business. The Company believes this timeline 
will best serve the interests of shareholders 
by minimising disruption to the business. 
The Company will provide an update if this 
approach changes.

The Company has complied throughout the 
year with the Statutory Order 2014 issued by 
the Competition and Markets Authority.

Significant financial judgements

Goodwill and intangible assets
As required by IAS 36, the Company undertakes 
an assessment of the carrying value of 
intangible assets on an annual basis, or 
more frequently if there is an indication of 
impairment. The details of the work carried out 
and the results are in Note 8 of the Notes to the 
Financial Statements. The assumptions for 2023 
and beyond (such as the annual growth rate 
and the terminal growth rate) are based on the 
2023 annual plan and management’s financial 
projections in subsequent years. The impairment 
reviews performed by management contain 
a number of significant judgements and 
estimates including

Revenue growth, profit margins and discount 
rates. A change in these assumptions can 
result in material changes in the valuation of 
the assets and the eventual outcome of the 
impairment assessment. The ARC evaluated 
and challenged the methodology of the 
impairment review and the assumptions on 
which it was based, including the financial plans 
approved by the Board.

The ARC discussed the current year assessment, 
which included the impairment to the 
Packaging business, which had been agreed 
at Half Year, at length with the Chief Financial 
Officer, the Chief Executive and the External 
Auditor, the review and assumptions presented. 
After due consideration the ARC was satisfied 
that the impairment assessments had been 
appropriately carried out. The relevant disclosure 
is set out in Notes 8 and 24 of the Notes to the 
Financial Statements.

Adjusting items
The Financial Statements include certain 
items which are disclosed as adjusting 
items. The nature of these items is explained 
within the Group Accounting Policy, and 
includes transaction costs and gains or 
losses relating to acquisitions and disposals 
of businesses, acquisition related integration 
and restructuring costs, and other items 
such as impairment losses. Following an 
extensive review, the ARC is satisfied that 
the Company’s definition of adjusting items 
remains clear and the appropriate level of 
disclosure is included.

In the current year the ARC has been involved 
in a rigorous review of the items presented 
and following a robust discussion the ARC 
agreed to adopt a de minimus approach. 

The ARC challenged the Chief Financial 
Officer about the appropriateness of 
items presented including impairment, the 
presentation of continuing and discontinuing 
operations and restructuring activities 
relating to the strategic reviews to ensure 
they are one-off material items rather than 
incurred in the ordinary course of business 
and are presented separately to allow a 
better understanding of the Group’s ongoing 
activities. Further details can be found in 
Notes 8 and 24 of the Notes to the Financial 
Statements.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022REPORT OF THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE CONTINUED

Significant financial judgements continued

Tax liabilities
The Company is, on occasion, subject to tax 
assessments that may represent potential future 
tax exposures, which arise from tax authorities in 
a number of the jurisdictions in which the Group 
operates. The Group assesses all such exposures 
in the context of specific country tax laws, where 
applicable, makes provisions for any settlements 
which it considers appropriate. The Company 
operates in a number of tax jurisdictions, and 
recognises tax based on interpretation of local 
laws and regulations which are sometimes 
opaque. Where the amount of tax payable is 
uncertain, the Directors are required to exercise 
significant judgement in determining the 
appropriate amount to provide in respect of 
potential tax exposures. 

The ARC challenged the nature and extent of 
the tax provisioning of the Company and sought 
assurance that the Company was working 
diligently to resolve outstanding liabilities in an 
appropriate fashion. The potential tax exposures 
over the Company’s transfer pricing position 
and the deductibility of interest on internal 
financing are also considered. The ARC reviewed 
the assumptions of the tax liabilities at the 
start of the year, those created during the year 
and the effective tax rate. The ARC questioned 
and challenged the Chief Financial Officer and 
Head of Group Tax as to the appropriateness 
of the Company’s risk attitude and appetite in 
this area. The ARC was satisfied that the tax 
liabilities are appropriate, and that the Group’s 
tax disclosures are adequate given the nature of 
the Company’s activities.

Going concern and Long-Term 
Viability assessment
The ARC reviewed the assumptions applied 
for going concern and long-term viability 
assessment. At Half Year 2022 and at Full Year 
2022, an extensive process was applied to the 
going concern that assessed the outcome of a 
range of scenarios. 

The Board has considered a downside scenario 
that includes reasonably plausible changes in 
macro-economic conditions and is considered 
to represent a severe but plausible scenario. 
The results of this scenario show that there is 
sufficient liquidity in the business for a period of 
at least 18 months from the date of approval of 
these Financial Statements, and do not indicate 
any covenant breach during the test period. 
The downside scenario assumes a period of 
supressed revenue growth into the latter part 
of 2023 and subsequently limits growth in 2024. 
Further, the downside scenario assumes a high 
inflationary cost environment not fully offset 
by price increases, and higher than planned 
cost base assuming the business does not 
right-size costs in line with expectations, as the 
Group transitions to a pure-play Components 
business. The scenarios do not indicate a 
material uncertainty which may cast significant 
doubt over the Company’s and Group’s ability 
to continue as a going concern. The ARC 
was satisfied that the process used to assess 
the Company’s going concern position was 
appropriate and made a recommendation to 
the Board in line with this view.

The External Auditor challenged the ARC on the 
process used to make the assessment and the 
outcome of the scenarios. The ARC, on behalf 
of the Board, also challenged management on 
the assumptions and sensitivities used within 
the scenarios to ensure they captured sufficient 
macro and micro environmental factors, as 
well as where judgement had been applied, 
and sought an explanation from management 
on this. Management provided this assurance 
and explained to the ARC that the scenarios 
had been carefully calculated with dedicated 
resource provided to test the range of outcomes.

More information on the going concern can be 
found on pages 129 to 130.

The ARC reviewed the long-term viability 
assessment for the period to 31 December 2025 
which considered a range of scenarios based 
on an assessment of four risks selected from 
the Principal Risks. The ARC considered the 
process used to assess the long-term viability 
against these risks and challenged management 
on the assumptions. The External Auditor in 
turn challenged the ARC on the process that 
had been adopted and was satisfied that the 
process used was robust and thorough. The 
ARC was satisfied that they could make a 
recommendation to the Board on the Group’s 
long-term viability.

The ARC acknowledges that there have been a 
number of new accounting assessments relating 
to the transactions undertaken during the year. 
These are detailed in the Critical Accounting 
Judgments and Estimates section of the 
Financial Statements on pages 150 to 151.

104

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIR OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE LETTER

Chair of the Remuneration 
Committee’s Letter

RALF K. WUNDERLICH
Non-Executive Director

This report includes

•  The Annual Directors’ Remuneration 

report

•  A summary of the Remuneration Policy, 
which was approved at our AGM in 2021 

This report describes how the Policy has 
been put into practice during 2022, and 
how we plan to implement the Policy in 
2023.

105

Dear Shareholder, 
Following my appointment as the Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee at the AGM in May, 
I am pleased to present to you the Directors’ 
Remuneration report for the year ended 31 
December 2022. 

The business context
As outlined elsewhere in this Annual Report, 
it has been an exceptional year of change for 
Essentra, not only in terms of the strategic 
reviews, but also the wider geopolitical 
changes impacting our people and our 
business. 

In line with our values, Essentra has continued 
to focus on protecting the safety, health and 
wellbeing of our employees. Our three Board 
Employee Champions, Mary Reilly, Adrian 
Peace and I, have continued to engage with 
groups of employees throughout 2022 using 
both physical and virtual meetings to hear 
directly the views of our employees, gaining 
a valuable insight to views on remuneration 
and the impact of the external markets on 
our people. 

These engagements also offer the opportunity 
to address any queries regarding Executive 
Remuneration and its alignment to the wider 
Company’s pay policies.

All of the 34 countries in which we operated 
at the start of 2022 continued to be impacted 
by the pandemic and its aftermath. Early in 
2022, we also responded to the hardship and 
economic uncertainty caused by the Russian 
invasion of Ukraine. This had an impact on 
input prices and caused disruption of the 
supply chain which has been challenging 
throughout the year. We recognise that 
these events continue to cause considerable 
uncertainty and hardship for some of 
our employees, customers, suppliers and 
communities we operate in.

Towards the end of 2021, after much 
deliberation, the Board announced the 
intention to move to a pure-play global 
Components business. The Board viewed 
this approach as necessary to maximise 
shareholder value and the growth potential 
of each of our three businesses, yet retaining 
the strong Components business with a focus 
on profitability, growth and value creation. 
During 2022, that strategic goal came 
to fruition with the sale of our Packaging 
business to Mayr-Melnhof Group (MM) and 
the sale of our Filters business to a wholly 
owned subsidiary of Centaury Management 
Limited. The work required to successfully 
deliver these divestments in the required time 
frame was considerable and the Board is 
extremely grateful for the commitment of all 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIR OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE LETTER CONTINUED

The committee reflected 
on remuneration outcomes 
in the context of a year of 
exceptional change and believes 
they appropriately reflect the 
performance of the Company 
and the broader stakeholder 
experience.”

those leaders and employees who assisted in 
this process, yet retained a focus on business-
as-usual activities.

There have been a number of remuneration-
related issues arising from the transactions 
and broad business challenges, making this 
a complex year in which the Remuneration 
Committee has been focussed on ensuring 
a fair and consistent approach to all aspects 
of reward. This letter details our thinking 
and approach, which the Remuneration 
Committee deliberated on throughout the 
year, holding seven meetings in 2022 to ensure 
all aspects were duly considered.

With all the complexities, the Remuneration 
Committee continued to consider 
remuneration in our wider workforce when 
making decisions that affected our senior 
executives, taking feedback received by our 
Board Employee Champions on employee 
share plans, merit increases and the ratio 
of Chief Executive pay to that of our other 
employees. These topics are reflected in the 
approach to reward across the workforce and 
the process of evaluating the right steps for 
2022/2023.

Board Changes 
There were a number of Board changes during 
2022, some as a direct consequence of the 
strategic reviews and I will take you through 
each change in turn.

Change of Chief Executive
In October, after five years service, we 
announced Paul Forman would step down 
as Chief Executive on 31 December 2022, 
following the successful completion of 
the Packaging and Filters transactions. In 
recognition of Paul’s contribution in 2022 
with the successful divestment of Packaging 
and Filters and professional handover, the 
Remuneration Committee agreed that he 
should remain eligible to receive an annual 

106

bonus for 2022 and receive “good leaver” 
status in respect of his outstanding LTIPs in 
line with plan rules and the Remuneration 
Policy. 

earned as part of the 2021 bonus as it related 
to the prior years performance, and this 
was released to her when her employment 
terminated.

The Board were pleased to welcome Scott 
Fawcett as Chief Executive Officer, also 
announced in October, with an effective date 
of 1 January 2023. This is a great example of 
successful succession planning, with Scott 
being promoted to the Board having led the 
transformation of the Components business 
over the last twelve years from a product-led 
to service-driven business, with an established 
track record of developing and expanding 
the business both organically and through 
acquisition. The remuneration arrangements 
for Scott are detailed in the Remuneration 
Report and are in line with our Policy. This 
includes a pension allowance of 5% of base 
salary, in line with the UK workforce. This 
delivers our commitment to reduce pension 
allowances by the end of 2022 made when 
our Directors’ Remuneration Policy was 
approved by our shareholders at the AGM 
in May 2021. Scott’s salary and LTIP award 
have been set commensurately lower than 
his predecessor in recognition of the reduced 
size of Essentra following the sale of the 
Packaging and Filters businesses. 

CFO Change
As originally announced in November 2021, 
Lily Liu stepped down from the Board at the 
AGM on 19 May 2022 and ceased employment 
on 30 June 2022. The Committee decided 
to take a balanced approach to Lily’s 
remuneration arrangements which recognised 
her significant contribution to the business, 
to the strategic reviews during the first half 
of the year and in supporting a managed 
succession. Accordingly, Lily did not receive 
a salary increase in April 2022 nor an annual 
bonus for 2022, her in-flight 2021 LTIP lapsed 
and she did not receive a LTIP award for 2022. 
However, the Committee determined that 
she should retain the Deferred Bonus shares 

The Board were also pleased to welcome Jack 
Clarke to the Board on 4 April 2022 as the 
Chief Financial Officer Designate, taking the 
role at the AGM on 19 May 2022. 

Full details of Scott and Jack’s remuneration 
are contained in the ‘Implementation of 
Remuneration Policy for 2023’ section later in 
this report.

Full details of Paul and Lily’s remuneration 
arrangements relating to their cessation of 
employment are set out in the ‘Payments for 
loss of office’ section later in this report.

Non-Executive Director changes
Nicki Demby stepped down from the Board 
at the AGM in May 2022 after a thorough and 
in-depth handover. On behalf of the Board, I 
would wish to thank Nicki for her professional 
guidance and excellent stewardship of the 
Remuneration Committee during her time 
with Essentra.

It was with great pleasure that we announced 
Dupsy Abiola’s move to a full Non-Executive 
Director on the Board in March 2022, after 
a year as Board trainee. She also joined the 
Remuneration Committee as a member.

We were also delighted to welcome Kath 
Durrant to the Board with effect from January 
2023. Kath will also be a member of the 
Remuneration Committee.

Given the reduced size of Essentra following 
the divestment of the Packaging and Filters 
businesses, we externally benchmark the 
fees of the Board Chair and adjusted them 
downward by 10% to £225,000. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIR OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE LETTER CONTINUED

The Filters business performed well whilst it 
remained part of the Group for 11 months, 
albeit facing economic headwinds as a result 
of the Russia / Ukraine conflict.

We continued to make good progress 
in meeting our environmental targets. 
Particularly pleasing was the increased 
numbers of Components sites which are now 
at zero waste to landfill. By the end of 2022, 
this was comprised of 12 Components sites. 
We are committed to continuing to reduce 
our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and focusing 
on working with our customers and suppliers 
on reducing our Scope 3 emissions. Since our 
2019 baseline we have reduced our continuing 
Components business Scope 1 and 2 CO2e 
emissions by 27%. Indexed to revenue, our 
emissions intensity has declined by 35% 
against our baseline year, and 23% since 2021. 
More information on our progress can be 
found in the ESG section on pages 22 to 35.

The execution of the strategic reviews placed 
considerable demands on the leadership team 
during 2022. We received strong support from 
shareholders on both transactions. During the 
process, leadership managed to continue the 
strong focus on business-as-usual activities, 
retaining talent and driving performance. 
In addition, we further accelerated our 
Components growth strategy with the 
successful acquisition of Wixroyd in December 
which extends the business’s capabilities in 
hardware components.

The Remuneration Committee considered the 
annual bonus outcomes for the 2022 period, 
balancing the outturn within the context of 
wider workforce, macroeconomic challenges 
and stakeholder experience. 

Long term value creation 
for shareholders and pay for 
performance continue to be at 
the heart of our remuneration 
policy and practices. 

Measuring and assessing 
performance for in-flight incentive 
awards
Given the materiality of the Packaging and 
Filters transactions to the wider Essentra 
business, there were a number of complexities 
for the measurement and assessment of 
performance for in-flight incentive awards, 
specifically the 2022 annual bonus and the 
2021 and 2022 LTIP awards. 

A particular area of focus for the 
Remuneration Committee has been to 
ensure that a fair and robust measurement 
and assessment process remained for these 
awards. The Committee sought to follow 
some basic principles summarised as follows:
•  maintain consistency between the basis on 
which targets are set and how performance 
is measured

•  ensure use of a consistent approach across 

affected awards where possible

•  maintain the original performance periods 

•  use audited data to the extent that this is 

feasible.

More detail on the Committee’s specific 
application of these principles to affected in-
flight incentive awards is set out on page 116, 
in respect to the 2021 and 2022 LTIP awards, 
and page 113 in respect of the 2022 annual 
bonus.

Linking reward to performance in 
2022
The performance of the underlying business 
overall was resilient during 2022 with a strong 
performance in the Components business, 
despite ongoing global supply chain issues. 
The international Packaging business, which 
was part of the Group for nine months of the 
year, was impacted by slower than expected 
recovery in volumes during this period, 
coupled with global supply chain challenges. 
The availability and cost of raw materials had 
a particular impact. 

107

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIR OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE LETTER CONTINUED

We concluded that the outcome of 54.9% 
of the maximum for Chief Executive, Paul 
Forman and Chief Financial Officer, Jack 
Clarke (in the latter case pro-rated for time 
served) is justified given the performance 
delivered during this year of fundamental 
change. The bonus payments will be after the 
publication of the Group’s Audited Annual 
Results on 29 March 2023.

No LTIP award was granted to the Executives 
during 2020 so no award vests in this reporting 
period. Due to the Company being in a 
closed period for much of the year, the 2022 
LTIP award was delayed until October 2022. 
Being mindful of the risk of windfall gains, the 
Remuneration Committee exercised discretion 
and applied a circa 14% reduction in the 
number of shares awarded to the Executive 
Directors, taking account of the lower share 
price at the delayed grant date relative to the 
previous grant date in March 2021.

Executive remuneration in 2023
Principles
Our approach to setting executive 
remuneration continues to be guided by the 
following principles: 

•  rewarding the creation of sustainable, 

long-term performance, with long-term 
value creation for shareholders and pay 
for performance being at the heart of our 
policy and practices

•  incentivising and rewarding delivery of the 
business strategy, with market competitive 
pay in return for performance against our 
strategic objectives

•  attracting and retaining the talent we 

need to lead our business. This must also 
reflect the complexities of global business, 
attracting and nurturing a mix of talent 
with a range of backgrounds, skills and 
capabilities that will enable Essentra to 
thrive

•  consideration of stakeholder interests 
ensuring our reward packages are 
appropriate and fair in the context of 
the experience of our key stakeholders – 
employees, shareholders and customers

•  flexible in our approach to remuneration so 
that we can respond to a rapidly changing 
world. This has never been clearer than over 
recent years.

Salary increases in 2023
Following his recent promotion to Chief 
Executive, Scott Fawcett’s salary will not be 
increased in April 2023. Similarly, Jack Clarke’s 
salary, and the salaries of the Group Executive 
Committee will remain unchanged as the 
newly formed Essentra Component business 
will focus the 2023 salary increase budgets 
on the lower paid colleagues where the 
current economic challenges have a greater 
impact. For reference, the average 2023 salary 
increase for our UK workforce is budgeted to 
be 6% and distributed based on grade, so as 
to assist those most impacted by the financial 
challenges in many of our operating countries. 

Linking reward to strategy – incentive 
plans in 2023
A number of changes have been made to 
the KPIs and their weighting in the 2023 
annual bonus and LTIP to better align with 
the strategy of Essentra as a pure-play 
Components business.

One of those changes is the removal of 
ROIC as a performance measure in the LTIP 
structure which will be simplified to three 
measures (EPS, relative TSR and ESG). ROIC 
performance in the Components business 

The Remuneration 
Committee considered the 
annual bonus outcomes for 
the 2022 period, balancing 
the outturn within the 
context of wider workforce, 
macroeconomic challenges 
and stakeholder experience. 

KPI

2022

2023 Strategic rationale 

Annual Bonus: one-year performance

Adjusted operating profit

Adjusted operating cash flow

40%

10%

50% The metrics are designed to provide a balanced alignment 
with our goals of generating sustainable, profitable growth 
and strong cash generation

20%

ESG 

10%

10%

Personal & Strategic objectives

40%

20%

LTIP : three-year performance

The higher weighting attributed to strategic objectives in 
2022 has been reduced following the completion of the 
sales of the Packaging and Filters businesses 

Relative TSR 

Adjusted EPS

20%

40%

30% The measures are designed to provide a balanced alignment 
with our goals of delivering shareholders a superior return on 
their investment and generating sustainable, profitable growth

50%

Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)

30%

-

ESG

10%

20%

To simplify the LTIP structure, the number of performance 
measures is being reduced from four to three by the removal of 
a separate ROIC measure

108

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022CHAIR OF THE REMUNERATION COMMITTEE LETTER CONTINUED

is strong and accordingly we believe that 
an ongoing focus in the incentive plans 
on Operating Profit / EPS combined with 
Adjusted Operating Cash flow, management 
will continue to deliver a strong ROIC 
performance. The Committee will continue 
to assess ROIC as one of the key indicators 
of financial health when considering whether 
there should be any discretionary adjustment 
to incentive outturns.

We remain committed to our ESG agenda 
and have strengthened our commitment 
through both our bonus and LTIP targets 
and measures. We will continue to drive all 
elements of ESG as we seek to do our bit 
for the broader environment and our local 
communities. 

We have taken a balanced approach 
to setting the annual bonus and LTIP 
performance targets given the uncertain 
economic environment in which the awards 
are being made. The Committee retains 
the discretion to adjust the outcomes of 
the incentive awards to reflect the overall 
performance of the business over the 
performance period. 

Our current intention is that LTIP awards for 
2023 will be granted for shares worth 150% 
of salary to both the Chief Executive and 
CFO although, as in 2022, the Remuneration 
Committee will carefully consider the 
appropriateness of these award sizes shortly 
before the grant date.

Conclusion 
It has been a year of change for Essentra 
with significant implications on remuneration 
matters. The Committee has taken a 
balanced and considered approach.

It is also important that we maintain 
flexibility in our approach to remuneration, 
retaining agility in a rapidly changing world. 
The Committee is satisfied that our Policy 
operated as intended and is satisfied that 
it will continue to provide strong alignment 
between performance and the remuneration 
of the Executive Directors during 2023. 
However, we will keep this under review ahead 
of our triennial Policy review due in 2024.

As ever, the Remuneration Committee 
welcomes any questions or comments 
from shareholders. We greatly value any 
feedback received from shareholders which 
is considered by the Committee, as relevant, 
within our regular meetings. There has been 
no formal shareholder engagement exercise 
by the Committee during 2022 although 
the Board has consulted shareholders on 
other matters, as has been detailed in 
our Stakeholder engagement and Section 
172 report, on page 38. The Chair of the 
Remuneration Committee is available 
to speak to shareholders if they so wish. 
However, as part of our triennial review of 
the Remuneration Policy, we will consult 
widely in 2023 with our major shareholders 
and proxy voting bodies as well as other key 
stakeholders. Details of that consultation 
and how it impacts our thinking on the 
Policy design will be outlined in next year’s 
Remuneration Report. 

Our consultation with employees, which is 
covered in more detail on page 106 as well 
as in the ESG and Corporate Governance 
chapters, includes explaining how executive 
remuneration aligns with our wider company 
pay policy. In addition, our Board Champions 
have met with employees during 2022, 
who have had the opportunity, and have 
raised remuneration as a topic, with them. 
Two of the Board Champions include the 
Remuneration Committee Chair and the 
Senior Independent Director, who is also a 
member of the Remuneration Committee.

I hope that you will find this report to be 
clear and helpful in understanding our 
remuneration practices and that you will 
support the advisory resolution on the  
Annual Remuneration report at the AGM  
on 16 May 2023. 

In closing, I am grateful to the Board 
Chair and members of the Remuneration 
Committee for their continued diligence, 
engagement and support throughout the 
year in making responsible decisions on 
remuneration.

Ralf K. Wunderlich
Non-Executive Director
Remuneration Committee Chair
28 March 2023

109

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022REMUNERATION AT A GLANCE

Remuneration at a glance

2022 remuneration structure for Executive Directors

The committee reflected on remuneration outcomes  
in the context of significant strategic and organisation  
change, the demanding economic environment and 
global challenges. We believe the approach and outcomes 
appropriately reflect the performance of the Group and the 
broader stakeholder experience.

RALF K. 
WUNDERLICH
Remuneration 
Committee 
Chair

2022 total remuneration

Paul Forman (£000) 

2022

2021

847

825

£0m

£0.5m

£1.0m

Jack Clarke(£000) 

2022

2021

284

180

Overall  
bonus 
CEO:54.9%

Overall  
bonus  
CFO: 54.9%

2022 Annual bonus

Adjusted operating profit
– 40% weighting

Adjusted operating cash flow
(10% weighting)

Zero Waste to Landfill
(ZWTL) – 10% weighting

Other strategic objectives 
– 40% weighting

563

658

£1.5m

Entry

29.8%

Stretch

Maximum

100% 

50%

100.0%

70.0%

£0m

£0.5m

£1.0m

£1.5m

Lily Liu (£000) 

231

2022

2021

430 

291 

£0m

£0.5m

£1.0m

£1.5m

 Fixed pay – salary, benefits, pension allowance

  Performance pay – annual bonus and LTIPs earned in respect of the three year performance period. 

Data in these charts relates to the period that individuals were Board members. Lily Liu stepped down from the Board in May 2022 and 
Jack Clarke joined the Board in April 2022.

110

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION

Annual Report on 
Remuneration

Key activities

Membership and attendance

This section of the Remuneration 
Report will be subject to 
an advisory vote at the 2023 
AGM together with the Annual 
Statement from the Remuneration 
Committee Chair.

Meetings during 2022 
Q1 2022
•  Approved 2021 annual bonus outturn for 
Executive Directors and GMC members

•  Approved performance measures and 
targets for the 2022 annual bonus of 
Executive Directors and GMC members 

•  Approved the 2019 LTIP outturn

•  Approved the 2021 CEO and CFO 

Objectives outturn

Q2 2022
•  Approved CFO leaver terms

Q3 2022
•  Approved appointees to Components 

Executive Committee

Q4 2022
•  Approved exit terms for the outgoing CEO

•  Approved the 2022 annual salary review 

•  Approved remuneration terms for 

for ED’s and GMC

incoming CEO

•  Reviewed Directors’ Remuneration Report 
for inclusion in the 2021 Annual Report

•  Approved Proposed 2022 LTIP Targets

•  Considered the design of the 2023 annual 
bonus for Executive Directors and GMC

•  Considered the LTIP 2023 Measures and 

Weightings

•  Reviewed the Shareholding for Executive 

Directors

•  Approved the 2022 LTIP awards

•  Approved remuneration for the board Chair

Meetings during the year

Ralf K. Wunderlich  
Non-Executive Director

Mary Reilly 
Non-Executive Director

Nicki Demby  
Non-Executive Director

Dupsy Abiola 
Non-Executive Director

7 (7)

7 (7)

4 (4)

7 (7)

Other attendees
During the year, the Board Chair, Chief Executive, Chief 
Financial Officer, Group Human Resources Director and 
Director of Reward were invited by the Remuneration 
Committee to provide views and advice. None participated in 
discussions regarding their own remuneration.

The board trainee Dupsy Abiola, joined officially as a NED in 
March of 2022. 

The Company Secretary and General Counsel act as Secretary 
to the Remuneration Committee, with the support of the 
Head of Governance, both of whom attend all meetings.

The Remuneration Committee continuously monitors and 
reviews the Company’s relationships with its independent 
advisers. 

In addition, services and advice were received from the 
following independent and expert consultants:

•  Deloitte LLP (Deloitte), who are a member of the 

Remuneration Consultants Group and have signed up to 
its Code of Conduct, provided advice to the Remuneration 
Committee on a variety of issues related to the remuneration 
of the Executive Directors and other senior executives within 
the Company. Deloitte were appointed by the Remuneration 
Committee who review their performance annually, and 
are content with the continued advice and level of service 
provided. The Remuneration Committee regularly reviewed 
the independence of Deloitte and continues to be satisfied 
with the level of independence. Fees charged for the 
year under review are £129,700. The fees are charged on 
a time and expenses basis. Deloitte also provided other 
remuneration, consulting and tax services to the Company 
during 2022.

111

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Total Single Figure of Remuneration Table for 2022 (audited)
The remuneration received by Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors for the year ended 31 December 2022 (and the 31 December 2021 comparative) was as follows:

Salary and
 fees for the
year or from
 the date of
appointment
£000

Taxable
benefits¹
£000

Cash in 
lieu of
pension2
£000

Total fixed
remuneration
£000

Bonus
(cash and
deferred
shares)
£000

Long-Term
Incentive
 Plan3
£000

Other
£00010

Total variable
 remuneration
£000

Executive Directors

Paul Forman

Jack Clarke7

Lily Liu11

Non-Executive Directors

Paul Lester

Mary Reilly

Ralf K. Wunderlich5

Adrian Peace6

Dupsy Abiola8

Nicki Demby5

Tommy Breen4

Totals

Totals

Year

2022

2021

2022

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2022

2021

2021

2022

2021

675

652

261

197

359

250

250

85

81

80

73

62

31

42

25

65

24

1,677

1,535

37

38

10

7

15

–

–

69

512

139

–

–

–

–

–

73

58

135

135

13

27

56

 – 

–

 – 

–

 – 

–

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

175

191

847

825

284

231

430

250

250

85

81

86

78

75

31

42

25

65

24

561

658

180

 – 

288

 – 

–

 – 

–

 – 

–

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

1,925

1,784

741

946

0

–

–

0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 – 

0

2

–

–

 – 

3

 – 

–

 – 

–

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

3

Total
£000

1,410

1,483

464

231

721

250

 250

85

81

86

78

75

31

42

25

65

24

563

658

180

 – 

291

–

–

 – 

 – 

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

743

949

2,668

2,733

Notes:
1 
Taxable benefits comprise a car allowance, private medical insurance and life insurance cover.
2  None of the ED’s are entitled to any benefit under the Essentra Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
3  There was no 2020 LTIP award.
4  Tommy Breen stepped down from the Board in May 2021.
5  Nicki Demby stepped down from the Board and Ralf K. Wunderlich was appointed Chair of the Remuneration Committee in May 2022.
6  Adrian Peace joined Essentra as a NED In June 2021.
7 
8  Dupsy Abiola joined the board in March 2022.
9  Travel allowance under the Travel Policy.
10  Other Non-taxable income or re-embursements.
11  Lily Liu stepped down from the Board in May 2022.
12  The 2021 comparative figure for Ralf K. Wunderlich was represented by disclosing his 2021 travel allowance within Taxable benefits. 

Jack Clarke joined as CFO in April 2022.

112

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

CEO pay ratio (unaudited)
This is the fourth year that we are publishing our CEO pay ratio. We have elected to continue to 
follow Option A of the regulations, and to calculate the ratios using the full-time equivalent pay 
and benefits for all UK employees in respect of 2022. We have chosen Option A as this provides 
a more accurate reflection of the Chief Executive’s pay in relation to the wider UK population. 
Salary for the UK workforce is at 31 December 2022.

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

2022 Annual Bonus Outturn

Performance measure

Adjusted Operating Profit2

Adjusted Operating Cash Flow2

Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) 
– number of production sites 
achieving ZWTL4

Salary

Total pay

FY 2022

FY 2021

FY 2020

FY 2019

£21,729

£24,675

£31,462

£34,846

£48,197

£55,378

Other strategic objectives

57:1

68:1

38:1

67:1

40:1

54:1

30:1

50:1

25:1

34:1

19:1

36:1

Total bonus

Notes:
1 

Weighting

Entry
 performance1

Stretch
performance1

Maximum
performance1

Actual
performance

% of
overall bonus
payable

40%

10%

10%

40%

£78m

£45.7m

£91.8m

£53.8m

£96.4m

£56.5m

£82.6m3 

£60.8m3 

11.9%

5%6

25 

26

27

28

10%

Details in analysis below

CEO – 28%
CFO – 28%

CEO – 54.9%5
CFO – 54.9%5

The salary for the employees at the above percentiles are typical salaries for operational roles 
in our factories and sites. The roles at these quartiles are a Production Operator, Product 
information Executive and Dip Mould Operator. The majority of remuneration for these 
roles is fixed rather than performance linked. The ratios are calculated based on the total 
remuneration payable to the Chief Executive in respect of 2022, as set out in the Single Figure 
Table above. The Company believes the median pay ratio is consistent with the pay, reward and 
progression policies for the Company’s UK employees.

The CEO pay ratio for 2022, has decreased to 40:1 at the median. 

The CEO pay ratio will fluctuate year-on-year, reflecting the higher proportion of variable 
remuneration that the Chief Executive may receive relative to other employees, the value of 
which is dependent on Essentra’s performance and share price movements. As a result, the 
Remuneration Committee does not believe it is appropriate to target a specific CEO pay ratio. 
However, the Committee will annually assess whether the year-on-year movement in the ratio 
is consistent with Company performance and employee reward decisions. 

Annual bonus (audited)
Under the terms of the annual bonus arrangements for 2022, Paul Forman was potentially 
entitled to a maximum bonus of up to 150% of basic salary and Jack Clarke was potentially 
entitled to a maximum bonus of up to 125% of basic salary, pro-rated for his period of 
employment. The Remuneration Committee determined that Lily Liu, who left Essentra during 
the middle of the year, was not entitled to a bonus for 2022.

As outlined in last year’s Remuneration Report, the balance of the performance measures for 
the 2022 annual bonus was designed so as to support successful execution of the strategic 
reviews of the Filters and Packaging businesses. Accordingly one half of the annual bonus 
rewarded the delivery of the strategic reviews (40%) and environmental targets based on Zero 
Waste to Landfill (10%). The other half of the annual bonus rewarded the delivery of Adjusted 
Operating Profit (40%) and Adjusted Operating Cash Flow (10%) in the year. 

113

2 

3 
4 

5 

6 

 As in 2021, 10%, 70% and 100% of the relevant portion of the bonus was payable for achieving Entry, Stretch and Maximum 
performance respectively. The cost of the 2022 bonus was budgeted up to 50% of maximum.
 Following the sale of the Packaging and Filters businesses, the original targets were adjusted by the Remuneration Committee to 
ensure they were consistent with the ownership of the businesses as reflected in actual performance during 2022. This adjustment 
involved the removal from the targets of profit and cash flow originally forecast from the Packaging business in the period October 
– December 2022 and from the Filters business in December 2022. Profit targets were also adjusted to ensure a consistent 
accounting approach for depreciation was adopted for targets and outturn following the application of IFRS5.
 As in prior years, outturn was adjusted to be consistent with plan FX rates in order to align with the targets. 
 Success is defined as a site maintaining at least one quarter of the year with ZWTL before year-end with achievement also 
maintained through to year-end unless there is an exceptional event. The Sustainability Committee reviews achievement against 
the targets and provides the Remuneration Committee with the outcome for bonus purposes, following external review.
 Jack Clarke’s bonus was paid 50% in cash and 50% in deferred shares with no further performance conditions. As a leaver before the 
bonus payment date, Paul Forman’s bonus was considered by the Remuneration Committee in accordance with the exit payments 
section of the 2021 Directors’ Remuneration Policy. In recognition of Paul’s extensive contribution during 2022, and acknowledging 
that he had been in employment for the full year, the Committee was satisfied that he should remain entitled to this bonus which 
will be delivered in cash consistent with the Policy. More details relating to Paul Forman’s remuneration following his cessation of 
employment are on page 119.
 Although the formulaic outturn of the adjusted operating Cash Flow measure would have resulted in a maximum 10% payout, the 
Remuneration Committee exercised its discretion to reduce the payout by 5% having considered the level of Adjusted Operating 
Profit outturn.

Irrespective of the outcome, the bonus design includes a ‘gate’ whereby no bonus is payable 
unless the Remuneration Committee determines that the Company’s 2022 financial 
performance is satisfactory. As both financial measures met the Entry performance target, the 
Committee was satisfied that this ‘gate’ had been satisfied.

Additionally, the Remuneration Committee gave careful consideration to the outturn of 
the annual bonus in light of overall financial performance and the experience of our various 
stakeholders during the year. It also noted the continued progress in all areas of ESG, in 
particular against sustainability targets, and the Group’s strengthened strategic direction 
following the successful execution of the sale of the Packaging and Filters businesses. The 
Committee also took into consideration that no LTIP award had been granted in 2020 so the 
annual bonus was the only element of variable remuneration to which executives were entitled 
at the end of 2022. Following this review, the Committee concluded that the outturn was 
appropriate.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Strategic objectives 2022
2022 has been a particularly complex year with management required to not only deliver 
strong operational performance and profitability from ‘business as usual’ activities but also to 
devote considerable amounts of time to ensure successful execution of the strategic reviews 
of the Filters and Packaging businesses that were announced in Q4 2021 within the broader 
strategic goal of becoming a pure play Components business. Given the criticality of these 
strategic reviews, an enhanced 40% weighting was given to this element of the bonus in 2022 

as disclosed in last year’s Remuneration Report. The following table sets out a summary of the 
Committee’s assessment in each of the key areas of strategic performance identified for 2022, 
as well as the Committee’s overall assessment of the outcome for each objective. As outlined 
above, these outcomes in combination with the outcomes from the financial metrics were 
further assessed by the Remuneration Committee in the context of relevant factors, including 
overall Group performance and overall variable remuneration opportunity in 2022 (there having 
been no LTIP award granted in 2020).

Strategic area

Assessment of performance

Successful execution of 
the strategic review of 
the Filters division

One of the key challenges to successful execution of the strategic review of the Filters division was inherent ESG challenges and other factors impacting tobacco inductry and tabcco related 
segments, which impacted the divestment. A tailor made transaction process was undertaken to maximise the likelihood of a successful completion of the strategic review. Whilst significantly 
more complex in nature, management successfully managed the additional challenges that this process presented and deliverd the following outcomes:

•  Filters’ operational performance during the sale process remained strong as outlined in the Financial Review which helped drive the value and successful outcome of the sale for an enterprise value of 

approximately £262.1m.

•  The sale to a wholly owned subsidiary of Centaury Management Limited was successfully completed in December 2022 following strong shareholder support received at the General Meeting of 

9 November 2022. Senior leadership for the Filters Division continued to be successfully engaged through until the closing of the transaction and continue to work with Centaury Management Limited.

Outcome

Achieved

Successful execution of 
the strategic review of 
the Packaging division

Execution of the strategic review of the Packaging division followed a more standard sale process. Management successfully led the market positioning and sale proposition, working through the 
longlist and preparing the transaction position for the shortlist process. This culminated in successful completion of the sale to the Mayr-Melnhof Group in October 2022 for £312 million on a cash 
free, debt free basis. The Executive Directors had to support the very comprehensive process as well as the ongoing business as Packaging industry was strongly impacted by a number of external 
factors such as the geopolitical envionment, electricity cost and significant raw material increase and the related passing on of such costs. Overwhelming shareholder support for the transaction 
was received at the General Meeting of 8 August 2022. Although the sale process was successfully completed, the Remuneration Committee noted that operational performance of the Packaging 
division was less strong than budgeted prior to completion and reflected this in its outcome for this objective.

Partially  
Achieved

Ensure the residual 
Components division 
has the appropriate 
market strategy, 
structures, personnel 
and capabilities to be 
a cost-effective, fully 
functioning plc

Ensure a controlled and 
successful migration of 
all central activities 1

Ensure finance function 
transitions effectively 
to the new structure 
and is set up for 
success in terms of 
leadership structures, 
financial controls and 
operational structure 2

This objective was included by the Committee on the basis that it was vital for management to not just focus on the transactions and ‘business as usual’ activities, but to also ensure the residual 
Components business was set up for success. In that context, the Committee noted that Components had successfully delivered a well-received Capital Markets Day on 15 November 2022 
demonstrating the work that had been undertaken to:

Partially  
Achieved 

•  Establish a clear profitable growth strategy for the standalone PLC going forward;
•  Set out the structure for the business going forward, ensuring the right talented staffing levels for the future comprising a mix of internal and external skills to balance business need; and
•  Demonstrate confidence in the standalone PLC being able to function effectively from January 2023. 

Whilst the Committee concluded that key elements of this objective had therefore been successfully delivered, it also noted that head office functional costs are taking longer to get to the 
targeted level than anticipated and reflected this in its outcome for this objective.

One of the key operational challenges of moving to a pure play Components business was a controlled and successful migration of all central activities. Key elements of the successful transition 
from Group to standalone included:

Partially  
Achieved

•  Corporate restructure of the legal entities, with related items in readiness for sale
•  Full review of corporate contracts, apportioning to the respective divisions, negotiating revised terms and addressing stranded costs 
•  Address the Section 75 obligations under the Pensions Act 1995, negotiating a flexible apportionment arrangement for the defined benefit pension obligations 
•  Full map for the IT infrastructure, developing transitional services and separation of systems and services allowing the divisions to operate their own network and systems
•  Consultation and removal of roles surplus to the requirements of the standalone business going forward

Whilst the Committee concluded that this objective had been successfully delivered, the cost of its delivery was higher than had been anticipated and this was reflected in the Committee’s 
outcome for this objective.

The financial controls were established and in place to ensure the smooth close out of the 2022 accounts, while also transitioning the financials to close and preparing for the 2023 standalone 
Components business. For the Component’s PLC:

Partially  
Achieved

•  The correct staffing and financial infrastructure were established
•  The controls and reporting reequipments were established and ready for January 2023.
•  Treasury and tax smoothly transitioned into a new working arrangement with no material negative impact on the standalone PLC company 

Whilst the Committee concluded that key elements of this objective had been successfully delivered, it also noted that the desired finance fixed costs are taking longer to get to the targeted level 
than anticipated (although the foundations are in place) and reflected this in its outcome for this objective.

Total – Paul Forman 

Total – Jack Clarke 

Notes:
1  Objective relevant to Paul Forman.
2  Objective relevant to Jack Clarke.

114

28/40

28/40

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Equity incentives (audited)
Details of the awards granted and outstanding during the year to the Executive Directors under the LTIP and DASB are as follows:

Paul Forman

LTIP1

LTIP1

LTIP1

DASB2

DASB2

DASB3

DASB4,5

Lily Liu

LTIP1

DASB

Jack Clarke

LTIP1

Date of 
grant

At 1 Jan 
2022

Awarded
 in 2022

Exercised/
transferred 
in 2022

Lapsed 
in 2022

At 31 Dec 
2022

Share price 
at date 
of grant

Earliest 
vesting date

Expiry date

13 Aug 19

 31 Mar 21

04 Oct 22 

29 Mar 19

30 Mar 20 

30 Mar 21 

04 Oct 22

321,241

440,799

–

 – 

557,552

74,342

56,840

–

–

–

–

–

156,442

 31 Mar 21

30 Mar 20 

181,962

22,642

 – 

–

04 Oct 22 

–

214,739

–

–

–

74,342

–

–

–

–

–

–

321,241

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

440,7994

557,5524

–

56,840

–

156,442

400.4p

291.8p

210.5p

413.0p

253.4p

 – 

13 Aug 22

31 Mar 24

04 Oct 25

01 Mar 22

1 Mar 23

13 Aug 25

31 Mar 27

04 Oct 28

01 Mar 22

1 Mar 23

 – 

 – 

210.5p

04 Oct 25

04 Oct 25

181,962

–

 – 

22,642

291.8p

253.4p

31 Mar 24

1 Mar 23

31 Mar 27

1 Mar 23

214,739

210.5p

04 Oct 25

04 Oct 28

 DASB is deferred for 3 years from grant and not subject to any performance conditions. 

Notes:
1  Subject to a two-year holding period post vesting.
2 
3  No DASB in 2021 as there was no bonus payable for 2020.
4   The October 2022 award to Paul Forman had a face value on the grant date of £329k based on the mid-market closing share price of 210.5p on the day preceding the grant ie 03 October 2022.
 5 

 Paul Forman’s 2021 and 2022 LTIP awards are subject to “good leaver” terms and conditions and will be pro-rated to the performance period until his termination date, as a proportion of the full performance period. As a result, 147,227 of 2021 LTIP and 371,701 of the 2022 LTIP 
will lapse in 2023.

A total of 961,501 (2021: 1,744,055) share incentive awards were granted during the year ended 31 December 2022 to Executive Directors and other senior executives on the GMC, relating only to 
the LTIP award.

115

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022Performance conditions for LTIP awards made in 2022 (audited)1

Condition definition

Threshold

Maximum

EPS Growth (40%)

2024 EPS compared to  
2021 EPS

5% p.a. for 25% of the EPS 
element to vest

13% p.a. for 100% of the EPS 
element to vest

ROIC (Return on Invested 
Capital) (30%)

Relative TSR v FTSE250 
excluding specific Sectors 
(20%)

Average in 2022 – 2024

8.5% for 25% of the ROIC 
element to vest

14.5% for 100% of the ROIC 
element to vest

Q4 2024 compared to Q4 
2021

If median rank is  
achieved, 25% of the  
TSR element vests

If upper quartile rank is 
achieved, 100% of the TSR 
element vests

Reduction in GHG emissions 
(10%)

2024 compared with 2021

10% reduction for 25% of 
GHG element to vest

15% reduction for 100% of 
GHG element to vest

Notes: 
1 

 Following the Packaging and Filters transactions, performance will continue to be measured over the original three-year 
performance periods for both the 2021 and 2022 LTIP awards. In order to ensure a fair and robust process, the Remuneration 
Committee has determined that assessment of the EPS, ROIC and GHG emissions performance measures should be a combination 
of Essentra Group performance up to 2022 and Components performance from 2023 onwards. As the original targets assumed an 
assessment of Essentra Group performance over the full three-year period, the Committee will be considering whether any changes 
are required to the targets to ensure they remain consistent with the logic that underlay them when they were originally set. In the 
event that any changes are required following the Committee’s review, they will be reported in the 2023 Remuneration Report.

ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

LTIP awards (audited)
Performance conditions for LTIP awards made in 2020
There were no LTIP awards in 2020.

Share awards granted during the year (audited)
The following share awards were granted to Executive Directors on 04 October 2022. 

Executive

Paul Forman

Jack Clarke

Type of 
award

Number 
of awards
 granted

Share price 
used to
 determine
 award

557,552

210.5p

Percentage
 which
vests at
 threshold

25%

Face value

£1,173,647
(172% of salary)

156,442

210.5p

£329,310 

N/A2

214,739

210.5p

£452,025
(129% of salary)

25%

Conditional  
share award1

DASB Share 
awards2

Conditional  
share award1

Face value is based on the mid-market closing share price on the day preceding the grant ie 
03 October 2022. 

1 

 The performance period for these awards is three financial years to 31 December 2024 plus an additional two-year holding period 
following vesting. The award could not be made in the usual March time frame due to being in a closed period. Additionally, a 
discount of c14% was applied to the normal award size to account for the drop in share price compared to the previous LTIP grant.
2  The DASB share awards are not performance related, but can be counted towards the post-employment shareholding requirements.

116

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Directors’ shareholdings (audited)
The beneficial interests of the current Directors in office and their connected persons during the 
year, in the issued ordinary share capital of the Company were as follows:

There have been no changes in the Directors’ interests between 31 December 2022 and the 
date of this Report.

Performance graph (unaudited)
The graph below represents the comparative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) performance of 
the Company versus the FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts) index for the last ten years. 
This index has been selected as it is considered the most appropriate published general index in 
which the Company is a constituent.

Beneficially owned3

LTIP

DASB

SAYE

31 Dec 2021 31 Dec 2022

Vested

Unvested

Vested

Unvested

Unvested

This graph shows the value, by 31 December 2022, of £100 invested in Essentra on 31 December 
2012, compared with the value of £100 invested in the FTSE 250 (excl. Investment Trusts) Index. 
The other points plotted are the values at intervening financial year-ends. 

Executive Directors

Paul Forman

Jack Clarke

Lily Liu

Non-Executive Directors

369,326

410,893

 – 

–4

 – 

–

Paul Lester

21,346

21,346

Ralf K. Wunderlich

170,230

170,230

Mary Reilly

Nicki Demby

Adrian Peace2

Dupsy Abiola2

14,423

12,673

–

–

14,423

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

 998,351

214,739

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

–

74,3425

213,282

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

22,6421

–

–

–

–

–

–

Notes:
1  Good leaver status applied to the 2020 DASB but these have yet to be transfered.
2 

 Essentra was in a closed period for an extended period from late 2021 and therefore Adrian Peace and Dupsy Abiola had limited 
opportunity to purchase shares. 

3  Beneficially owned includes the vested after tax shares as at 31 Dec 2021 and 31 Dec 2022.
4  Amount restated for Lily Liu to correct for a presentational error in the prior year financial statements. 
5 

 Of the amount vested 32,775 have been sold to cover tax in line with plan rules and the Remuneration Policy, with the remainder 
included in the amount disclosed as beneficially owned.

 – 

 – 

 – 

–

–

–

–

–

–

£

320

300

280

260

240

220

200

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Paul Forman and Jack Clarke are required to build up a shareholding worth 300% and 200% of 
salary respectively. Beneficially owned shares include the vested DASB awards and shares held 
directly. The shareholding guidelines are to be achieved up by retaining 50% of post-tax vested 
shares from the date of approval of this Policy. The current holdings as a percentage of salary 
for Paul Forman is 217%. Jack Clarke currently has no shareholdings.

Salary used is the prevailing annual salary as at 31 December 2022.

The Executive Directors are regarded as being interested in a portion of the 897,944 ordinary 
shares in Essentra plc that are held by the Essentra Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) as they are, 
together with other Essentra employees, potential beneficiaries of the EBT.

As at 31 December 2022, potential and actual share issuance through employee related share 
plans totalled 1.34%, which is well below UK institutional shareholder limits of 10% of the 
Company’s issued share capital.

117

Dec 
2012

Dec 
2013

Dec 
2014

Dec 
2015

Dec 
2016

Dec 
2017

Dec 
2018

Dec 
2019

Dec 
2020

Dec 
2021

Dec 
2022

 Essentra 
 FTSE 250 (excluding investment trusts) index 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Chief Executive remuneration table (unaudited)

Total remuneration (£000)

Annual bonus (% maximum)

LTIP vesting (% maximum)

2013

3,824

100

100

Colin Day

2014

5,661

60

100

2015

2,281

46.2

50

2016

876

0

0

2017

1,267

48

0

2018

1,420

64.2

0

Paul Forman

2019

1,296

30.2

13.5

Colin Day retired as Chief Executive on 31 December 2016 and Paul Forman was appointed as Chief Executive on 1 January 2017. 

2020

800

0

0

2022
£m

105.4

19.0

337.9

25.1

2021

1,483

67

0

2021 
£m

98.2

16.0

301.7

26.4

2022

1,410

54.9

0

% 
change

7.4

18.8

12

-4.9

Relative importance of spend on pay (unaudited)

Wages and salaries1

Distributions to shareholders

Revenue – total2

Adjusted Operating Profit – total2

Notes:
1 

 Wages and salary costs are as per Note 5 of the Financial Statements. The 2021 and 2022 numbers are post the divestment of Filters 
and Packaging.        
 Revenue and Adjusted Operating Profit included in this analysis as indicators of the continuing operations of the business 
performance.

Year-on-year change in pay for Directors compared to the average of 
employees (unaudited) 
In line with the requirements in The Companies (Directors’ Remuneration Policy and 
Directors’ Remuneration Report) Regulations 2019, which implement Articles 9a and 9b of 
the European Directive 2017/828/EC1 (commonly known as the Revised Shareholder Rights 
Directive), the table below shows the percentage change in Directors’ remuneration and 
average remuneration of employees from the year ended 31 December 2020 to the year ended 
31 December 2022 plus the prior year comparative. Given that Essentra plc entity has no 
employees, as a voluntary disclosure, data for all employees of the Essentra Group has  
been included.

Average
employee1

Paul
Forman3

Lily
Liu

Paul
Lester

Dupsy 
Abiola4

Ralf K. 
Wunderlich

Mary
Reilly

Nicki
Demby

Adrian 
Peace

Jack 
Clarke4 

2 

2022

Salary / Fees2

Benefits1,5

Bonus

20216

-6.3%5

+3.4% -82.2%2

0.0%

-7.3%5

-0.6% -47.8%

+17.6% -17.3%

n/a

n/a

n/a

Salary / Fees

+4.6% +6.3%3

+8.1%3 +4.8%

Benefits

Bonus

20206

-14.6% -9.0% -9.9%

-7.3%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Salary / Fees

+1.7%

-4.3% +0.9% -4.8%

Benefits

Bonus

+4.7%

-73.3%

0% -57.6%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

+15.1% +4.7% -160% +58.7%

+16.7%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

+100%

n/a

+5.5% +12.3% +12.3%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

+21% -7.8% +90%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

Notes:
1 

2 

 The average employee salary is based on all global employees. The average employee benefits and bonus are based on employees 
located in the UK and USA. The differing approach reflects the information held in global systems.
 NEDs did not receive an increase in Fees in 2021. The perceived increase is based on the reduction in fees in 2020. In 2022 we had a 
few NEDs taking on Chair positions, or started part way through 2021 which meant not a full year of fees was paid. 
 The % increase in salary for the EDs reflects the reduction in salary in 2020.

3 
4  Jack Clarke joined in 2022, so no prior year to compare to.
5   Reduction in salary and benefits, related to the change of employee population. This data now excludes Packaging and Filters.
6 

 Lorraine Trainer and Tommy Breen previous NED’s had in 2020 received a reduction of 62.5% and 3.3% in fees respectively, and in 
2021 Tommy Breen received a reduction of 59.3% in fees.

118

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Payment to past Directors or for loss of office (audited)
Payments have been determined by the Remuneration Committee taking into account 
the Director’s contractual entitlements, the rules of the Company’s incentive plans and the 
provisions of the Company’s Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”) as approved by shareholders at 
the Company’s Annual General Meeting held in May 2021.

Lily Liu
Further to the announcement dated 26 November 2021, Lily Liu stepped down from the role of 
Chief Financial Officer at the conclusion of the AGM held on 19 May 2022 and her employment 
with Essentra terminated on 30 June 2022. Basic salary and contractual benefits including 
pension continued to be paid as normal to Lily until 30 June 2022. No subsequent termination 
payments were made in relation to the outstanding portion of her 12 month notice period.

The Remuneration Committee determined that Lily was not eligible for participation in the 
2022 annual bonus plan or in the 2022 LTIP. Following careful consideration, the Committee also 
determined that her outstanding LTIP award would lapse upon cessation of employment and 
that her outstanding DASBP award, which was earned in respect of prior year performance, 
would vest as soon as practicable following cessation of employment. The post-tax vested 
shares are required to be retained for a minimum period of two years post-employment in 
accordance with the post-employment shareholding guideline.

As disclosed in the 2021 Remuneration Report, Lily Liu was awarded a bonus of £288,000 in 
respect of performance in 2021. 50% of that bonus was delivered in cash in March 2022, and 
the remaining 50% deferred was released to Lily in cash following cessation of employment as 
a result of the trading restrictions in place throughout the first half of 2022 which prevented 
any share awards during that period.

Paul Forman
As announced on 3 October 2022, Paul Forman stepped down from his role as Chief Executive 
on 31 December 2022. Paul will be paid in lieu of his unexpired (as at 31 December 2022) period 
of notice (the “Notice Payment”). The Notice Payment shall be paid in monthly instalments 
and will include the value of the benefits that Paul would otherwise have been entitled to 
receive during the period of the monthly payments, save for private medical insurance which 
will be continued after 31 December 2022 for the duration of the unexpired period of notice 
ending on 11 October 2023 (or, if earlier, the date Paul commences alternative employment 
which provides such benefits which are at the same level or better than the Company’s private 
medical insurance). The monthly instalments shall reflect that, from 1 January 2023, Paul’s 
pension provision would have been reduced and Paul would have received a cash contribution 
in lieu of pension equal to 5% of salary. 

Subject to the below, each monthly instalment will amount to £62,637 (gross), save for the 
last monthly instalment which will be reduced on a pro rata basis to reflect the unexpired 
period of notice as at the beginning of October 2023. In the event that Paul should obtain an 
alternative remunerated position during the period of monthly payments then any remaining 
monthly payments shall be reduced by the amount received in respect of such employment or 
engagement, provided that no reduction shall be made where the position obtained is a non-
executive director position (including a non-executive chairmanship) and is on a temporary or 
part time basis or is otherwise approved by the Board of the Company. The Company will pay 
Paul in lieu of holiday entitlement accrued but untaken as at 31 December 2022.

Paul remained eligible to receive an annual bonus for the 2022 bonus year which was subject to 
performance assessment in the ordinary course, consistent with the performance framework 
set out at the time of the launch of the 2022 bonus programme – details of this assessment are 
on pages 113 and 114. Consistent with the Remuneration Policy, the bonus shall be paid in cash 
on the normal bonus payment date.

Following careful consideration, the Remuneration Committee determined that Paul should be 
treated as a “good leaver” in relation to his outstanding LTIP awards. These awards will be time 
pro-rated to reflect the number of days elapsed from the start of the relevant performance 
period until and including 31 December 2022 as a proportion of the full performance period and 
will also be subject to the assessment and degree of satisfaction of the applicable performance 
targets determined by the Remuneration Committee at the normal vesting date. Vested 
awards will remain subject to any applicable post-vesting holding periods in the usual way. The 
Committee also agreed to treat Paul as a “good leaver” for the purposes of the DASBP such 
that his outstanding awards would vest on cessation of employment. Paul is required to comply 
with the Company’s post-employment shareholding requirements in respect of shares from 
incentive awards that have been released since the date of the adoption of the Policy at the 
2021 AGM, or are released in future on an after-tax basis.

Paul will receive a capped contribution of £12,500, excluding VAT, towards legal fees incurred 
in connection with his departure and the Company will meet the reasonable cost of Paul 
obtaining outplacement support through a provider to be nominated or approved by the 
Company, subject to a maximum (excluding VAT but including all disbursements) of £50,000.

119

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

Executive Director Contracts and NED letters of Appointment
The Executive Directors have open-ended contracts containing 12 months notice periods with 
their reappointment being confirmed annually at the AGM. 

The Chair and Non-Executive Directors do not have service contracts, instead they have letters 
of appointment for an initial period of 3 years which may be terminated at 3 months’ notice.

Implementation of Remuneration Policy for 2023 (unaudited)
When considering the implementation of the policy for 2023, the Committee was mindful 
of the 2018 Code and considers that the executive remuneration framework appropriately 
addresses the following factors:

Clarity

Simplicity

Predictability

Alignment to 
culture

Proportionality 
and risk

We provide open and transparent disclosures both internally and externally in relation to our 
executive remuneration arrangements.

Variable remuneration arrangements for our executives and our wider workforce are simple in 
nature with individuals eligible for a bonus and, at more senior levels, a single long-term incentive 
plan. These are well understood by both participants and shareholders. 

Our executive remuneration framework contains maximum opportunity levels for each 
component of remuneration with variable incentive outcomes varying depending on the level of 
performance achieved against specific measures.

The performance measures used for annual bonus and LTIP awards are KPIs that drive behaviours 
that are closely aligned to our strategy and Company values. Including a greenhouse gas (GHG) 
emissions measure and a recyled content measure.

The Committee believes that our variable pay structures provide a fair and proportionate link 
between Company performance and reward. In particular, the use for Executive Directors of 
annual bonus deferral, LTIP holding periods and shareholding requirements provide a clear link to 
the ongoing performance of the Company and therefore long-term alignment with stakeholders. 
For example, the shareholding guideline for Executive Directors continues two years after leaving 
Essentra. 

We are also satisfied that the variable pay structures do not encourage inappropriate risk-taking. 

Notwithstanding this, the Committee retains an overriding discretion that allows it to adjust 
formulaic outcomes from incentive plans so as to guard against disproportionate out-turns. 
Malus and clawback provisions also apply to both the annual bonus and LTIP. 

Salary
Basic salary for each Executive Director is determined by the Remuneration Committee, taking 
into account the role, responsibilities, performance, experience of the individual and market 
movement. Any salary change is normally effective in April each year. 

There is no salary increase for the executive directors and other senior management in 2023.

Scott 
Fawcett 1
£

540,000

Jack
Clarke
£

350,000

350,000

Annual salary effective from 1 April 2023

Annual salary effective from 1 April 2022

Notes: 
1  Scott was promoted to CEO on 1 Jan 2023 on a salary of £540,000.

120

1. Effective from 2023 AGM.
Benefits
Executive Directors are provided with the following benefits:
•  car allowance

•  private medical insurance with family level cover

•  life assurance cover of four times basic salary.

Pension
From 1 January, 2023 pension allowance is 5% of salary for Scott Fawcett and Jack Clarke. This 
completes the phased approach to align with the wider UK workforce by the end of 2022. 

2023 Annual bonus
Under the terms of the annual bonus arrangements for 2023, the CEO is potentially entitled 
to a maximum bonus of up to 150% of basic salary and the CFO is potentially entitled to a 
maximum bonus of up to 125% of basic salary.

The metrics used in the 2023 annual bonus (table below) are intended to align with the 
strategy of Essentra as a pure play Components business. In particular, the metrics are 
designed to provide a balanced alignment with our goals of generating sustainable, profitable 
growth and strong cash generation. The higher weighting attributed to strategic objectives 
in 2022 has been reduced following the completion of the sales of the Packaging and Filters 
businesses. 

Measures

Adjusted Operating Profit

Adjusted Operating Cash Flow

Strategic Objectives

Environmental targets

2022 Weighting 
(%)

2023 Weighting 
(%)

40%

10%

40%

10%

50%

20%

20%

10%

In 2023, there will be no bonus payable unless the Remuneration Committee determines that 
the Company’s 2023 financial performance is satisfactory. For achieving threshold Adjusted 
Operating Profit and Adjusted Operating Cash Flow, 0% of the relevant portion of the bonus 
will be payable. Progress against environmental targets will be reviewed by the Sustainability 
Committee. 

Targets are considered to be commercially sensitive so will be disclosed retrospectively in next 
year’s Remuneration Report.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022ANNUAL REPORT ON REMUNERATION CONTINUED

2023 LTIP
An award granted under the LTIP consists of a conditional right to receive shares in the 
Company, subject to satisfaction of performance conditions over a three-year period. An 
additional two-year holding period applies. Malus and clawback provisions also apply to LTIP 
awards for three years from vesting.

The following LTIP awards are intended to be granted to the CEO and CFO during 2023. 

Condition

LTIP awards as a percentage of salary

Condition

Compound Annual Growth in Adjusted EPS2 (50%)

Relative TSR v FTSE2501 (30%)

ESG

Scott 
Fawcett 

150%

Jack 
Clarke

150%

Threshold

Maximum

7%4

12.5%

Median

Upper quartile

GHG3 – reduction in GHG emissions over the 3 year LTIP (10%)

Social – Diversity of gender in our Leadership teams both GEC and the GEC -1. (10%)

28%4

11.5%4

17%

40%

Notes:
1 

 FTSE 250 excluding companies in the following industries: basic materials, energy, financial services, real estate, utilities and travel 
and leisure.

2  Adjusted EPS is subject to adjustment from portfolio management/changes.
3 

 Externally audited Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions consistent with our publicly stated commitment to be carbon neutral by 2040, 
and an interim reduction of 25% by 2025 relative to a 2019 baseline.

4  25% vests at threshold, with the exception of the newly introduced Diversity measure, where 0% vests at threshold.

Non-Executive Director fees
The fees for the Company Chair are set by the Remuneration Committee, while fees for the 
Non-Executive Directors are determined by the Chief Executive and the Company Chair. 

There has been a reduction in the Company Chair fees from £250,000 to £225,000. There were 
be no other changes to Non-Executive Directors’ fees in 2022. No individual was present for the 
discussion related to their fees.

Annual fee effective

Chair

Non-
Executive
Director

Additional
fee for Senior
 Independent
 Director

Additional
 fee for
 Audit and
Remuneration
Committee
chairs

Additional
fee for
sustainability
Committee
chair

Additional
fee for
Employee
Champions

From 1 Jan 2023

£225,000

£52,000

£10,000

£13,000

£11,000

£10,000

Outside appointments (unaudited)
Paul Forman is the Senior Independent Director of Tate & Lyle plc. Paul received and retained 
fees of £78,800 in respect of this directorship during 2022.

Statement of shareholder voting (unaudited)
The results of shareholder voting in relation to the approval of the 2021 Directors’ Remuneration 
Report and the Directors’ Remuneration Policy Report at the 2022 and 2021 AGM respectively 
were as follows: 

Votes cast in favour

Votes cast against

Total votes cast

Abstentions

Annual Report
on Remuneration
(2022 AGM)

Remuneration
Policy Report
(2021 AGM)1

No. of 
votes

258,579,487

913,557

259,493,044

%

99.65

0.35

No. of
votes

255,799,845

15,919,880

271,719,725

%

94.14

5.86

5,057

–

7,852

–

Notes:
1 

 2021 Number of shareholder votes in relation to the remuneration policy have been restated to reflect the final votes from the 2021 
AGM. There was no change in the overall outcome of the vote.

121

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022Basic salary

Purpose and link to strategy

To reflect the particular skills and experience of an individual and to provide a competitive basic salary

Operation

Generally reviewed annually with any increase normally taking effect from 1 April, although the 
Remuneration Committee may award increases at other times of the year if it considers it appropriate. 

The review takes into consideration a number of factors, including (but not limited to):

•  the individual Director’s role, experience and performance
•  business performance
•  pay and conditions elsewhere in the Group
•  market data for comparable roles in appropriate pay comparators.

Opportunity

No absolute maximum has been set for Executive Director base salaries.

Any annual increase in salaries is at the discretion of the Committee taking into account the 
factors stated in this table and the following principles:

•  salaries would typically be increased at a rate consistent with the average salary increase 

(in percentage of salary terms) for the relevant workforce

•  larger increases may be considered appropriate in certain circumstances (including, but not 
limited to, a change in an individual’s responsibilities or in the scale of their role or in the size 
and complexity of the Group)

•  larger increases may also be considered appropriate if a Director has been initially appointed to 

the Board at a lower than typical salary.

Performance measure

Not applicable.

THE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY REPORT

The Directors’ Remuneration  
Policy Report
The Directors’ Remuneration Policy (“the Policy Report”) sets 
out the policies under which the Executive and Non-Executive 
Directors are remunerated. The Policy Report is designed 
to be in full compliance with the requirements of the large 
and medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and 
Reports) (Amendment) Regulations 2013, the UK Corporate 
Governance Code as issued by the Financial Reporting Council 
and the Listing Rules.

The current Directors’ Remuneration Policy was approved 
by our shareholders at the AGM in May 2021 following 
shareholder consultations. A summary of the Policy Report is 
set out below and the full version can be downloaded from 
www.essentraplc.com/investors/corporate-governance/
remuneration-committee.

Summary of 2021 Policy Report

The Remuneration Committee structures 
Executive Director remuneration in two 
distinct parts: (i) fixed remuneration of 
basic salary, pension and benefits; and (ii) 
variable performance-related remuneration 
in the form of cash bonuses, deferred 
share bonuses and long-term incentive 
arrangements.

Remuneration for Executive Directors is 
structured so that the variable performance-
related pay element forms a significant 
portion of the remuneration opportunity. 
The majority of total remuneration at the 
maximum performance level will derive 
from the Company’s long-term incentive 
arrangements. All incentives are designed 
to be aligned to the delivery of Essentra’s 
strategic priorities.

122

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022THE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY REPORT CONTINUED

Bonus

Purpose and link to strategy

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

Purpose and link to strategy

To ensure the delivery of Company performance related objectives, aid retention and to align Directors’ 
interests with those of the Company’s shareholders.

To drive the long-term delivery of the Company’s strategic objectives, aid retention and to align 
Directors’ interests with those of the Company’s shareholders.

Operation

Operation

One half of the total bonus is generally paid in cash shortly after the announcement of the annual 
results.

An annual grant of performance share awards usually with a three-year performance and additional 
two-year holding period.

The other half is generally deferred into shares in the Deferred Annual Share Bonus (“the DASB”) which 
will normally vest after three years subject to continued service.

Performance is assessed against measures and targets which are established by the Remuneration 
Committee. As performance increases so does the percentage payable up to the maximum.

The bonus is subject to malus and clawback provisions for a period of three years following the 
determination of the bonus. Circumstances in which these provisions could be applied by the 
Remuneration Committee are material misstatement in the Company’s Financial Statements, error in 
assessing the performance conditions, serious misconduct by an individual, business failure or serious 
reputational damage to the Company or a relevant business unit.

An additional payment (in the form of cash or shares) may be made in respect of shares which vest 
under deferred awards to reflect the value of dividends which would have been paid on those shares 
during the vesting period (this payment may assume that dividends had been reinvested in Company 
shares on a cumulative basis).

Opportunity

Up to 150% of basic salary.

Performance measure

The bonus will be based on performance using appropriate financial, strategic and individual 
performance measures.

The majority of the bonus will normally be determined by measure(s) of the Company’s financial 
performance. The remainder of the bonus will be based on financial, strategic, ESG, operational or other 
suitable business measures appropriate to the individual Director.

No more than 20% of each financial measure will vest at threshold performance.

Awards are subject to the LTIP plan rules, including malus and clawback provisions for a period of three 
years following the vesting of the awards. Circumstances in which these provisions could be applied by 
the Remuneration Committee are material misstatement in the Company’s Financial Statements, error 
in assessing the performance conditions, serious misconduct by an individual, business failure or serious 
reputational damage to the Company or a relevant business unit.

An additional payment (in the form of cash or shares) may be made in respect of shares which vest 
under LTIP awards to reflect the value of dividends which would have been paid on those shares 
during the period up to the release of the shares (this payment may assume that dividends had been 
reinvested in Company shares on a cumulative basis).

Opportunity

An award to any Executive Director would be limited to a maximum of 300% of salary.

Performance measure

Vesting will be subject to performance conditions as determined by the Remuneration Committee on 
an annual basis.

The performance conditions will usually be some combination of relative TSR, adjusted EPS, adjusted 
cumulative operating cash flow, ESG and a capital return measure although the Remuneration 
Committee will retain discretion to include alternative performance measures which are aligned to the 
corporate strategy.

The Remuneration Committee may adjust the weightings of the performance conditions for each 
award although usually each condition would have a weighting in the range of 10% to 40% of the 
award.

Performance will usually be measured over a three-year period.

Up to 25% of each element vests at threshold performance, usually rising on a straight-line basis for 
performance up to the maximum level for full payment. If below threshold performance, that element 
of the award will not vest.

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Employment and Post-Employment Shareholding guideline

All Employee Plans – Sharesave

Purpose and link to strategy

Purpose and link to strategy

To align the interests of Executive Directors and shareholders, encourage a focus on long-term 
performance and risk management.

To create alignment of employees’ interests with those of shareholders. 

Operation

Operation

Whilst in-employment, Executives Directors are expected to build up a shareholding worth 300% of 
salary for the Chief Executive and 200% for the Chief Finance Officer. The shareholding guidelines are to 
be built up by retaining 50% of post-tax vested shares from the date of approval of this Policy.

The Remuneration Committee will review progress towards the guidelines on an annual basis and has 
the discretion to adjust the guidelines in what it feels are appropriate circumstances.

Executive Directors will also be expected to remain compliant with the above guideline for a period of 
two years post-employment. This guideline applies from the date of adoption of the Policy at the 2021 
AGM. The Committee would retain discretion to waive this guideline if it is not considered appropriate in 
the specific circumstances.

Non-Executive Directors are encouraged to hold a minimum of 7,500 shares.

Opportunity

Not applicable.

Performance measure

Not applicable.

Under the UK Sharesave, employees (including Executive Directors) are invited to enter a savings 
contract of three years or five years, whereby the proceeds can be used towards the exercise of an 
option granted at the time they choose to participate. The Remuneration Committee has the discretion 
to set the option price up to a 20% discount on the share price at the time employees are invited to 
participate.

An equivalent US plan is operated aligned to the UK plan where possible.

Opportunity

For the UK plan, shares worth up to the value of the savings an Executive Director agrees to make over 
the saving period at the previously agreed option price. The savings amount is subject to the HMRC 
limit, currently £500 per month.

The US Plan is limited to the monthly dollar equivalent of the UK Sharesave plan and an option price of 
up to a 15% discount.

Performance measure

The Remuneration Committee agrees the annual discount to be applied to the Sharesave schemes.

No performance conditions apply to All Employee Plans.

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STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022THE DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION POLICY REPORT CONTINUED

Other benefits

Purpose and link to strategy

Chair and Non-Executive Directors – Fees

Purpose and link to strategy

To provide cost-effective benefits comparable with similar roles in similar companies.

To attract a high-calibre Chair and Non-Executive Directors with the relevant experience and skills.

Operation

Operation

Other benefits include family medical expenses, life insurance, and car allowance.

The Remuneration Committee may vary these benefits from time to time to suit business needs, but 
they will be provided on broadly similar terms to those offered to other Group employees.

Executive Directors are entitled to reimbursement of reasonable expenses.

Opportunity

There is no overall maximum as the level of benefits depends on the annual cost of providing individual 
benefits in the relevant local market and the individual’s specific role.

Performance measure

Not applicable.

A basic fee is payable to the Chair and Non-Executive Directors with supplementary fees for those 
NED’s with additional responsibilities, such as acting as Senior Independent Director, chairing a Board 
Committee, an additional defined role such as a Board Employee Champion or for a significantly 
increased time commitment.

Additional payments may be made to Non-Executive Directors for time spent travelling on Company 
business.

Fees are reviewed periodically with reference to market levels in companies of a comparable size, 
complexity and taking account of the responsibilities and time commitment of each role.

The Chair and the Non-Executive Directors do not participate in the Group’s incentive arrangements or 
pension plan or receive any other benefits other than where travel to the Company’s registered office 
is recognised as a taxable benefit in which case the Chair or a Non-Executive Director may receive the 
grossed-up costs of travel as a benefit.

The Chair and Non-Executive Directors are entitled to reimbursement of reasonable expenses.

Opportunity

Fees for the current year are stated in the Annual Report on Remuneration.

Fee increases may be greater than those of the wider workforce in any particular year as they reflect 
changes to responsibilities and time commitments and the periodic nature of any increases.

Performance measure

Not applicable.

Pension

Purpose and link to strategy

To provide cost-effective long-term benefits comparable with similar roles in similar companies.

This Report of the Remuneration Committee has been approved by the Board.

Operation

A contribution to a defined contribution plan or paid as a cash supplement.

Opportunity

Any future Executive Director appointment will have a pension provision in line with the relevant 
workforce.

The pension provision for the current Executive Directors has been phased down to align with the 
relevant workforce. 

By order of

Ralf K. Wunderlich
Non-Executive Director
Remuneration Committee Chair
28 March 2023

Performance measure

Not applicable.

125

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION

Other statutory 
information
The Directors present their Report prepared in accordance 
with the Companies Act 2006, which requires the 
Company to provide a fair review of the business of the 
Group during the financial year ended 31 December 2022 
and audited Financial Statements of the Company and its 
subsidiary undertakings for the year ended 31 December 
2022. The Company’s Registered Office is Langford Locks, 
Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1HX.

In accordance with the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s 
Listing Rules (LR 9.8.4C), the information to be included in 
the Annual Report and Accounts, where applicable, under 
LR 9.8.4 is set out in the Directors’ Report.

In this section:

The Directors’ Report comprises pages 68 
to 131, and where information has been 
included in the Strategic Report sections 
of the Annual Report this has been 
incorporated by reference and as set out on 
the right:

Membership of Board during 2021 
financial year

page 70

Financial instruments and financial 
risk management

pages 47 to 51

CO2 emissions
Corporate governance report

pages 24 to 28

pages 72 to 87

Future developments of the business 
of the Group

pages 10 to 18

Employee diversity

Stakeholder engagement and s172 
report

page 31

page 38

TCFD disclosures 

pages 40 to 46

126

Results and dividends
The adjusted profit after tax of the total Group 
for the year ended 31 December 2022 was 
£5.7m (2021: profit £11.2m represented).

Directors 
As at 31 December 2022 the Board of 
Directors comprised:

As at 29 March 2023, the Company has paid the 
following dividend in respect of the year ended 
31 December 2022.

Interim dividend paid 
28 October 2022

Per share
p

Total
£m

2.3p

6.9

The Directors recommend that a final 
dividend of 1.0p (2022: 4.0p) per share be 
paid, making a total dividend distribution for 
the year of 3.3p (2021: 6.0p).

The final dividend, subject to shareholders 
approval at the AGM, will be paid on 30 June 
2023 to shareholders on the register on 19 May 
2023.

The Company announced a Special Dividend 
and Share Buyback Programme on 2 February 
2023, using the proceeds of the sale of the 
Filters and Packaging businesses. The Special 
Dividend, of approximately 29.8p per share 
will be paid on 27 April 2023 to shareholders 
on the register on 21 March 2023. This equates 
to a total Special Dividend of £90m.

As also announced on 2 February 2023, the 
Share Buyback Programme is expected to 
commence following the release of the Full 
Year results for an amount of approximately 
£60m. The Company intends to release more 
information following the release of the Full 
Year results.

Paul Lester

Paul Forman

Jack Clarke

Dupsy Abiola

Mary Reilly

Non-Executive Chair

Chief Executive

Chief Financial Officer

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Ralf K. Wunderlich

Non-Executive Director

Adrian Peace

Non-Executive Director

As at the date of this report, being 22 March 
2023, the Board of Directors comprised:

Paul Lester

Scott Fawcett

Jack Clarke

Dupsy Abiola

Mary Reilly

Non-Executive Chair

Chief Executive

Chief Financial Officer

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Ralf K. Wunderlich

Non-Executive Director

Adrian Peace

Kath Durrant

Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

The Company requires all Directors appointed 
since the last AGM to be elected at the 
following AGM and for all other Directors to 
be re-elected at each AGM.

Scott Fawcett was appointed as Chief 
Executive and Executive Director on 1 January 
2023 and will therefore stand for election. 
Kath Durrant joined the Company on 3 
January 2023 as a Non-Executive Director and 
will also stand for election. All other Directors 
will be standing for re-election.

None of the Non-Executive Directors have 
service contracts. In accordance with the 
Company’s Conflict of Interests policy, 
Directors are required to review their potential 
conflict of interests at least on an annual 
basis and to notify any changes to the 
Company Secretary as soon as possible. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION CONTINUED

During 2022 the current register was approved 
at each Board meeting. During the year, there 
were occasions when Directors were perceived 
to have a potential conflict and where it was 
considered necessary, the Chair asked the 
Director to leave the meeting until the Board 
had concluded their discussions. 

At no time during the year has any Director 
had any material interest in a contract with 
the Group, being a contract of significance in 
relation to the Group’s business. A statement 
of Directors’ interests in shares of the 
Company as at 31 December 2022 and as at 
the date of this Report is shown on page 117.

Share capital
The issued share capital of the Company 
is shown in Note 20 of the Notes to the 
Financial Statements. 

On 31 December 2022, there were 
302,590,708 ordinary shares of 25p each in 
issue. There were 897,944 ordinary shares 
of 25p each held in treasury. The rights and 
obligations attaching to the Company’s 
ordinary shares, and the provisions governing 
the appointment and replacement of, as well 
as the powers of, the Company’s Directors, 
are set out in the Company’s Articles of 
Association, copies of which can be obtained 
from Companies House in the UK or by 
writing to the Company Secretary.

There are no restrictions on the voting 
rights attaching to the Company’s ordinary 
shares or on the transfer of securities in the 
Company, except, in the case of transfers of 
securities:
•  that certain restrictions may from time to 
time be imposed by laws and regulations 
(for example, insider trading laws)

•  whereby, pursuant to the Listing Rules of 
the Financial Conduct Authority, certain 
employees of the Company require 
approval of the Company to deal in the 
Company’s ordinary shares

No persons hold securities in the Company 
carrying special rights with regard to control 
of the Company. The Company is not aware 
of any agreements between holders of 
securities that may result in restrictions on  
the transfer of securities or on voting rights.

Unless expressly specified to the contrary in 
the Articles of Association of the Company, 
the Company’s Articles of Association may 
be amended by special resolution of the 
Company’s shareholders.

Substantial shareholders 
As at 31 December 2022 the Company 
was advised of the following voting rights 
attaching to the Company’s shares in 
accordance with the Disclosure and 
Transparency Rules:

Invesco

M&G plc

Liontrust Asset Management plc

Ninety One UK Limited

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and its group

Royal London Asset Management

BlackRock, Inc

Standard Life

AXA Investment Managers

Heronbridge

AXA

Norge Bank

Kames Capital

% holding

5.80%

5.00%

5.00%

4.98%

4.98%

4.90%

4.78%

4.82%

4.81%

4.81%

4.81%

3.07%

2.99%

Employees
As at 31 December 2022, the Company 
employed 3,209 people globally and 500 
people in the UK. Information on the 
Company’s policies on employee recruitment, 
engagement and the employment of disabled 
persons can be found on page 31.

Political contributions
In line with Group policy, the Company made 
no political contributions (2021: £nil).

Environmental
The disclosures concerning CO2 emissions 
required by law are included in ESG section on 
pages 24 to 28.

Directors’ indemnities
During the year, and as at the date of this 
Report, qualifying third-party indemnities 
are in force under which the Company has 
agreed to indemnify the Directors and the 
Company Secretary, in addition to other 
senior executives who are Directors of 
subsidiaries of the Company, to the extent 
permitted by law and the Company’s Articles 
of Association, in respect of all losses arising 
out of or in connection with the execution 
of their powers, duties and responsibilities 
as a Director or Officer of the Company or 
any of its subsidiaries, including the pension 
scheme trustee companies. The scope of the 
indemnities extends to include liabilities to 
third parties.

Significant agreements
In line with the strategic reviews and 
bank consent, the Company reduced the 
multicurrency revolving credit facility (RCF) 
from £275m to £200m in October 2022. 
Following the sale of the Filters business in 
early December, a portion of the proceeds 
totalling £124m were used to settle the 
outstanding RCF balance in full. To this end, 
the Company has an undrawn RCF of £200m 
as at 31 December 2022. All other terms and 
conditions of the RCF remain in place with six 
syndicated banks until November 2025.

Prior to the strategic reviews, the Company 
held US$350m of medium and long-dated 
debt in private placement notes. Under the 
terms of the USPP notes, the Company repaid 
in full the 2017 and 2019 notes, and issued an 
offer at par, to partially repay the 2021 notes. 
The par offer for the 2021 notes was accepted 
and the Company repaid US $147m plus 
accrued interest on 5 January 2023. 

127

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As the Company already had an undertaking 
to repay the 2017 and 2019 notes in full, a 
total of US $100m plus US $2m for make 
whole was paid within 30 days from when 
the Company initiated notice to repay the 
noteholders $103m USPP notes are held as 
of the date of this report. The transaction 
completed on 20 January 2023.

Annual General Meeting
The AGM of the Company will be held 
at Slaughter and May, One Bunhill Row, 
London, EC1Y 8YY on 16 May 2023 at 13:00. 
The meeting will be held in person only as no 
shareholders joined virtually in 2022. 

In addition to the ordinary business of the 
AGM, resolutions in respect of the following 
matters of special business are included in the 
Notice of Annual General Meeting:

Authority to allot unissued shares
At the 2022 AGM, the Directors were granted 
authority to allot relevant securities up to a 
nominal amount of £25,140,523, which expires 
at the end of the forthcoming AGM.

At this year’s AGM, shareholders will be 
asked to grant the Directors’ authority to 
allot shares or grant rights to subscribe for or 
convert any security into shares: (i) up to an 
aggregate nominal amount of £25,141,064 
representing approximately one-third of the 
Company’s issued share capital, excluding 
treasury shares, at 27 March 2023 (such 
an amount to be reduced by the nominal 
amount allotted or granted under section 
(ii) below in excess of such sum); and 
(ii) comprising equity securities up to an 

aggregate nominal amount of £50,282,127 
representing approximately two-thirds of 
the issued share capital, excluding treasury 
shares, at 27 March 2023 (such an amount to 
be reduced by any allotments or grants made 
under section (i) above) in connection with 
an offer by way of a rights issue.

The proposal conforms to the guidelines 
issued by the institutional investment 
protection bodies to ensure that existing 
shareholders’ interests are safeguarded. 
The Directors have no present intention of 
exercising either of these authorities, which 
will expire at the end of next year’s AGM (or, 
if earlier, the close of business on 16 August 
2024) except in relation to share options.

Allotment of shares for cash
At the 2022 AGM, shareholders approved a 
special resolution to enable the Directors to 
allot shares for cash without first offering 
them to existing shareholders in proportion 
to their existing shareholdings. That approval 
expires at the end of the forthcoming AGM 
and resolutions 15 and 16 in the Notice of AGM 
seek to renew it.

Following changes in the Pre-Emption Group’s 
Statement of Principles, which was updated 
in November 2022, and the issuance of new 
Share Capital Management Guidelines, issued 
by the Investment Association in February 
2023, the Company seeks a resolution which 
authorises disapplication of pre-emption 
rights in respect of up to an aggregate 
nominal amount of £7,542,319 (representing 
30,169,276 ordinary shares). This aggregate 
nominal amount represents approximately 
10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the 
Company (excluding treasury shares).

128

128 ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

In addition to the above Resolution, the 
Company seeks a Resolution which authorises 
disapplication of pre-emption rights in respect 
of up to an aggregate nominal amount of 
£7,542,319 (representing 30,169,276 ordinary 
shares) in connection with acquisitions and 
other capital investments, which is in line  
with the Pre-Emption Group’s Statement  
of Principles and the guidance of The 
Investment Association. This aggregate 
nominal amount represents an additional 
10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the 
Company (excluding treasury shares).

Whilst the Board do not currently intend to 
make use of these resolutions, the Board 
believe the flexibility that the increased 
levels to which pre-emption rights may be 
disapplied, provides the Company flexibility 
for future opportunities. The Board therefore 
support both these resolutions which seek 
authority to disapply pre-emption rights at 
the higher amounts of 10% of the ordinary 
share capital (excluding treasury shares).

These authorities will expire at the conclusion 
of the following AGM or, if earlier, on 16 August 
2024. The proposal conforms to the guidelines 
issued by the institutional investment 
protection bodies to ensure that existing 
shareholders’ interests are safeguarded.

Purchase of own shares
The Company announced on 2 February 
2023, the intention to launch a share buyback 
programme of approximately £60m (“Share 
Buyback Programme”) which is expected to 
commence following the Company’s full year 
results which will launch when the 2022 full 
year results are released. The Share Buyback 
Programme returns funds to shareholders 
following the sale of the Filters and Packaging 
businesses.

The purpose of the Share Buyback 
Programme is to return funds to shareholders 
following the divestment of the Filters and 
Packaging businesses during 2022 and will 
reduce the share capital of the Company. 
The Directors consider the Share Buyback 
Programme to be in the best interests of the 
Company and of its shareholders generally, 
and it is expected that the implementation of 
the Share Buyback Programme will enhance 
earnings per share. 

Having announced the Share Buyback 
Programme, the Board have proposed 
a resolution which would authorise the 
Company to purchase to purchase 10% 
(excluding any treasury shares) of its own 
shares which will be put to shareholders at the 
2023 AGM. The increase from 5% to 10% is in 
line with The Investment Association Share 
Capital Guidelines, and allows the Company 
to complete the Share Buyback up to the full 
£60m.

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION CONTINUED

Under the arrangements for the Share 
Buyback Programme, shares once purchased, 
will be cancelled or held in treasury. The power 
would apply until the end of next year’s AGM 
(or if earlier, 3 August 2024). 

Other than the Share Buyback Programme, 
the Directors have no immediate plans to 
exercise this authority, but will keep under 
review the need to do so in light of business 
and investment opportunities. Purchases of 
the Company’s own shares, where made, 
would be in the best interests of the Company 
and of its shareholder generally and could 
generally be expected to result in an increase 
in earnings per share.

In accordance with the requirements of 
the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct 
Authority, the minimum price (exclusive of 
expenses) which may be paid for a share is 
its nominal value and the maximum price 
(exclusive of expenses) for shares which may 
be paid is the highest of: (i) an amount equal 
to 105% of the average market value for a 
share for the five business days immediately 
preceding the date of the purchase; and (ii) 
the higher of the price of the last independent 
trade and the highest current independent 
bid on the trading venues where the purchase 
is carried out.

During the financial year ending 31 December 
2022, 7,213 ordinary shares were transferred 
out of Treasury by the Company to satisfy 
share options under the Company’s Sharesave 
and executive share incentive plans.

No dividends have been paid on shares while 
held in Treasury and no voting rights attach to 
the treasury shares.

External Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have expressed 
their willingness to continue to be appointed 
as External Auditor of the Company. Upon 
the recommendation of the Audit and Risk 
Committee, resolutions to appoint them 
as External Auditor and to authorise the 
Directors to determine their remuneration will 
be proposed at the AGM.

Recommendation
The Directors believe that the resolutions in 
the Notice of Annual General Meeting are 
in the best interests of the Company and its 
shareholders as a whole, and unanimously 
recommend that shareholders vote in favour 
of each resolution.

Derivatives
Information related to derivatives is included 
in the Accounting Policies on page 189 and 
in Note 15 and Note 19 to the Notes of the 
Financial Statements.

Going concern 
The Directors have prepared the 
consolidated financial statements for the 
year ended 31 December 2022 on a going 
concern basis. In adopting the going concern 
basis, the Directors have considered the 
Group’s balance sheet position, forecast 
earnings and cash flows for a period of at 
least 18 months from the date of approval of 
these consolidated financial statements. The 
disposal of the Packaging business and Filters 
business have been included in the Directors’ 
going concern assessment.

Information regarding the financial position 
of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position, 
and borrowing facilities are described in 
the Financial Review on pages 47 to 49. In 
addition, Note 19 to the financial statements 
includes the Group’s objectives, policies 
and processes for managing its capital, 
its financial risk management objectives, 
details of its financial instruments and 
hedging activities and exposures to credit, 
market and liquidity risk. Cash balances and 
borrowings are detailed in Note 22.

At 31 December 2022, the Group’s external 
financing arrangements amounted to 
£492.7m, comprising United States Private 
Placement Loan Notes (USPP) of US$350.0m 
(with a range of expiry dates from November 
2024 to July 2033) and a multi-currency 
revolving credit facility (RCF) of £200.0m 
(expiring in November 2025).

On 1 October 2022, the Group completed its 
disposal of the Packaging business and on 3 
December 2022, the Group completed the 
disposal of the Filters business. In December 
2022 the Group repaid its RCF loan to £nil, 
and continues to maintain a facility of 
£200.0m. Furthermore, as a consequence 
of the business disposals, the Group was 
required to repay $247m of its USPP loan 
notes, classified as current liabilities at the 
balance sheet date, which were repaid in full 
during January 2023.

No amount was drawn under the RCF as 
at 31 December 2022, with the available 
undrawn balance amounting to £200.0m. 
The facility is subject to two covenants, 
which are tested semi-annually: net debt to 
EBITDA (leverage) and EBITA to net finance 
charges. Despite the significant economic 
and operational challenges in the recent 
years, the Group has not sought to change 
either of the two covenants. The Directors 

believe that the Group is well placed to 
manage its business risks and, after making 
enquiries including a review of forecasts and 
predictions, taking account of reasonably 
possible changes in trading performances 
and considering the existing borrowing 
facilities, including the available liquidity, 
have a reasonable expectation that the 
Group has adequate resources to continue 
in operational existence for at least the next 
18 months following the date of approval of 
the financial statements, and no breaches of 
covenants are expected.

As part of the going concern assessment, 
the Board has considered a downside 
scenario that includes reasonably plausible 
changes in macro-economic conditions 
and is considered to represent a severe 
but plausible scenario. The results of this 
scenario show that there is sufficient 
liquidity in the business for a period of at 
least 18 months from the date of approval 
of these financial statements, and do not 
indicate any covenant breach during the 
test period. The downside scenario assumes 
a period of supressed revenue growth into 
the latter part of 2023 and subsequently 
limits growth in 2024. Further, the downside 
scenario assumes a high inflationary 
cost environment not fully offset by price 
increases, and higher than planned cost 
base assuming the business does not 
right-size costs in line with expectations, 
as the Group transitions to a pure-play 
Components business. The financial impact 
of the downside scenario in 2023 and 2024 
is to reduce adjusted operating profits by 
45% and 4% respectively compared to the 
Group’s strategic plan.

129

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The overall level of liquidity (defined as 
available undrawn borrowing facility plus 
cash and cash equivalent) at 31 December 
2022 was £621.4m, which was significantly 
higher than the £352.1m as at 31 December 
2021. Adjusting for the repayment of 
borrowings of $247m in January 2023, 
planned Special Dividend of £90m, and 
planned Share Buyback Programme of 
£60m, this still leaves overall liquidity at 
£268.4m. Capital expenditure, sales and 
general overhead, and working capital will 
continue to be managed closely to ensure 
sufficient liquidity.

The scenarios do not indicate a material 
uncertainty which may cast significant 
doubt over the Company’s and Group’s 
ability to continue as a going concern. Based 
on these, and taking into consideration the 
risks detailed in Note 19, the Directors have 
a reasonable expectation that the Company 
has adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for the foreseeable 
future, and accordingly have adopted 
the going concern basis in preparing the 
consolidated financial statements. This 
disclosure has been prepared in accordance 
with the Financial Reporting Council’s UK 
Corporate Governance Code.

Post balance sheet event
As a consequence of the business disposals, the 
Group was required to repay $247m of its USPP 
loan notes, classified as current liabilities at the 
balance sheet date, which were repaid in full 
during January 2023.

Long term viability statement 
In accordance with provision 31 of the 2018 UK 
Corporate Governance Code, the Directors 
have assessed the longerterm viability of 
the Company over the three-year period to 
December 2025.

130

The assessment has been based on the 
Company’s strategy and implementation 
programme, balance sheet and financing 
position, and the potential impact of the key 
risks and uncertainties described above. The 
Company strategy has been translated into 
a three-year strategic plan comprising a one-
year detailed budget and a financial forecast 
for the following two years. The plan will be 
subject to annual updates by management 
and review by the Board. As a consequence, 
the Directors have chosen a three-year 
time horizon for the Longer-Term Viability 
Statement (“LTVS”) as being an appropriate 
time frame for assessing the viability of the 
Company, as this is the period reviewed by 
the Board in its strategic planning process. 
The Directors believe that this presents a 
reasonable degree of confidence over this 
longer-term outlook, However, the Directors 
have also given due consideration to any 
potential significant risks beyond this time 
horizon.

This assessment was informed by our 
judgements as to the potential financial 
impact of the following Principal Risks if they 
materialise over the three-year period:
•  operational & supply chain disruption

•  macroeconomic environment uncertainties 
including GDP decline, inflation and cost 
pass-through

•  delivery of the strategic plan

•  environmental relating to climate change 
related transition risks and opportunities

In order to support the assessment of the 
viability, the Directors have considered the 
following realistic and plausible scenarios. The 
Directors have assumed that the risks in each 
scenario would all crystallise simultaneously. In 
Scenario 3, the Directors have considered the 
worst case events from each of the selected 
Principal Risks.

Scenario 1

Level of severity tested

Environment, Social and 
Governance (low)

Transition risks and opportunities from the climate change quantitative analysis, 
leading to an increase in operating profit of £0.9m, £1.9m and £2.8m respectively 
for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Operational and Supply 
Chain disruption (low)

£2.1m operating profit reduction in 2023 and £2.2m operating profit reduction in 
2024. Further disruption in China until Q3-23 reducing operating profit by £0.4m 
in 2023.

£11.6m reduction in sales and £4.5m reduction in operating profit in 2023.

Per base case

Macro-economic 
environment (low)

Execution of strategic 
plan, failure to deliver 
above market growth rates 
(low)

Scenario 2

Level of severity tested

Environment, Social and 
Governance (medium)

Transition risks and opportunities in the climate change quantitative analysis 
which are assigned a 50% probability are excluded, leading to an increase in 
operating profit of £0.0m, £0.1m and £0.1m respectively for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Operational and Supply 
Chain disruption (medium)

£2.1m operating profit reduction in 2023 and £2.2m operating profit reduction in 
2024. Further disruption in China until Q4-23 reducing operating profit by £1.0m in 
2023.

Macro-economic 
environment (medium)

£11.6m reduction in sales and £4.5m reduction in operating profit in 2023. £3.4m 
reduction in sales and £1.8m reduction in operating profit in 2024. Further cost 
inflation leads to a reduction in operating profits of £4.8m.

£3.1m reduction in operating profit in 2024 and £3.1m reduction in operating profit 
in 2025

Execution of strategic 
plan, failure to deliver 
above market growth rates 
(severe)

Scenario 3

Level of severity tested

Environment, Social and 
Governance (severe)

No transition opportunities in the climate change quantitative analysis are 
included. Only transition risks are included, leading to an reduction in operating 
profit of £1.5m, £3.0m and £4.5m respectively for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Operational and Supply 
Chain disruption (severe)

£2.1m operating profit reduction in 2023 and £2.2m operating profit reduction in 
2024. Disruption in China does not recover until 2024. Captured within macro-
economic environment decline, and therefore not modelled simultaneously.

Macro-economic 
environment (severe)

Execution of strategic 
plan, failure to deliver 
above market growth rates 
(severe)

Macro-economic environment provides challenging trading conditions through 
2023 with no recovery / growth in the year. 2023 and 2024 growth seen in the 
base case is deferred to 2024 and 2025 respectively. Operating profit reduction of 
£10.2m in 2023, operating profit increase of £13.1m in 2024; and operating profit 
reduction of £6.2m in 2025.

Further cost inflation leads to a reduction in operating profits of £4.8m.

£3.1m reduction in operating profit in 2024 and £3.1m reduction in operating profit 
in 2025

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022OTHER STATUTORY INFORMATION CONTINUED

In all of the scenarios assessed, there is no 
indication of potential breaches of banking 
covenants, and there remains sufficient 
liquidity headroom from the Group’s 
current borrowing facilities. In making the 
assessment, the Directors have assumed 
that capital markets and bank funding 
will continue to be available over the 
period. Furthermore, management would 
be in a position to implement effective 
mitigation actions to reduce the impact a 
potential risk event and to preserve cash 
resources. Mitigating actions considered 
by management include availability 
of alternative sources of funding, cost 
rationalisation measures, working capital 
and capital expenditure management and 
potential disposal of non-core assets.
Based on the viability assessment undertaken, 
the Directors have a reasonable expectation 
that the Group will be able to continue in 
operational existence and meet its liabilities 
as they fall due over the period of the 
assessment.

Directors’ statement as to 
disclosure of information to 
the External Auditor
As required by Section 418(2) of the 
Companies Act 2006, the Directors who 
were members of the Board at the time of 
approving this Report, having made enquiries 
of fellow Directors and of the External Auditor, 
confirm that:
•  as far as each Director is aware, there is 

no relevant audit information of which the 
Company’s External Auditor is unaware

•  each Director has taken all reasonable steps 
that they ought to have taken as a Director 
to ascertain any relevant audit information, 
and to ensure that the Company’s External 
Auditor is aware of that information

•  the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report, 
including the Report of the Remuneration 
Committee, were approved by the Board on 
28 March 2023.

By order of the Board

Emma Reid
Company Secretary
28 March 2023

131

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022In the case of each Director in office at the 
date the Directors’ report is approved:
•  so far as the director is aware, there is 
no relevant audit information of which 
the group’s and company’s auditors are 
unaware; and

•  they have taken all the steps that they 

ought to have taken as a director in order 
to make themselves aware of any relevant 
audit information and to establish that the 
group’s and company’s auditors are aware 
of that information.

Scott Fawcett
Chief Executive

Jack Clarke
Chief Financial Officer
28 March 2023

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Statement of Directors’ 
Responsibilities in 
respect of the Financial 
Statements
The directors are responsible for preparing the 
Annual Report and the financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and regulation.

Company law requires the Directors to 
prepare financial statements for each 
financial year. Under that law the Directors 
have prepared the group financial 
statements in accordance with UK-adopted 
International Accounting Standards and the 
company financial statements in accordance 
with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 
101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and 
applicable law).

Under company law, Directors must not 
approve the financial statements unless they 
are satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view of the state of affairs of the group and 
company and of the profit or loss of the group 
for that period. In preparing the financial 
statements, the directors are required to:
•  select suitable accounting policies and then 

apply them consistently

•  state whether applicable UK-adopted 

international accounting standards have 
been followed for the group financial 
statements and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 
101 have been followed for the company 
financial statements, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained 
in the financial statements

•  make judgements and accounting 

estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 
and

•  prepare the financial statements on 
the going concern basis unless it is 
inappropriate to presume that the group 
and company will continue in business.

The directors are responsible for safeguarding 
the assets of the group and company and 
hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and other 
irregularities.

The directors are also responsible for keeping 
adequate accounting records that are 
sufficient to show and explain the group’s 
and company’s transactions and disclose 
with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the group and company 
and enable them to ensure that the financial 
statements and the Directors’ Remuneration 
Report comply with the Companies Act 2006.

The directors are responsible for the 
maintenance and integrity of the company’s 
website. Legislation in the United Kingdom 
governing the preparation and dissemination 
of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

Directors’ confirmations
Each of the Directors, whose names and 
functions are listed in the Directors’ Report 
confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
•  the Group financial statements, which 

have been prepared in accordance with 
UK-adopted international accounting 
standards, give a true and fair view of the 
assets, liabilities, financial position and loss 
of the group; 

•  the company financial statements, which 
have been prepared in accordance with 
United Kingdom Accounting Standards, 
comprising FRS 101, give a true and fair 
view of the assets, liabilities and financial 
position of the company; and

•  the Strategic Reort includes a fair review of 
the development and performance of the 
business and the position of the group and 
company, together with a description of 
the principal risks and uncertainties that it 
faces.

132

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022INDEPENDENT LIMITED ASSURANCE STATEMENTS TO ESSENTRA PLC

Independent Limited Assurance 
Statement to Essentra plc 
(Group)
ERM Certification and Verification Services Limited (“ERM CVS”) 
was engaged by Essentra plc (“Essentra”) to provide limited 
assurance in relation to the selected information set out below and 
presented in Essentra’s Annual Report 2022 (the “Annual Report”).

Engagement summary

Scope of our 
assurance 
engagement

Whether the 2022 data and explanatory notes for the following indicators presented 
on page 27 of the Annual Report are fairly presented, in all material respects, in 
accordance with the reporting criteria:

•  Total Scope 1 greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions
•  Total Scope 2 GHG emissions (location-based) 
•  Total Scope 2 GHG emissions (market-based)
•  Total Scope 3 GHG emissions from the following categories:

 – Category 1: Purchased goods and services

 – Category 2: Capital goods

 – Category 3: Fuel- and energy-related activities

 – Category 4: Upstream transportation and distribution

 – Category 5: Waste generated in operations

 – Category 12: End-of-life treatment of sold products

•  Total solid hazardous and non-hazardous waste by destination  

(Recycling, Recovery, Incineration, Landfill) 

•  Total liquid hazardous and non-hazardous waste by destination  

(Recycling, Recovery, Incineration, Landfill)

•  Zero waste to landfill sites
•  Total water usage 
•  Percentage of raw materials from sustainable sources in polymer ranges 

Our assurance engagement does not extend to information in respect of 
earlier periods or to any other information included in the Annual Report.

Reporting period

2022 (1st January – 31st December 2022)

Reporting criteria

•  WBCSD/WRI GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (for 

the Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions)

•  WBCSD/WRI GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting 

and Reporting Standard) (for the Scope 3 GHG emissions)

•  Essentra’s internal definitions and methodology for the waste, zero waste 
to landfill, water and raw materials from sustainable sources in polymer 
ranges indicators

Assurance 
standard and 
level of assurance

We performed a limited assurance engagement, in accordance with the 
International Standard on Assurance Engagements ISAE 3000 (Revised) ‘Assurance 
Engagements other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information’.

The procedures performed in a limited assurance engagement vary in nature and 
timing from, and are less in extent than, for a reasonable assurance engagement 
and consequently, the level of assurance obtained in a limited assurance 
engagement is substantially lower than the assurance that would have been 
obtained had a reasonable assurance engagement been performed.

Respective 
responsibilities

Essentra is responsible for preparing the Annual Report and for the collection and 
presentation of the information within it.

ERM CVS’ responsibility is to provide conclusions to Essentra on the agreed scope 
based on our engagement terms with Essentra, the assurance activities performed 
and exercising our professional judgement. We accept no responsibility, and deny 
any liability, to any party other than Essentra for the conclusions we have reached.

133

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
The limitations of our engagement
The reliability of the assured information is subject to inherent uncertainties, given the available 
methods for determining, calculating or estimating the underlying information. It is important 
to understand our assurance conclusions in this context.

Our independence, integrity and quality control
ERM CVS is an independent certification and verification body accredited by UKAS to ISO 
17021:2015. Accordingly, we maintain a comprehensive system of quality control, including 
documented policies and procedures regarding compliance with ethical requirements, 
professional standards, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Our quality 
management system is at least as demanding as the relevant sections of ISQM-1 and ISQM-2 
(2022).

ERM CVS applies a Code of Conduct and related policies to ensure that its employees maintain 
integrity, objectivity, professional competence and high ethical standards in their work. Our 
processes are designed and implemented to ensure that the work we undertake is objective, 
impartial and free from bias and conflict of interest. Our certified management system 
covers independence and ethical requirements that are at least as demanding as the relevant 
sections of Parts A & B of the IESBA Code relating to assurance engagements.

The team that has undertaken this assurance engagement has extensive experience in 
conducting assurance on environmental, social, ethical and health and safety information, 
systems and processes, and provides no consultancy related services to Essentra in any respect.

Gareth Manning
Partner, Corporate Assurance
London, UK
28 March 2023
ERM Certification and Verification Services Limited
www.ermcvs.com | Email: post@ermcvs.com

INDEPENDENT LIMITED ASSURANCE STATEMENTS TO ESSENTRA PLC CONTINUED

Our conclusion
Based on our activities, as described below, nothing has come to our attention to indicate that 
the 2022 data and explanatory nots for the indicators listed under ‘Scope of our assurance 
engagement’ above are not fairly presented in the Annual Report, in all material respects, in 
accordance with the reporting criteria.

Emphasis of matter
We draw attention to the organisational boundary for the data presented on page 27 of the 
Annual Report, as described by Essentra in the notes to the data on page 27 of the Annual 
Report. This information should be taken into account by users of the Annual Report, but does 
not affect our conclusion.

Our assurance activities
Considering the level of assurance and our assessment of the risk of material misstatement 
of the 2022 data and explanatory notes for the indicators in the scope of our assurance 
engagement a multi-disciplinary team of sustainability and assurance specialists performed a 
range of procedures that included, but was not restricted to, the following:
•  Assessing the appropriateness of the reporting criteria for the indicators.

•  Conducting interviews with relevant Essentra staff to understand and evaluate the relevant 
management systems and processes (including internal review and control processes) used 
for measuring, collecting and reporting the indicators.

•  Performing an analytical review of the 2022 data for the indicators from Essentra sites 

included in the reporting boundary.

•  Conducting in-person and virtual sites to three Essentra sites in the United Kingdom, the 

United States of America and Thailand, to review site-level data management and reporting 
processes, and the consistency of reported 2022 data for the indicators with underlying 
source data and related information.

•  Examining supporting evidence for a sample of the 2022 activity data underlying the Scope 3 

GHG emissions.

•  Testing the accuracy of the GHG emissions calculations from the underlying activity 

data, including a review of the unit conversion factors and emissions factors used in these 
calculations.

•  Examining supporting evidence for the zero waste to landfill status of Essentra sites in 2022.

•  Examining supporting evidence for the percentage of raw materials from sustainable sources 

in polymer ranges in 2022.

•  Reviewing the accuracy of the data consolidation at the Essentra corporate level.

•  Reviewing the presentation of information relevant to the scope of our work in the Annual 

Report to ensure consistency with our findings.

134

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022INDEPENDENT LIMITED ASSURANCE STATEMENTS TO ESSENTRA PLC CONTINUED

Independent Limited Assurance 
Statement to Essentra plc 
(Components)
ERM Certification and Verification Services Limited (“ERM CVS”) 
was engaged by Essentra plc (“Essentra”) to provide limited 
assurance in relation to the selected information set out below and 
presented in Essentra’s Annual Report 2022 (the “Annual Report”).

Engagement summary

Scope of our 
assurance 
engagement

Whether the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 data and explanatory notes for the following 
indicators for Essentra’s Components Division presented on page 28 of the Annual 
Report are fairly presented, in all material respects, in accordance with the reporting 
criteria:

Reporting period

•  2019 (1st January 2019 – 31st December 2019)
•  2020 (1st January 2020 – 31st December 2020)
•  2021 (1st January 2021 – 31st December 2021)
•  2022 (1st January 2022 – 31st December 2022)

•  Total Scope 1 greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions
•  Total Scope 2 GHG emissions (location-based)
•  Total Scope 2 GHG emissions (market-based) 
•  Total Scope 3 GHG emissions from the following categories (2022 only):

 – Category 1: Purchased goods and services

 – Category 2: Capital goods

 – Category 3: Fuel- and energy-related activities

 – Category 4: Upstream transportation and distribution

 – Category 5: Waste generated in operations

 – Category 12: End-of-life treatment of sold products

•  Total solid hazardous and non-hazardous waste by destination (Recycling, 

Recovery, Incineration, Landfill)

•  Total liquid hazardous and non-hazardous waste by destination (Recycling, 

Recovery, Incineration, Landfill) (2020, 2021 and 2022 only)

•  Zero waste to landfill sites
•  Total water usage (2020, 2021 and 2022 only)
•  Percentage of raw materials from sustainable sources in polymer ranges 

(2022 only)

Our assurance engagement does not extend to information in respect of 
earlier periods or to any other information included in the Annual Report.

Reporting criteria

•  WBCSD/WRI GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (for 

the Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions)

•  WBCSD/WRI GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and 

Reporting Standard) (for the Scope 3 GHG emissions)

•  Essentra’s internal definitions and methodology for the waste, zero waste 
to landfill, water and raw materials from sustainable sources in polymer 
ranges indicators

Assurance 
standard and 
level of assurance

We performed a limited assurance engagement, in accordance with the 
International Standard on Assurance Engagements ISAE 3000 (Revised) ‘Assurance 
Engagements other than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information’.

The procedures performed in a limited assurance engagement vary in nature and 
timing from, and are less in extent than, for a reasonable assurance engagement 
and consequently, the level of assurance obtained in a limited assurance 
engagement is substantially lower than the assurance that would have been 
obtained had a reasonable assurance engagement been performed.

Respective 
responsibilities

Essentra is responsible for preparing the Annual Report and for the collection and 
presentation of the information within it.

ERM CVS’ responsibility is to provide conclusions to Essentra on the agreed scope 
based on our engagement terms with Essentra, the assurance activities performed 
and exercising our professional judgement. We accept no responsibility, and deny 
any liability, to any party other than Essentra for the conclusions we have reached.

135

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022INDEPENDENT LIMITED ASSURANCE STATEMENTS TO ESSENTRA PLC CONTINUED

Our conclusion
Based on our activities, as described below, nothing has come to our attention to indicate 
that the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 data and explanatory notes for the indicators listed under 
‘Scope of our assurance engagement’ above for Essentra’s Components Division are not fairly 
presented in the Annual Report, in all material respects, in accordance with the reporting 
criteria.

Emphasis of matter
We draw attention to the organisational boundary for the data presented on page 28 of the 
Annual Report, as described by Essentra in the notes to the data on page 28 of the Annual 
Report. This information should be taken into account by users of the Annual Report, but does 
not affect our conclusion.

The limitations of our engagement
The reliability of the assured information is subject to inherent uncertainties, given the available 
methods for determining, calculating or estimating the underlying information. It is important 
to understand our assurance conclusions in this context.

Our independence, integrity and quality control
ERM CVS is an independent certification and verification body accredited by UKAS to ISO 
17021:2015. Accordingly, we maintain a comprehensive system of quality control, including 
documented policies and procedures regarding compliance with ethical requirements, 
professional standards, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Our quality 
management system is at least as demanding as the relevant sections of ISQM-1 and ISQM-2 
(2022).

ERM CVS applies a Code of Conduct and related policies to ensure that its employees maintain 
integrity, objectivity, professional competence and high ethical standards in their work. Our 
processes are designed and implemented to ensure that the work we undertake is objective, 
impartial and free from bias and conflict of interest. Our certified management system 
covers independence and ethical requirements that are at least as demanding as the relevant 
sections of Parts A & B of the IESBA Code relating to assurance engagements.

The team that has undertaken this assurance engagement has extensive experience in 
conducting assurance on environmental, social, ethical and health and safety information, 
systems and processes, and provides no consultancy related services to Essentra in any respect.

Gareth Manning
Partner, Corporate Assurance
London, UK
28 March 2023
ERM Certification and Verification Services Limited
www.ermcvs.com | Email: post@ermcvs.com

Our assurance activities
Considering the level of assurance and our assessment of the risk of material misstatement 
of the 2022 data and explanatory notes for the indicators in the scope of our assurance 
engagement a multi-disciplinary team of sustainability and assurance specialists performed a 
range of procedures that included, but was not restricted to, the following:
•  Assessing the appropriateness of the reporting criteria for the indicators.

•  Conducting interviews with relevant Essentra staff to understand and evaluate the relevant 
management systems and processes (including internal review and control processes) used 
for measuring, collecting and reporting the indicators.

•  Performing an analytical review of the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 data for the indicators from 

Essentra sites included in the reporting boundary.

•  Conducting in-person and virtual sites to selected Essentra sites in its Components Division, 

to review site-level data management and reporting processes, and the consistency of 
reported 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 data for the indicators with underlying source data and 
related information.

•  Examining supporting evidence for a sample of the 2022 activity data underlying the Scope 3 

GHG emissions.

•  Testing the accuracy of the GHG emissions calculations from the underlying activity 

data, including a review of the unit conversion factors and emissions factors used in these 
calculations.

•  Examining supporting evidence for the zero waste to landfill status of Essentra sites in its 

Components Division for 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

•  Examining supporting evidence for the percentage of raw materials from sustainable sources 

in polymer ranges in 2022.

•  Reviewing the accuracy of the data consolidation at the Essentra corporate level.

•  Reviewing the presentation of information relevant to the scope of our work in the Annual 

Report to ensure consistency with our findings.

136

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

IN THIS 
SECTION

Consolidated Income Statement 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
 Critical Accounting Judgements and Estimates 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
Essentra plc Company Balance Sheet 
 Essentra plc Company Statement of Changes  
in Equity 
 Essentra plc Company Notes 
 Independent auditors’ report to the members  
of Essentra plc 

138
139
140
141
142
150
152
184

185
186

193

137
137

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Financial
Statements

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022Adjusted profit measure: continuing operations 

Note 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 

Adjusting items 

Adjusted operating profit3 

2 

2022 
£m 

(11.3) 

10.4 

26.0 

25.1 

20211 
£m 

7.7 

8.6 

10.1 

26.4 

Notes: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these 

operations have been re-presented as discontinued operations. See note 24 for details. 
2.   Includes impairment charge on trade receivables of £0.8m (2021: £0.7m). See note 19. 
3.  See note 27 for further details of the adjusted profit measure. 

20211 
£m 

301.7 

7.7 

2.1 

(16.9) 

(7.1) 

2.2 

(4.9) 

33.2 

28.3 

26.9 

1.4 

28.3 

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 

Consolidated Income Statement 
For the year ended 31 December 2022 

Revenue 

Operating (loss)/profit2 

Finance income 

Finance expense 

Loss before tax 

Income tax (expense)/credit 

Loss for the year from continuing operations 

Note 

1 

2 

3 

3 

4 

2022 
£m 

337.9 

(11.3) 

7.1 

(24.9) 

(29.1) 

(2.0) 

(31.1) 

(Loss)/profit from discontinued operations 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

24 

(152.7) 

(183.8) 

(188.0) 

4.2 

(183.8) 

6 

6 

6 

6 

(62.4)p 

(62.4)p 

8.9p 

8.9p 

(10.3)p 

(10.3)p 

(1.6)p 

(1.6)p 

Attributable to: 

Equity holders of Essentra plc 

Non-controlling interests 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

Earnings per share attributable to equity holders 
of	Essentra plc: 

Basic  

Diluted 

Earnings per share from continuing operations 
attributable to equity holders of Essentra plc: 

Basic  

Diluted 

138 
138

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 

Consolidated Income Statement 

For the year ended 31 December 2022 

Revenue 

Operating (loss)/profit2 

Finance income 

Finance expense 

Loss before tax 

Income tax (expense)/credit 

Loss for the year from continuing operations 

Earnings per share attributable to equity holders 

Attributable to: 

Equity holders of Essentra plc 

Non-controlling interests 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

of	Essentra plc: 

Basic  

Diluted 

Basic  

Diluted 

Earnings per share from continuing operations 

attributable to equity holders of Essentra plc: 

Note 

1 

2 

3 

3 

4 

6 

6 

6 

6 

2022 

£m 

337.9 

(11.3) 

7.1 

(24.9) 

(29.1) 

(2.0) 

(31.1) 

(188.0) 

4.2 

(183.8) 

20211 

£m 

301.7 

7.7 

2.1 

(7.1) 

2.2 

(4.9) 

33.2 

28.3 

26.9 

1.4 

28.3 

(62.4)p 

(62.4)p 

8.9p 

8.9p 

(10.3)p 

(10.3)p 

(1.6)p 

(1.6)p 

(Loss)/profit from discontinued operations 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

24 

(152.7) 

(183.8) 

Adjusted profit measure: continuing operations 

Note 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 

Adjusting items 

Adjusted operating profit3 

(16.9) 

Notes: 

2022 

£m 

(11.3) 

10.4 

26.0 

25.1 

20211 

£m 

7.7 

8.6 

10.1 

26.4 

1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these 

operations have been re-presented as discontinued operations. See note 24 for details. 

2.   Includes impairment charge on trade receivables of £0.8m (2021: £0.7m). See note 19. 

3.  See note 27 for further details of the adjusted profit measure. 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 
For the year ended 31 December 2022 

2 

Other comprehensive (expense)/income: 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years 

Remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes 

Deferred tax income/(expense) on remeasurement of defined benefit pension schemes 

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent years 

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges: 

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to the income statement 

Ineffective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges transferred to the income statement 

Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges 

Foreign exchange translation differences: 

Attributable to equity holders of Essentra plc: 

Arising on translation of foreign operations 

Recycling of foreign currency translation reserve 

Arising on effective net investment hedges 

Income tax credit 

Attributable to non-controlling interests 

Total other comprehensive expense for the year, net of tax 

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year 

Attributable to: 

Equity holders of Essentra plc 

Non-controlling interests 

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year 

Attributable to: 

Continuing operations 

Discontinued operations 

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year 

Note 

18 

4,16 

15 

15 

24 

4 

2022 
£m 

(183.8) 

20211 
£m 

28.3 

(20.5) 

5.1 

(15.4) 

(16.4) 

1.0 

16.1 

54.6 

(38.7) 

(21.7) 

0.9 

(0.1) 

(4.3) 

28.5 

(7.9) 

20.6 

(1.8) 

(0.5) 

0.9 

(23.4) 

– 

(0.4) 

0.4 

(0.1) 

(24.9) 

(19.7) 

(4.3) 

(203.5) 

24.0 

(207.6) 

4.1 

(203.5) 

(12.1) 

(191.4) 

(203.5) 

22.7 

1.3 

24.0 

(9.2) 

33.2 

24.0 

138 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

139

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

139 

Note: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these operations have been re-presented as discontinued operations. See note 24 for details. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 

Consolidated Balance Sheet 
At 31 December 2022 

Assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Lease right-of-use asset 

Investment properties 

Intangible assets 

Long-term receivables 

Derivative assets 

Deferred tax assets 

Retirement benefit assets 

Total non-current assets 

Inventories 

Income tax receivable 

Trade and other receivables 

Derivative assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

Equity 

Issued share capital 

Merger reserve 

Capital redemption reserve 

Other reserve 

Cash flow hedging reserve 

Translation reserve 

Retained earnings 

Attributable to equity holders of Essentra plc 

Non-controlling interests 

Total equity 

140 
140

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

31 December 
2022 
£m 

31 December 
2021 
£m 

Note 

Liabilities 

31 December 
2022 
£m 

31 December 
2021 
£m 

Note 

254.3 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

14, 19, 22 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

14, 19, 22 

7 

9 

7 

8 

19 

15, 19 

16 

18 

10 

11, 19 

15, 19 

12, 19, 22 

20 

65.2  

21.0  

7.0 

50.4 

Lease liabilities 

– 

Retirement benefit obligations 

206.6  

483.5 

Provisions 

11.6  

8.3  

11.7  

7.9  

5.2 

0.7 

11.6 

34.1 

Other financial liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

339.3  

839.8 

Lease liabilities 

128.7 

Derivative liabilities 

1.5 

Income tax payable 

175.2 

Trade and other payables 

0.5 

Other financial liabilities 

136.3 

Provisions 

442.2 

Total current liabilities 

1,282.0 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

65.0  

1.1  

66.4  

0.2  

421.4  

554.1  

893.4  

75.6  

385.2  

0.1  

22 

18 

17 

19 

16 

22 

15, 19 

13, 19 

19 

17 

85.0  

18.0  

18.5  

1.1  

2.4  

7.6  

132.6  

208.0  

4.9  

1.3  

16.2  

91.5  

24.1  

10.7  

356.7  

489.3  

893.4  

313.3 

46.1 

25.1 

2.5 

5.6 

45.3 

437.9 

– 

11.6 

0.1 

21.5 

180.9 

– 

1.1 

215.2 

653.1 

1,282.0 

75.6 

385.2 

0.1 

The consolidated financial statements on pages 137 to 183 were approved by the Board of Directors on 
28 March 2023 and were signed on its behalf by: 

21 

 (132.8) 

(132.8) 

21 

 (0.8) 

 (52.4) 

129.2  

404.1  

–  

404.1  

(1.5) 

(47.5) 

333.6 

612.7 

16.2 

628.9 

Scott Fawcett 
Chief Executive 

Jack Clarke 
Chief Financial Officer 

Company registration no: 05444653 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET 

Consolidated Balance Sheet 

At 31 December 2022 

Assets 

Property, plant and equipment 

Lease right-of-use asset 

Investment properties 

Intangible assets 

Long-term receivables 

Derivative assets 

Deferred tax assets 

Retirement benefit assets 

Total non-current assets 

Inventories 

Income tax receivable 

Trade and other receivables 

Derivative assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total current assets 

Total assets 

Equity 

Issued share capital 

Merger reserve 

Capital redemption reserve 

Other reserve 

Cash flow hedging reserve 

Translation reserve 

Retained earnings 

Non-controlling interests 

Total equity 

Attributable to equity holders of Essentra plc 

31 December 

31 December 

2021 

£m 

Liabilities 

254.3 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

50.4 

Lease liabilities 

– 

Retirement benefit obligations 

206.6  

483.5 

Provisions 

Other financial liabilities 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Total non-current liabilities 

5.2 

0.7 

11.6 

34.1 

128.7 

Derivative liabilities 

1.5 

Income tax payable 

175.2 

Trade and other payables 

0.5 

Other financial liabilities 

136.3 

Provisions 

442.2 

Total current liabilities 

1,282.0 

Total liabilities 

Total equity and liabilities 

Note 

7 

9 

7 

8 

19 

16 

18 

10 

15, 19 

11, 19 

15, 19 

12, 19, 22 

20 

21 

2022 

£m 

65.2  

21.0  

7.0 

11.6  

8.3  

11.7  

7.9  

65.0  

1.1  

66.4  

0.2  

421.4  

554.1  

893.4  

75.6  

385.2  

0.1  

 (0.8) 

 (52.4) 

129.2  

404.1  

–  

404.1  

75.6 

385.2 

0.1 

(1.5) 

(47.5) 

333.6 

612.7 

16.2 

628.9 

339.3  

839.8 

Lease liabilities 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

14, 19, 22 

The consolidated financial statements on pages 137 to 183 were approved by the Board of Directors on 

28 March 2023 and were signed on its behalf by: 

21 

 (132.8) 

(132.8) 

Scott Fawcett 

Chief Executive 

Jack Clarke 

Chief Financial Officer 

Company registration no: 05444653 

Note 

14, 19, 22 

22 

18 

17 

19 

16 

22 

15, 19 

13, 19 

19 

17 

31 December 

31 December 

2022 

£m 

85.0  

18.0  

18.5  

1.1  

2.4  

7.6  

132.6  

208.0  

4.9  

1.3  

16.2  

91.5  

24.1  

10.7  

356.7  

489.3  

893.4  

2021 

£m 

313.3 

46.1 

25.1 

2.5 

5.6 

45.3 

437.9 

– 

11.6 

0.1 

21.5 

180.9 

– 

1.1 

215.2 

653.1 

1,282.0 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 
For the year ended 31 December 2022 

At 1 January 2022 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

Other comprehensive expense 

Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the year 

Recycling of non-controlling interest 

Share option expense 

Tax relating to share-based incentives 

Net impact of IAS 292 

Dividends paid 

At 31 December 2022 

At 1 January 2021 

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income/(expense) 

Total comprehensive loss for the year 

Equity issue to non-controlling interest  

Share option expense 

Tax relating to share-based incentives 

Dividends paid 

At 31 December 2021 

Note 

Issued 
capital 
£m 

75.6 

Merger  
reserve 
£m 

385.2 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m 

Cash flow 
hedging and 
cost	of 
hedging 
reserves1 
£m 

Other 
reserve 
£m 

Translation 
reserve 
£m 

Retained 
earnings 
£m 

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m 

2022 

Total 
equity 
£m 

0.1 

(132.8) 

(1.5) 

(47.5) 

333.6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.7 

0.7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

24 

25 

– 

(188.0) 

16.2 

4.2 

628.9 

(183.8) 

(4.9) 

(15.4) 

(0.1) 

(19.7) 

(4.9) 

(203.4) 

4.1 

(203.5) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

3.1 

(0.6) 

15.5 

(18.4) 

(18.4) 

– 

– 

– 

3.1 

(0.6) 

15.5 

(19.0) 

(1.9) 

(20.9) 

75.6 

385.2 

0.1 

(132.8) 

(0.8) 

(52.4) 

129.2 

– 

404.1 

Note 

Issued 
capital 
£m 

75.6 

Merger  
reserve 
£m 

385.2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

25 

Capital  
redemption  
reserve 
£m 

Other 
reserve 
£m 

Cash flow  
hedging and 
of 
cost
hedging 
reserves1 
£m 

Translation  
reserve 
£m 

Retained  
earnings 
£m 

Non-
controlling 
interests 
£m 

0.1 

(132.8) 

(0.1) 

(24.1) 

300.8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1.4) 

(1.4) 

– 

(23.4) 

(23.4) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

26.9 

20.6 

47.5 

– 

0.8 

0.5 

(16.0) 

13.3 

1.4 

(0.1) 

1.3 

3.1 

– 

– 

75.6 

385.2 

0.1 

(132.8) 

(1.5) 

(47.5) 

333.6 

(1.5) 

16.2 

(17.5) 

628.9 

2021 

Total 
equity 
£m 

618.0 

28.3 

(4.3) 

24.0 

3.1 

0.8 

0.5 

140 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

141

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

141 

Notes: 
1.  See note 15 for details of hedging reserve movements in relation to derivatives. 
2.  The Group applied IAS 29 ‘Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies’ for the first time during the year to 31 December 2022. See ‘Changes in accounting policies’ under note (a) ‘basis of preparation’ for further details of the net impact on retained earnings. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 
For the year ended 31 December 2022 

Operating activities 

(Loss)/profit for the year from: 

Continuing operations 

Discontinued operations 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

Adjustments for: 

Income tax (credit)/expense 

Net finance expense 

Intangible amortisation 

Adjusting items 

Loss on business disposals 

Impairment of acquired intangible assets 
on discontinued operations 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Lease right-of-use asset depreciation 

Loss on disposal of right of use asset 

Loss on disposal of fixed assets 

Impairment of fixed assets 

Share option expense 

Hedging activities and other movements 

Increase in inventories 

Increase in trade and other receivables 

Decrease in trade and other payables 

Cash outflow in respect of adjusting items 

Movement in provisions 

Adjustment for pension contributions 

Movement due to hyperinflation 

Cash inflow from operating activities 

Income tax paid 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

142 
142

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

Note 

2022 
£m 

20211 
£m 

Note 

2022 
£m 

20211 
£m 

4 

3 

2,8 

2 

24 

7 

9 

5,18 

(31.1) 

(152.7) 

(183.8) 

(2.0) 

18.4 

19.6 

26.0 

19.0 

182.7 

29.5 

10.1 

0.2 

0.3 

0.5 

2.6 

0.8 

(27.4) 

(35.5) 

41.2 

(23.7) 

1.0 

0.2  

(3.2) 

76.5 

(12.5) 

64.0 

33.2 

28.3 

4.9 

16.5 

25.0 

10.1 

– 

– 

36.6 

12.0 

– 

– 

0.5 

0.8 

(0.5) 

(28.3) 

(27.9) 

26.3 

(23.9) 

(0.2) 

(4.8) 

– 

75.4 

(12.2) 

63.2 

Investing activities 

Interest received 

(4.9) 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment3 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 

Payments for non-acquired intangible assets 

Acquisition of businesses net of cash acquired2 

Proceeds from sale of businesses net of cash disposed2 

Cash outflow from costs on business disposals 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities 

Financing activities 

Interest paid 

Dividends paid to equity holders 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests 

Arrangement fee paid for financing activities 

Repayments of long-term loans 

Proceeds from long-term loans 

Proceeds from early settlement of derivative contracts 

Lease liability principal repayments 

Proceeds from equity issue to non-controlling interests 

Net cash outflow from financing activities 

23 

24 

2.3 

(39.7) 

0.5 

(1.0) 

(27.9) 

416.9 

(31.5) 

319.6 

(19.5) 

(19.0) 

(1.9) 

– 

0.4 

(38.5) 

8.9 

(3.2) 

(14.6) 

– 

– 

(47.0) 

(11.0) 

(16.0) 

(1.5) 

(4.4) 

(124.2) 

(182.5) 

65.0 

6.5 

(11.5) 

– 

(104.6) 

211.4 

– 

(12.8) 

3.1 

(13.7) 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

22 

279.0 

2.5 

Net cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Net effect of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents 

Net cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

12,22 

136.3 

279.0 

6.1 

421.4 

135.8 

2.5 

(2.0) 

136.3 

Notes: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these 

operations have been re-presented as discontinued operations. See note 24 for details. 

2.  Acquisition of businesses is net of cash acquired of £3.5m (2021: £nil). See note 23. Proceeds from sale of businesses is net of cash 

disposed of £45.7m. See note 24. 

3.  Acquisition of property, plant and equipment Includes capex accrual movements of £0.4m (2021: £0.3m). 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

For the year ended 31 December 2022 

Operating activities 

(Loss)/profit for the year from: 

Continuing operations 

Discontinued operations 

(Loss)/profit for the year 

Adjustments for: 

Income tax (credit)/expense 

Net finance expense 

Intangible amortisation 

Adjusting items 

Loss on business disposals 

Impairment of acquired intangible assets 

on discontinued operations 

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Lease right-of-use asset depreciation 

Loss on disposal of right of use asset 

Loss on disposal of fixed assets 

Impairment of fixed assets 

Share option expense 

Hedging activities and other movements 

Increase in inventories 

Increase in trade and other receivables 

Decrease in trade and other payables 

Cash outflow in respect of adjusting items 

Movement in provisions 

Adjustment for pension contributions 

Movement due to hyperinflation 

Cash inflow from operating activities 

Income tax paid 

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Note 

2022 

£m 

20211 

£m 

Note 

2022 

£m 

20211 

£m 

Investing activities 

Interest received 

(4.9) 

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment3 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 

Payments for non-acquired intangible assets 

Acquisition of businesses net of cash acquired2 

Proceeds from sale of businesses net of cash disposed2 

Cash outflow from costs on business disposals 

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from investing activities 

Financing activities 

Interest paid 

Dividends paid to equity holders 

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests 

Arrangement fee paid for financing activities 

Repayments of long-term loans 

Proceeds from long-term loans 

Proceeds from early settlement of derivative contracts 

Lease liability principal repayments 

Proceeds from equity issue to non-controlling interests 

Net cash outflow from financing activities 

4 

3 

2,8 

2 

24 

7 

9 

5,18 

(31.1) 

(152.7) 

(183.8) 

(2.0) 

18.4 

19.6 

26.0 

19.0 

182.7 

29.5 

10.1 

0.2 

0.3 

0.5 

2.6 

0.8 

(27.4) 

(35.5) 

41.2 

(23.7) 

1.0 

0.2  

(3.2) 

76.5 

(12.5) 

64.0 

33.2 

28.3 

4.9 

16.5 

25.0 

10.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

36.6 

12.0 

0.5 

0.8 

(0.5) 

(28.3) 

(27.9) 

26.3 

(23.9) 

(0.2) 

(4.8) 

– 

75.4 

(12.2) 

63.2 

23 

24 

2.3 

(39.7) 

0.5 

(1.0) 

(27.9) 

416.9 

(31.5) 

319.6 

(19.5) 

(19.0) 

(1.9) 

– 

65.0 

6.5 

(11.5) 

– 

(104.6) 

136.3 

279.0 

6.1 

421.4 

0.4 

(38.5) 

8.9 

(3.2) 

(14.6) 

– 

– 

(47.0) 

(11.0) 

(16.0) 

(1.5) 

(4.4) 

211.4 

– 

(12.8) 

3.1 

(13.7) 

135.8 

2.5 

(2.0) 

136.3 

(124.2) 

(182.5) 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

22 

279.0 

2.5 

Net cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Net effect of currency translation on cash and cash equivalents 

Net cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

12,22 

Notes: 

1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these 

operations have been re-presented as discontinued operations. See note 24 for details. 

2.  Acquisition of businesses is net of cash acquired of £3.5m (2021: £nil). See note 23. Proceeds from sale of businesses is net of cash 

disposed of £45.7m. See note 24. 

3.  Acquisition of property, plant and equipment Includes capex accrual movements of £0.4m (2021: £0.3m). 

BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

Basis of Preparation and Principal Accounting Policies  
Accounting Policies 
a  Basis of preparation 
Essentra plc is a public company limited by shares that is incorporated and domiciled in England and 
Wales (registration no 05444653). The address of its registered office is Langford Locks, Kidlington, 
Oxford, OX5 1HX, United Kingdom. The Company’s ordinary shares are publicly traded on the London 
Stock Exchange. For the purposes of these consolidated financial statements “Essentra” or “the 
Group” means Essentra plc (“the Company”) and its subsidiaries. 

The Group’s principal activities are focused on the manufacture and distribution of a comprehensive 
range of components, used in diverse industrial applications and end-markets. 

The Group’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 have been 
prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards and comply with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006. 

These consolidated financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention unless 
otherwise stated.  

The Company has elected to prepare its individual company financial statements in accordance with 
Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (‘FRS 101’); these are presented on 
pages 184 to 192. 

The principal accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for 
the year ended 31 December 2022 are detailed below. These policies, except those set out below under 
the heading ‘Changes in accounting policies’ adopted during the year, have been consistently applied 
to all periods presented. 

On 1 October 2022, the Group completed its sale of ESNT Packaging & Securing Solutions Limited and 
Essentra Packaging US Inc and their respective subsidiary companies (together the ‘Packaging 
business’). On 3 December 2022, the Group also completed the sale
and its respective subsidiary companies (the ‘Filters business’). The results of the Packaging business 
and the Filters business have been classified as discontinued operations at 31 December 2022 and 
comparative information has been re-presented. 

of Essentra Filter Holdings Limited 

In preparing the consolidated financial statements management have taken into account the 
potential effects of climate changes including medium to longer term transitional risks resulting from 
the relative uncertainty created by the global shift towards a more sustainable, net-zero economy, 
which include regulatory, geopolitical and social pressures that may impact the operations of the 
business in future.  Management have considered the potential effects of climate related changes in 
its assessment of going concern, longer-term viability of the business, in preparing the Group’s future 
cash flow forecasts underpinning impairment testing, and in its assessment of the residual values of 
property, plant and equipment and have determined that there is no material impact on these 
financial statement items. 

Going concern 
The Directors have prepared the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 
2022 on a going concern basis. In adopting the going concern basis, the Directors have considered the 
Group’s balance sheet position, forecast earnings and cash flows for a period of at least 18 months 
from the date of approval of these consolidated financial statements. The disposal of the Packaging 
business and Filters business have been included in the Directors’ going concern assessment. 

Information regarding the financial position of the Group, its cash flows, liquidity position, and 
borrowing facilities are described in the Financial Review on pages 47 to 49. In addition, note 19 to
financial statements includes the Group’s objectives, policies and processes for managing  

the 

its capital, its financial risk management objectives, details of its financial instruments and hedging 
activities and exposures to credit, market and liquidity risk. Cash balances and borrowings are detailed 
in note 22. 

At 31 December 2022, the Group’s external financing arrangements amounted to £491.7m, 
comprising
expiry
of

United States Private Placement Loan Notes (USPP) of US$350.0m (with a range of 
dates from November 2024 to July 2033) and a multi-currency revolving credit facility (RCF) 

£200.0m (expiring in November 2025).  

On 1 October 2022, the Group completed its disposal of the Packaging business and on 3 December 
2022, the Group completed of the disposal of the Filters business. In December 2022 the Group repaid 
its RCF loan to £nil, and continues to maintain a facility of £200.0m. Furthermore, as a consequence 
of the business disposals, the Group was required to repay $247m of its USPP Loan Notes, classified as 
current liabilities at the balance sheet date, which were repaid in full during January 2023. 

No amount was drawn under the RCF as at 31 December 2022, with the available undrawn balance 
amounting to £200.0m. The facility is subject to two covenants, which are tested semi-annually: 
debt to EBITDA (leverage) and EBITA to net finance charges. Despite the significant economic 
net
operational challenges in the recent years, the Group has not sought to change either of the 
and
two
covenants. The Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks and, 
after making enquiries including a review of forecasts and predictions, taking account of reasonably 
possible changes in trading performances and considering the existing borrowing facilities, including 
the available liquidity, have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to 
continue in operational existence for at least the next 18 months following the date of approval of the 
financial statements, and no breaches of covenants are expected.  

As part of the going concern assessment, the Board has considered a downside scenario that includes 
reasonably plausible changes in macro-economic conditions and is considered to represent a severe 
but plausible scenario. The results of this scenario show that there is sufficient liquidity in the business 
for a period of at least 18 months from the date of approval of these financial statements, and do not 
indicate any covenant breach during the test period. The downside scenario assumes a period of 
supressed revenue growth into the latter part of 2023 and subsequently limits growth in 2024. Further, 
the downside scenario assumes a high inflationary cost environment not fully offset by price increases, 
and higher than planned cost base assuming the business does not right-size costs in line with 
expectations, as the Group transitions to a pure-play Components business. The financial impact of 
the downside scenario in 2023 and 2024 is to reduce adjusted operating profits by 45% and 4% 
respectively compared to the Groups strategic plan. 

31 December 2021. Adjusting for the repayment of borrowings of $247m in January 2023, planned 

The overall level of liquidity (defined as available undrawn borrowing facility plus cash and cash 
equivalent) at 31 December 2022 was £621.4m, which was significantly higher than the £352.1m as 
at
special dividend of £90m, and planned share buyback programme of £60m, this still leaves overall 
liquidity at £265.6m. Capital expenditure, sales and general overhead, and working capital will 
continue to be managed closely to ensure sufficient liquidity. 

The scenarios do not indicate a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt over the 
Company’s and Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. Based on these, and taking into 
consideration the risks detailed in note 19, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the 
Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, and 
accordingly have adopted the going concern basis in preparing the consolidated financial statements. 
This disclosure has been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Council’s UK Corporate 
Governance Code. 

142 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

143

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

143 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

a  Basis of preparation ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Changes in accounting policies 
(i)  Application of IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies 
During 2022, the Group held trade and assets denominated in Turkish Lira where IAS 29 has been 
applied for the first time. The Components division’s business in Turkey holds property, plant and 
equipment, intangible assets, lease right-of-use assets and inventory that are classed as non-
monetary and, along with any associated deferred tax, must be adjusted for the effect of inflation 
every reporting period. The income statement must be adjusted for the Consumer Price Index since 
the date
of the transaction. The application of the standard has a material impact on the 
consolidated financial statements which includes the results and financial position of its Turkey 
operations restated to the measuring unit current at the end of the period. 

A summary of the impact on the consolidated balance sheet is shown below: 

(iii) Other pronouncements 
The Group adopted the following new pronouncements with effect from 1 January 2022, which did not 
have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements: 

•  Amendments to IAS 16 – Property Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before intended use; 

•  Amendments to IAS 37 – Onerous Contracts: Cost of Fulfilling a Contract; 

•  Amendments to IFRS 3 – Reference to the Conceptual Framework; and 

•  Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018 – 2020 Cycle. 

The following new standards and amendments to standards issued before 31 December 2022 with 
effective date on or after 1 January 2023 which are not expected to have a material impact on 
an
Group’s consolidated financial statements, have not been early adopted by the Group:  
the

As at 
31	December 
2022 
£m 

• 

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts and Amendments to IFRS 17 

•  Amendments to IAS 12 – Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities Arising from a 

Single	Transaction; 

Goodwill 

Intangibles 

Property, plant & equipment 

Lease right-of-use asset 

Inventory 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Impact on net assets 

Favourable impact on income statement1 

Increase in equity 

Total equity 

10.3  

3.6 

3.2 

2.7 

0.4 

(2.2) 

18.0  

2.5 

15.5  

18.0 

Note: 
1.  For the year ended 31 December 2022, a monetary gain of £3.2m was included within net finance expense. 

(ii) Application of IAS40 Investment Properties 
During 2022, the Group transferred property with a carrying amount of £7.0m from Property, Plant 
and Equipment to Investment Property. Investment properties are measured initially at cost less 
accumulated depreciation (on a straight-line basis) and impairment losses. 

The application of the standard had no effect on the income statement for the year and no amounts 
were required to be restated in respect of prior years. 

•  Amendments to IAS 1 – Disclosure of Accounting Policies; and 

•  Amendment to IAS 8 – Definition of Accounting Estimates  

b  Principal accounting policies   
Basis of consolidation 
(i)  Subsidiaries 
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by Essentra. Control exists when Essentra is exposed, or has rights, 
to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns 
through its power over the investee. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the 
consolidated financial statements of the Group from the date that control commences until the date 
that control ceases.  

Non-controlling interests (NCI) are measured at their proportionate share of the investee’s identifiable 
net assets at the date of acquisition.  

When the group losses control of a subsidiary, it derecognises the net assets of the subsidiary together 
with any NCI and other related components of equity. Any resulting gain or loss on disposal is 
recognised in the consolidated income statement. On 3 December 2022, the Group completed the 
sale of Essentra Filter Holdings Limited and its respective subsidiary companies (the ‘Filters business’) 
which included the Group’s investments in ITC Essentra Limited (India) (50% owned) and China 
Tobacco Essentra (Xiamen) Filters Co., Ltd (China) (49% owned). 

Previously, the ownership held by the Group in these companies through its holding of ordinary shares 
were accounted for as subsidiaries of the Group in the consolidated financial statements due to the 
control achieved via board membership. Following the disposal of the Group’s investments in India 
and China as part of the wider Filters business disposal, the associated balance of NCI arising on 
consolidation was derecognised. 

(ii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation 
Intragroup balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expense arising from 
intragroup transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.  

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ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
	
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
consolidated financial statements which includes the results and financial position of its Turkey 

•  Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2018 – 2020 Cycle. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

a  Basis of preparation ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

Changes in accounting policies 

(i)  Application of IAS 29 Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies 

During 2022, the Group held trade and assets denominated in Turkish Lira where IAS 29 has been 

applied for the first time. The Components division’s business in Turkey holds property, plant and 

equipment, intangible assets, lease right-of-use assets and inventory that are classed as non-

monetary and, along with any associated deferred tax, must be adjusted for the effect of inflation 

every reporting period. The income statement must be adjusted for the Consumer Price Index since 

the date

of the transaction. The application of the standard has a material impact on the 

operations restated to the measuring unit current at the end of the period. 

A summary of the impact on the consolidated balance sheet is shown below: 

Goodwill 

Intangibles 

Property, plant & equipment 

Lease right-of-use asset 

Inventory 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Impact on net assets 

Favourable impact on income statement1 

Increase in equity 

Total equity 

Note: 

1.  For the year ended 31 December 2022, a monetary gain of £3.2m was included within net finance expense. 

(ii) Application of IAS40 Investment Properties 

During 2022, the Group transferred property with a carrying amount of £7.0m from Property, Plant 

and Equipment to Investment Property. Investment properties are measured initially at cost less 

accumulated depreciation (on a straight-line basis) and impairment losses. 

The application of the standard had no effect on the income statement for the year and no amounts 

were required to be restated in respect of prior years. 

2022 

£m 

10.3  

3.6 

3.2 

2.7 

0.4 

18.0  

2.5 

15.5  

18.0 

(iii) Other pronouncements 

The Group adopted the following new pronouncements with effect from 1 January 2022, which did not 

have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements: 

•  Amendments to IAS 16 – Property Plant and Equipment: Proceeds before intended use; 

•  Amendments to IAS 37 – Onerous Contracts: Cost of Fulfilling a Contract; 

•  Amendments to IFRS 3 – Reference to the Conceptual Framework; and 

The following new standards and amendments to standards issued before 31 December 2022 with 

an

effective date on or after 1 January 2023 which are not expected to have a material impact on 

the

Group’s consolidated financial statements, have not been early adopted by the Group:  

As at 

31	December 

• 

IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts and Amendments to IFRS 17 

•  Amendments to IAS 12 – Deferred Tax Related to Assets and Liabilities Arising from a 

Single	Transaction; 

•  Amendments to IAS 1 – Disclosure of Accounting Policies; and 

•  Amendment to IAS 8 – Definition of Accounting Estimates  

b  Principal accounting policies   

Basis of consolidation 

(2.2) 

(i)  Subsidiaries 

Subsidiaries are entities controlled by Essentra. Control exists when Essentra is exposed, or has rights, 

to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns 

through its power over the investee. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the 

consolidated financial statements of the Group from the date that control commences until the date 

that control ceases.  

Non-controlling interests (NCI) are measured at their proportionate share of the investee’s identifiable 

net assets at the date of acquisition.  

When the group losses control of a subsidiary, it derecognises the net assets of the subsidiary together 

with any NCI and other related components of equity. Any resulting gain or loss on disposal is 

recognised in the consolidated income statement. On 3 December 2022, the Group completed the 

sale of Essentra Filter Holdings Limited and its respective subsidiary companies (the ‘Filters business’) 

which included the Group’s investments in ITC Essentra Limited (India) (50% owned) and China 

Tobacco Essentra (Xiamen) Filters Co., Ltd (China) (49% owned). 

Previously, the ownership held by the Group in these companies through its holding of ordinary shares 

were accounted for as subsidiaries of the Group in the consolidated financial statements due to the 

control achieved via board membership. Following the disposal of the Group’s investments in India 

and China as part of the wider Filters business disposal, the associated balance of NCI arising on 

consolidation was derecognised. 

(ii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation 

Intragroup balances and any unrealised gains and losses or income and expense arising from 

intragroup transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial statements.  

BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

b  Principal accounting policies  ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Foreign currency  
With the exception of the financial statements of the Group’s foreign operations in hyperinflationary 
economies (see ‘Adjustments for hyperinflation’ below), items included in the financial statements 
the Group’s subsidiaries are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment 
of
in
which the subsidiary operates (“functional currency”). The consolidated financial statements are 
presented in sterling (the functional currency of the Company). On disposal of a foreign operation, 
the deferred cumulative amount recognised in equity relating to that particular operation is 
recognised in the consolidated income statement as part of the gain/loss on disposal. 

(i)  Foreign currency transactions 
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange at the date of the transaction. 
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are 
translated into sterling at the exchange rate ruling at that date and recognised in the income 
statement unless hedge accounting criteria apply (see policy for financial instruments).  

(ii) Financial statements of foreign operations 
The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising 
on
at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated into 
sterling at average exchange rates.  

consolidation, are translated from their functional currency into sterling at the exchange rate ruling 

(iii) Net investment in foreign operations 
Exchange differences on retranslation at the closing rate of the opening balances of overseas entities 
are taken to other comprehensive income, as are exchange differences arising on related foreign 
currency borrowings and derivatives designated as net investment hedges, to the extent that they are 
effective. Other exchange differences are taken to the income statement. Differences arising prior to 
1

January 2004 are included in retained earnings. 

(iv) Adjustments for hyperinflation 
The Group applies hyperinflationary accounting to the financial statements of foreign operations that 
meet the requirements to be designated a hyperinflationary economy as specified in IAS 29 Financial 
Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies. In accordance with IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign 
Exchange Rates, comparative amounts are not restated. 

Under IAS 29, the results and non-monetary asset and liability balances are revalued to present value 
equivalent local currency amounts, based on an inflation index, before translation to sterling at the 
reporting-date exchange rates. The gain or loss on net monetary assets resulting from the application 
of IAS 29 is recognised in the consolidated income statement within net finance expense. Subsequent 
IAS 29 equity restatement effects and the impact of currency movements are presented under 
amounts arising on translation of foreign operations within other comprehensive income. The Group 
also presents the gain or loss on cash and cash equivalents as monetary items together with the 
effect of inflation as operating, investing and financing cash flows in the consolidated statement of 
cash flows.  

The Components division’s foreign operations in Turkey were designated as hyperinflationary during 
the year ended 31 December 2022. The Group has therefore applied hyperinflationary accounting, 
specified in IAS 29, to its Turkish operations whose functional currency is the Turkish lira for the 
as
reporting period ended 31 December 2022. For further details of the main effects to the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements, refer to note (a) ‘Application of IAS 29 Financial Reporting in 
Hyperinflationary Economies’. 

Alternative performance measures 
The consolidated financial statements provide further disclosures and measures of financial 
performance, including adjusted operating profit and adjusted earnings per share, which are not 
defined or specified in accordance with UK adopted International Financial Reporting Standards. 
The
presentation of alternative performance measures enables management to reflect the 
underlying
more

performance of the continuing operations of the Group and provides investors with a 
meaningful comparison of how the business is managed and measured on a periodic basis. 

Adjusting items are separately presented from other items by virtue of their nature, size and/or 
incidence. They are identified separately in order for the reader to obtain a clearer understanding of 
the underlying results of the ongoing Group’s operations, by excluding items which, in management’s 
view, do not form part of the Group’s underlying operating results, such as gains, losses or costs 
arising from business acquisition and disposal activities, significant restructuring and closure costs, 
and costs of major Software as a Service projects, and items which are non-recurring or one-off in 
nature (such as the costs of fundamental strategic review and reorganisation). Operating profit 
before adjusting items and acquired intangible amortisation is called adjusted operating profit, which 
forms the primary basis for management’s review and assessment of operational performance of the 
Group’s businesses.  

businesses 

(i) Expense/(credit) relating to acquisitions, disposals and restructuring following disposals 
of
In 2022, Essentra incurred advisory and reorganisation costs in relation to major restructuring activities 
to “right size” the continuing operations of the business following the disposal of the Filters and 
Packaging businesses. These costs do not include costs relating to the disposal of those businesses, 
which form part of the result from discontinued operations (refer to note 24). 

In 2022, Essentra acquired the Wixroyd Group, incurring one-off acquisition related costs (refer to 
note

23). 

In 2021, Essentra acquired Jiangxi Hengzhu Electrical Cabinet Lock Co., Ltd (‘‘Hengzhu’’), incurring 
one-off acquisition related costs (refer to note 23). 

(ii) Acquisition integration and restructuring costs 
These relate to costs incurred on the integration of acquired businesses and restructuring associated 
with acquisitions. 

(iii) Customisation and configuration costs of significant Software as a Service (“SaaS”) 
arrangements 
These relate to costs incurred on implementation (customisation and configuration) of significant 
“software as a service” (“SaaS”) arrangements. In the view of management, these are investments to 
upgrade the Group’s technical capabilities and therefore their costs are excluded from adjusted 
operating profit. 

(iv) Defined benefit pension scheme charges (from 2022) 
These relate to costs incurred in relation to defined benefit pension scheme charges which, following 
the completion of the strategic review, no longer pertain to employees of the continuing Group and 
are therefore excluded from adjusted operating profit. 

(v) Other adjusting items 
In 2022 this comprised costs In respect of the write-down of centrally held IT assets following the 
completion of the strategic review, and costs of restructuring activities within the continuing 
European and Americas businesses, offset by a credit relating to adjustments to the carrying value 
of

right-of-use assets. 

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BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

b  Principal accounting policies  ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
In 2021 this represented advisory and professional fees in relation to strategic reviews of the on-going 
business and the now disposed Group’s Filters and Packaging businesses. Components restructuring 
comprised costs in relation to restructuring activities within the European and Americas businesses, 
offset by the reversal of certain provisions, and a credit relating to adjustments to the carrying value 
of lease right-of-use assets. 

Further details of the Group’s adjusting items are included in note 2. The Group has also provided 
a reconciliation of its adjusted performance measures in note 27 to the consolidated financial 
statements. 

Assets and disposal groups held for sale and discontinued operations 
Non-current assets, or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, are classified as held-for-sale 
if it is highly probable that they will be recovered primarily through sale rather than through 
continuing use. Such assets, or disposal groups, are generally measured at the lower of their carrying 
amount and fair value less costs to sell. Impairment losses on initial classification as held-for-sale and 
subsequent gains and losses on remeasurement are recognised in profit or loss. 

A disposal group qualifies as a discontinued operation if it is a component of an entity that either has 
been disposed of, or is classified as held for sale, and: 

• 

• 

• 

represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations; or 

is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or 
geographical area of operations; or 

is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale. 

Discontinued operations are excluded from the results of continuing operations and are presented as 
single amount as profit or loss after tax from discontinued operations in the income statement. 
a

Segment reporting 
A segment is identified on the basis of internal reports that are regularly reviewed by the Group 
Management Committee (identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker) in order to allocate 
resources to the segment and assess its performance.  

Revenue 
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised in the income statement net of expected discounts, 
rebates, refunds, credits, price concessions or other similar items, when the associated performance 
obligation has been satisfied, and control of the goods has been transferred to the customer.  

A significant part of the Group’s businesses sell goods on an ex-works basis, where the Group as 
makes its goods ready for collection at its premises on an agreed upon sales date and the 
seller
buyer
incurs all transportation and handling costs and bears the risks for bringing the goods to their 
chosen destination.  

Where the Group operates non ex-works terms with customers, revenue is recognised when the 
control of the goods has been transferred to the customer. These terms include consignment stock 
agreements, where revenue is recognised upon the customer removing goods from consignment 
stock

provided the relevant conditions for revenue recognition are met. 

Each customer arrangement/contract is assessed to identify the performance obligations being 
provided to the customer. Where distinct performance obligations are deemed to exist, an element 
of

revenue is apportioned to that obligation.  

Government grants 
Government grants are recognised when it is reasonable to expect that the grants will be received 
that all related conditions will be met, usually on submission of a valid claim for payment. 
and
Government grants in respect of capital expenditure are included within the carrying amount of the 

146 
146

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

related property, plant and equipment and are released to the consolidated income statement on 
a

straight line basis over the expected useful lives of the relevant assets.  

Government grants that compensate the Group for expenses incurred are credited to the consolidated 
income statement so as to match them with the expenditure to which they relate. 

Finance income and expense 
Finance income is recognised in the consolidated income statement as it accrues by reference to the 
principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable. 

Finance expense consists of interest and other expenses that are incurred in connection with the 
Group’s external financing arrangements and is recognised in the consolidated income statement 
it
as
accrues. Prepaid facility fees are amortised over the term of the related debt financing using 
effective interest method. Finance expense includes the interest portion of lease liabilities. 
the

Income tax 
Income tax in the consolidated income statement comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is 
recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in equity 
or other comprehensive income. 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year using the applicable tax 
rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date and any adjustment to tax payable 
in prior years. Deferred tax is provided, using the balance sheet liability method, on temporary 
differences arising between the tax bases and the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the 
financial statements. The following temporary differences are not provided for: goodwill not 
deductible for tax purposes, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting 
nor taxable profit or loss, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that 
they will not reverse in the foreseeable future.  

Deferred tax is determined using tax rates that are expected to apply when the related deferred tax 
asset or liability is settled, using the applicable tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the 
balance sheet dates. 

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will 
be available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent 
that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefits will be realised. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current 
tax assets against liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority 
and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis. 

Business combinations 
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Goodwill arising in a business 
combination represents the difference between the fair value of the assets given in consideration and 
the fair value of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed of the acquiree, at the 
date of acquisition.  

Costs attributable to acquisitions are expensed in the consolidated income statement. Given their 
one-off nature, these costs are generally presented within adjusting items. 

Where consideration for an acquisition includes any assets or liabilities resulting from a contingent 
consideration arrangement, the contingent consideration amount is measured at fair value at the 
acquisition date. Subsequent changes in the fair value of such contingent consideration is adjusted 
against the cost of acquisition where they result from additional information, obtained within one 
year from the acquisition date, about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. 
other subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent consideration classified as an asset or 
All
liability are recognised in the consolidated income statement. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

b  Principal accounting policies  ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

related property, plant and equipment and are released to the consolidated income statement on 

In 2021 this represented advisory and professional fees in relation to strategic reviews of the on-going 

a

straight line basis over the expected useful lives of the relevant assets.  

business and the now disposed Group’s Filters and Packaging businesses. Components restructuring 

comprised costs in relation to restructuring activities within the European and Americas businesses, 

offset by the reversal of certain provisions, and a credit relating to adjustments to the carrying value 

of lease right-of-use assets. 

Further details of the Group’s adjusting items are included in note 2. The Group has also provided 

a reconciliation of its adjusted performance measures in note 27 to the consolidated financial 

statements. 

Assets and disposal groups held for sale and discontinued operations 

Non-current assets, or disposal groups comprising assets and liabilities, are classified as held-for-sale 

if it is highly probable that they will be recovered primarily through sale rather than through 

continuing use. Such assets, or disposal groups, are generally measured at the lower of their carrying 

amount and fair value less costs to sell. Impairment losses on initial classification as held-for-sale and 

subsequent gains and losses on remeasurement are recognised in profit or loss. 

A disposal group qualifies as a discontinued operation if it is a component of an entity that either has 

been disposed of, or is classified as held for sale, and: 

represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations; or 

• 

• 

• 

geographical area of operations; or 

is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale. 

Government grants that compensate the Group for expenses incurred are credited to the consolidated 

income statement so as to match them with the expenditure to which they relate. 

Finance income and expense 

Finance income is recognised in the consolidated income statement as it accrues by reference to the 

principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable. 

Finance expense consists of interest and other expenses that are incurred in connection with the 

Group’s external financing arrangements and is recognised in the consolidated income statement 

as

it

accrues. Prepaid facility fees are amortised over the term of the related debt financing using 

the

effective interest method. Finance expense includes the interest portion of lease liabilities. 

Income tax 

Income tax in the consolidated income statement comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is 

recognised in the income statement except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in equity 

or other comprehensive income. 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year using the applicable tax 

rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date and any adjustment to tax payable 

in prior years. Deferred tax is provided, using the balance sheet liability method, on temporary 

financial statements. The following temporary differences are not provided for: goodwill not 

deductible for tax purposes, the initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting 

nor taxable profit or loss, and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that 

is part of a single co-ordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business or 

differences arising between the tax bases and the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the 

Discontinued operations are excluded from the results of continuing operations and are presented as 

a

single amount as profit or loss after tax from discontinued operations in the income statement. 

they will not reverse in the foreseeable future.  

Segment reporting 

A segment is identified on the basis of internal reports that are regularly reviewed by the Group 

Management Committee (identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker) in order to allocate 

balance sheet dates. 

Deferred tax is determined using tax rates that are expected to apply when the related deferred tax 

asset or liability is settled, using the applicable tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the 

resources to the segment and assess its performance.  

Revenue 

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised in the income statement net of expected discounts, 

rebates, refunds, credits, price concessions or other similar items, when the associated performance 

obligation has been satisfied, and control of the goods has been transferred to the customer.  

A significant part of the Group’s businesses sell goods on an ex-works basis, where the Group as 

seller

makes its goods ready for collection at its premises on an agreed upon sales date and the 

buyer

incurs all transportation and handling costs and bears the risks for bringing the goods to their 

chosen destination.  

Where the Group operates non ex-works terms with customers, revenue is recognised when the 

control of the goods has been transferred to the customer. These terms include consignment stock 

agreements, where revenue is recognised upon the customer removing goods from consignment 

stock

provided the relevant conditions for revenue recognition are met. 

Each customer arrangement/contract is assessed to identify the performance obligations being 

provided to the customer. Where distinct performance obligations are deemed to exist, an element 

of

revenue is apportioned to that obligation.  

Government grants 

Government grants are recognised when it is reasonable to expect that the grants will be received 

and

that all related conditions will be met, usually on submission of a valid claim for payment. 

Government grants in respect of capital expenditure are included within the carrying amount of the 

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will 

be available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent 

that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefits will be realised. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current 

tax assets against liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority 

and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis. 

Business combinations 

date of acquisition.  

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. Goodwill arising in a business 

combination represents the difference between the fair value of the assets given in consideration and 

the fair value of identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed of the acquiree, at the 

Costs attributable to acquisitions are expensed in the consolidated income statement. Given their 

one-off nature, these costs are generally presented within adjusting items. 

Where consideration for an acquisition includes any assets or liabilities resulting from a contingent 

consideration arrangement, the contingent consideration amount is measured at fair value at the 

acquisition date. Subsequent changes in the fair value of such contingent consideration is adjusted 

against the cost of acquisition where they result from additional information, obtained within one 

year from the acquisition date, about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. 

All

other subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent consideration classified as an asset or 

liability are recognised in the consolidated income statement. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

b  Principal accounting policies  ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Intangible assets  
(i) Goodwill 
Goodwill is initially recognised as an intangible asset at cost and subsequently measured at cost less 
accumulated impairment. Goodwill is allocated to the cash-generating unit (“CGU”) or group of 
CGUs expected to benefit from the synergies related to the business combination. 

(ii) Research and development 
Research costs are expensed to the income statement in the year in which they are incurred.  

Development costs relating to new products are capitalised when the Group is able to demonstrate 
the technical feasibility of completing the intangible asset so that it will be available for use or sale, 
its
intention to complete and its ability to use or sell the asset, how the asset will generate future 
economic benefits, the availability of resources to complete the asset and the ability to measure 
reliably the expenditure during development. 

(iii) Acquired intangible assets 
An intangible asset acquired in a business combination is recognised at fair value to the extent it is 
probable that the expected future economic benefits attributable to the asset will flow to the Group 
and that its cost can be measured reliably.  

Intangible assets principally relate to customer relationships, which are valued using discounted cash 
flows based on historical customer attrition rates, and developed technology, which is valued using 
an
income approach. The cost of intangible assets is amortised through the income statement on 
a

straight line basis over their estimated useful economic life. 

(iv) Other intangible assets 
Other intangible assets which are not acquired through a business combination (“non-acquired 
intangible assets”) are recognised at cost to the extent it is probable that the expected future 
economic benefits attributable to the asset will flow to the Group and that its cost can be measured 
reliably, and amortised on a straight line basis over their estimated useful economic life. 

SaaS arrangements are service contracts providing the Group with the right to access the cloud 
provider’s application software over the contract period. Costs incurred to configure or customise, 
and
the ongoing fees to obtain access to the cloud provider’s application software, are recognised 
as
of
systems
are
a

operating expenses when the services are received. Where costs incurred for the development 
software code enhances, modifies, or creates additional capability to, existing on-premise 

and meets the definition of and recognition criteria for an intangible asset, these costs 

as intangible software assets and amortised over the useful life of the software on 

straight-line basis. 

recognised

Intangibles are amortised over their estimated remaining useful lives on a straight-line basis at the 
following annual rates:  

Customer relationships 

Other intangibles – research and development 

Other intangibles – development of e-commerce 

6–12% 

7–20% 

10–20% 

Other intangibles – software and software development 

10–20% 

An impairment loss is recognised whenever the carrying amount of a non-financial asset or the CGU 
to which it belongs exceeds its recoverable amount, being the greater of value in use and fair value 
less costs to sell, and is recognised in the income statement. Value in use is estimated based on future 
cash flows discounted using a pre-tax discount rate based upon the Group’s weighted average cost 
of

capital. 

Financial assets are assessed for impairment using the expected credit loss model which requires 
expected credit losses and changes to expected credit losses at each reporting date to reflect changes 
in credit risk since initial recognition. Changes to the expected credit loss are recognised in the income 
statement. 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment 
losses. Previously revalued properties were treated as being held at deemed cost upon transition to 
adopted IFRS. 

Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment or other assets have different useful lives, 
they are accounted for as separate items. The carrying values of property, plant and equipment 
and
indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. 

other assets are periodically reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances 

Property, plant and equipment are depreciated over their estimated remaining useful lives on a 
straight line basis at the following annual rates:  

Land and buildings – Freehold land 

Not depreciated 

Land and buildings – Buildings 

2% or life of lease if shorter 

Plant and machinery 

Fixtures, fittings and equipment 

7–20% 

10–33% 

The assets’ useful lives and residual values are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance 
sheet date. 

Inventories 
Inventories are valued at the lower of standard cost and net realisable value. For work-in-progress and 
finished goods, standard cost includes an appropriate proportion of direct production labour costs and 
overheads attributable to bringing inventory items to their present location and condition, allocated 
by rates based upon a budgeted level of normal activity. Net realisable value is based on the 
estimated selling price net of the expected costs to sell. Provision is made for slow-moving, defective 
and obsolete items where appropriate. 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and fixed term investments whose maturities are 
three months or less from the date of acquisition. Bank overdrafts repayable on demand form an 
integral part of Essentra’s cash management and are included as part of cash and cash equivalents 
in

the statement of cash flows. 

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147 

Impairment  
All assets are reviewed regularly to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. Goodwill 
is tested for impairment annually.  

Loans and borrowings 
Loans and other borrowings are initially recorded at cost (which is equal to fair value at inception plus 
interest cost) and are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

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BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

b  Principal accounting policies  ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Trade and other receivables 
Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at 
amortised cost, which is generally equivalent to recognition at nominal value less impairment loss 
calculated using the expected loss model. 

The Group applies the simplified model to recognise lifetime expected credit losses for its trade and 
other receivables, including those due in greater than 12 months, by making an accounting policy 
election. The expected loss rate estimated for each ageing period is as follows: Current: 0.2%, 
Overdue
10%, Overdue 181-360 days: 50% and Overdue over 360 days: 100%.  

1-30 days: 0.5%, Overdue 31-60 days: 1%, Overdue 61-90 days: 5%, Overdue 91-180 days: 

Unhedged derivatives 
The movements in the fair value of derivatives which are not designated as an effective hedge 
relationships are charged/credited to the profit or loss. 

Lease liabilities and lease right-of-use assets 
Leases greater than 12 months in length, and those not of low-value, are recognised as a lease  
right-of-use asset with the associated future lease payment terms recognised as a lease liability. 
The
right-of-use assets and the associated lease liabilities are recognised by discounting the future 
lease payments at the rate implicit to the lease or, if the rate implicit to the lease cannot be readily 
determined, at the relevant incremental borrowing rate. 

Trade other payables 
Trade payables are non-interest bearing and are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently 
at

amortised cost. 

Determining the incremental borrowing rate incorporates three key elements: risk-free rate (reflecting 
specific country and currency), credit spread (reflecting the specific risk for each subsidiary within the 
Group) and an asset class adjustment (reflecting the variation in risk between asset categories). 

Deferred consideration 
Deferred consideration is recognised and held at fair value. Changes in its fair value are recognised 
in

profit or loss, within adjusting Items. 

Financial instruments 
(i) Financial assets 
Financial assets comprise trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, deferred 
consideration receivable and derivative financial instruments.  

(ii) Financial liabilities  
Financial liabilities comprise trade and other payables, deferred consideration payable, and
liabilities. 

financing 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings and other financial liabilities (excluding derivatives) are initially 
measured at cost (which is equal to fair value at inception plus issuance cost) and are subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, unless they are included in a hedge 
accounting relationship. See note 15 for separate disclosure of hedge types.  

(iii) Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting 
Derivatives are measured initially at fair value with any related transaction costs expensed as incurred. 
Subsequent measurement in the financial statements depends on the classification of the derivative 
as follows:  

Fair value hedges 
Where a derivative is used to hedge the foreign exchange exposure of a monetary asset or liability, 
any

gain or loss on the derivative is recognised in the income statement.  

Cash flow hedges 
Where a derivative is designated as a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge, the change in fair 
value is recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent that it is effective and any ineffective 
portion is recognised in the income statement. Where the underlying transaction results in a financial 
asset, accumulated gains and losses are recognised in the income statement in the same period as 
the hedged item affects profit or loss. Where the hedged item results in a non-financial asset the 
accumulated gains and losses previously recognised in other comprehensive income are included in 
the initial carrying value of the asset.  

Hedges of net investment in foreign operations 
The gain or loss on an instrument used to hedge a net investment in a foreign operation that is 
deemed effective is recognised in other comprehensive income. Any ineffective portion is recognised 
in

the income statement. 

The Group has leases of certain equipment (e.g. printing and photocopying machines) that are 
considered of low value. Rentals associated with leases that are of low-value or less than 12 months in 
length are expensed to the income statement on a straight line basis. The associated lease incentives 
are amortised in the income statement over the life of the lease. 

(i) The Group’s leasing activities 
The Group leases various properties, equipment and cars. Rental contracts are typically made for 
fixed
are
The
for

periods of 1 to 20 years, but might have extension options as described below. Lease terms 
negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. 
lease agreements do not impose any covenants, but leased assets cannot be used as security 
borrowing purposes.  

The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant 
periodic
rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The right-of-use 
asset is depreciated over the shorter of the right-of-use asset’s useful life and the lease term on a 
straight-line basis. 

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease 
liabilities include the net present value of the following lease payments: 

• 

• 

fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable; 

variable lease payments that are based on an index or a rate; 

•  amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees; and 

•  payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising 

that option. 

Lease right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following: 

• 

the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability; 

•  any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives 

received; 

•  any initial direct costs; and 

• 

restoration costs. 

(ii) Variable lease payments 
The Group have certain assets which may include variable lease payments based on usage, although 
this is a small proportion of the Group’s assets. These include vehicles, with variable lease payments 
based on mileage or equipment such as printers, of which the lease payments vary based on their 
usage. The variable lease payments are not material for the Group. 

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ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

b  Principal accounting policies  ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

Trade and other receivables 

calculated using the expected loss model. 

Trade and other receivables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at 

The movements in the fair value of derivatives which are not designated as an effective hedge 

amortised cost, which is generally equivalent to recognition at nominal value less impairment loss 

relationships are charged/credited to the profit or loss. 

Unhedged derivatives 

Lease liabilities and lease right-of-use assets 

The Group applies the simplified model to recognise lifetime expected credit losses for its trade and 

Leases greater than 12 months in length, and those not of low-value, are recognised as a lease  

other receivables, including those due in greater than 12 months, by making an accounting policy 

right-of-use asset with the associated future lease payment terms recognised as a lease liability. 

election. The expected loss rate estimated for each ageing period is as follows: Current: 0.2%, 

The

right-of-use assets and the associated lease liabilities are recognised by discounting the future 

Overdue

1-30 days: 0.5%, Overdue 31-60 days: 1%, Overdue 61-90 days: 5%, Overdue 91-180 days: 

lease payments at the rate implicit to the lease or, if the rate implicit to the lease cannot be readily 

10%, Overdue 181-360 days: 50% and Overdue over 360 days: 100%.  

determined, at the relevant incremental borrowing rate. 

Trade payables are non-interest bearing and are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently 

specific country and currency), credit spread (reflecting the specific risk for each subsidiary within the 

Determining the incremental borrowing rate incorporates three key elements: risk-free rate (reflecting 

Deferred consideration is recognised and held at fair value. Changes in its fair value are recognised 

considered of low value. Rentals associated with leases that are of low-value or less than 12 months in 

Group) and an asset class adjustment (reflecting the variation in risk between asset categories). 

The Group has leases of certain equipment (e.g. printing and photocopying machines) that are 

length are expensed to the income statement on a straight line basis. The associated lease incentives 

are amortised in the income statement over the life of the lease. 

(i) The Group’s leasing activities 

Trade other payables 

at

amortised cost. 

Deferred consideration 

in

profit or loss, within adjusting Items. 

Financial instruments 

(i) Financial assets 

Financial assets comprise trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents, deferred 

The Group leases various properties, equipment and cars. Rental contracts are typically made for 

consideration receivable and derivative financial instruments.  

(ii) Financial liabilities  

liabilities. 

Financial liabilities comprise trade and other payables, deferred consideration payable, and

financing 

Interest bearing loans and borrowings and other financial liabilities (excluding derivatives) are initially 

measured at cost (which is equal to fair value at inception plus issuance cost) and are subsequently 

measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, unless they are included in a hedge 

accounting relationship. See note 15 for separate disclosure of hedge types.  

(iii) Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting 

Derivatives are measured initially at fair value with any related transaction costs expensed as incurred. 

fixed

periods of 1 to 20 years, but might have extension options as described below. Lease terms 

are

negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. 

The

lease agreements do not impose any covenants, but leased assets cannot be used as security 

for

borrowing purposes.  

The finance cost is charged to profit or loss over the lease period so as to produce a constant 

periodic

rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The right-of-use 

asset is depreciated over the shorter of the right-of-use asset’s useful life and the lease term on a 

straight-line basis. 

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease 

liabilities include the net present value of the following lease payments: 

Subsequent measurement in the financial statements depends on the classification of the derivative 

fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable; 

Where a derivative is used to hedge the foreign exchange exposure of a monetary asset or liability, 

any

gain or loss on the derivative is recognised in the income statement.  

variable lease payments that are based on an index or a rate; 

•  amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees; and 

•  payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising 

as follows:  

Fair value hedges 

Cash flow hedges 

Where a derivative is designated as a hedging instrument in a cash flow hedge, the change in fair 

value is recognised in other comprehensive income to the extent that it is effective and any ineffective 

portion is recognised in the income statement. Where the underlying transaction results in a financial 

asset, accumulated gains and losses are recognised in the income statement in the same period as 

the hedged item affects profit or loss. Where the hedged item results in a non-financial asset the 

Lease right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following: 

• 

the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability; 

•  any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives 

• 

• 

that option. 

received; 

accumulated gains and losses previously recognised in other comprehensive income are included in 

•  any initial direct costs; and 

the initial carrying value of the asset.  

Hedges of net investment in foreign operations 

The gain or loss on an instrument used to hedge a net investment in a foreign operation that is 

deemed effective is recognised in other comprehensive income. Any ineffective portion is recognised 

in

the income statement. 

• 

restoration costs. 

(ii) Variable lease payments 

The Group have certain assets which may include variable lease payments based on usage, although 

this is a small proportion of the Group’s assets. These include vehicles, with variable lease payments 

based on mileage or equipment such as printers, of which the lease payments vary based on their 

usage. The variable lease payments are not material for the Group. 

BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

b  Principal accounting policies  ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Any future variable payment increase that requires either speculation or an estimate is not included. 
Future lease payments should then be applied only when they are known, with no change to the 
discount rate. 

(iii) Extension and termination options 
Extension and termination options are included in a number of property and equipment leases across 
the Group. These terms are used to maximise operational flexibility in terms of managing contracts. 
The majority of extension and termination options held are exercisable only by the Group and not by 
the respective lessor. 

Provisions 
A provision is recognised when there is a probable legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past 
event and a reliable estimate can be made of the outflow of resources that will be required to settle 
the obligation. The outflow is the present value of management’s best estimate of the expenditure 
required to settle the present obligation at the balance sheet date.  

A provision for onerous contracts is recognised when the expected benefits to be derived by the Group 
from a contract are lower than the unavoidable cost of meeting its obligations under the contract. 
Unavoidable costs include a reasonable allocation of shared costs that can be directly linked to 
fulfilling contractual obligations. The provision is calculated as the lower of the termination costs 
payable for an early exit from the contract and the expected net cost to fulfil the Group’s unavoidable 
contract obligations.  

Retirement benefit obligations 
(i) Defined contribution schemes 
Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension schemes are expensed to the income 
statement as incurred. 

(ii) Defined benefit schemes 
The net obligations in respect of defined benefit pension schemes are calculated separately for each 
scheme by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their 
service in the current and prior periods; that benefit is discounted to determine its present value, and 
the fair value of any scheme assets is deducted.  

The discount rate is the yield at the balance sheet date on AA credit-rated bonds that have maturity 
dates approximating to the terms of Essentra’s obligations. The calculation is performed by a qualified 
independent actuary using the projected unit credit method. Net interest on defined benefit assets is 
presented within finance income, and net interest on defined benefit liabilities is presented within 
finance expense. 

Actuarial gains and losses that have arisen are recognised in full in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income. 

The amounts charged to operating profit are the current service cost, past service cost (including 
curtailments) and gains and losses on settlement.  

The value of a net pension asset is the amount that may be recovered either through reduced 
contributions or agreed refunds from the scheme. 

Share-based payments 
Essentra operates equity-settled, share-based incentive plans. A charge is made in the income 
statement based on the fair value of option awards using the Monte Carlo or binomial valuation 
models and relevant quoted share price information with a corresponding increase in equity. The fair 
value is measured at grant date and spread over the period between grant date and vesting date of 
the options. The amount recognised as an expense will be adjusted to reflect the actual number of 
share options that vest with the exception of options that fail to vest because market conditions are 
not met. 

Dividends 
Dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which they are approved in a general meeting 
by

the shareholders of the Company (final dividend) or paid (interim dividend). 

Investment in own shares 
The shares held in the Essentra Employee Benefit Trust for the purpose of fulfilling obligations in 
respect of share option plans are treated as belonging to the Company and are deducted from its 
retained earnings. The cost of shares held directly (treasury shares) are also deducted from 
retained

earnings.  

Net debt 
Net debt is defined as cash and cash equivalents, short-term liquid investments and derivatives 
hedging against placement loans, net of lease liabilities and interest bearing loans and borrowings. 

Investment properties 
Properties that are either owned or leased by the Group that are held to earn rental income or for 
capital appreciation, or both, are accounted for as investment properties. Investment properties are 
measured initially at cost including directly related transaction costs, and subsequently, applying the 
cost model.  

Under the cost model, the carrying value of investment properties where the Group owns the freehold 
to the properties, is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation (on a straight-line basis) and 
impairment losses. The useful lives of investment properties where the Group owns the freehold are 
adjusted, as appropriate, at each balance sheet date.  

Where an investment property is owned through a long leasehold arrangement under which the Group 
is a lessee rather than owning the freehold to the property, a right-of-use asset is recognised at the 
commencement date of the lease and accounted for as an investment property. The cost of leased 
investment properties recognised in right-of-use assets includes the present value of future lease 
payments recognised together with lease payments made before commencement of the lease, less 
any incentives received. A corresponding lease liability is recognised on the balance sheet. 

The Group transfers a property to or from its classification of investment properties only when there is 
a change in use. For example, when it is the Group’s intention to end or commence owner-occupation 
is the point at which the property respectively meets or ceases to meet the definition of an investment 
property, the determination of which, may require the application of management judgement.    

Investment properties are classified as non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheet. 
The
and

carrying value of investment properties is periodically reviewed for impairment when events 
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.   

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES 

Critical Accounting Judgements and Estimates 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the Directors and management to 
make judgements and estimates in respect of certain items where the choice of accounting policy and 
assumptions applied in determining the judgement or estimate could materially affect the Group’s 
financial position, results, or cash flows at the reporting date.  

Management regularly reviews the critical accounting judgements that significantly impact the 
amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements and the critical accounting estimates 
that due to their significant estimation uncertainty, may give rise to a material adjustment in the next 
financial reporting period. 

Although the determination of accounting estimates is based on management’s best estimate 
considering its knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results may ultimately differ from 
those estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and 
revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and 
future periods if the revision affects both current and future reporting periods. 

The Group’s critical accounting judgements and estimates are detailed below.  

Accounting Judgements 
Adjusting items 
Adjusting items are separately presented from other items of financial performance as this enables 
management to reflect the underlying performance of the continuing operations of the Group. 
Judgement is required to determine whether such items of financial performance should be included 
within adjusting items by virtue of their nature, size or incidence. The Group’s accounting policy 
concerning adjusting items is detailed under alternative performance measures. 

Adjusting items of £26.0m (2021: £10.1m) have been reported in continuing operations including 
£10.4m of costs incurred relating to acquisitions, disposals and restructuring of the continuing 
business following the sale of the Filters and Packaging divisions, and £12.4m has been incurred 
in
relation to the customisation and configuration costs of significant “software as a service” 
(“SaaS”)
to
as

arrangements which, in management’s judgement, constitute material one-off charges 
upgrade the Group’s technical capabilities and meets the Group’s policy for being categorised 
adjusting items.  

A complete analysis of the amounts included in adjusting items is detailed in note 2. 

“Software as a service” (“SaaS”) arrangements 
The recognition of customisation and configuration costs (which are included within adjusting items) 
relating to SaaS arrangements involves a number of key judgements:  

•  whether a software arrangement is a SaaS arrangement: management considers the fact pattern 
of the software arrangement carefully to identify SaaS arrangements, distinguishing from other 
arrangements such as “platform as a service” or “infrastructure as a service”; 

•  whether any cost incurred in customisation and configuration results in an additional code from 
which the Group has the power to obtain the future economic benefits and restricts other third 
parties access to those benefits: management considered whether the code can be used in or 
transferred to another computing arrangement; 

•  whether the customisation and configuration service provided by the SaaS provider is distinct 

the regular SaaS arrangement: management considers factors such as whether the 

can benefit from the service separately from the other elements of deliverables from 

from
Group
the

SaaS provider;  

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ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

•  whether a third party providing customisation and configuration service is in effect a 

subcontractor of the SaaS provider: management considers factors such as the nature of the 
contractual and working relationship between the SaaS provider and the third party, the 
obligations of the third party who has the primary responsibility for the services that it provides. 

Leases and lease right-of-use assets 
A key judgement in determining the right-of-use asset and lease liability is establishing whether it 
is
reasonably certain that an option to extend the lease will be exercised. Distinguishing whether a 
lease will be extended or otherwise could have a material impact on the value of the right-of-use 
assets and lease liabilities recognised on the balance sheet, but may not have a material impact on 
the income statement. 

In determining the lease term, management considers all facts and circumstances that create an 
economic incentive to exercise an extension option, or not exercise a termination option. Extension 
options (or periods after termination options) are only included in the lease term if the lease is 
reasonably certain to be extended (or not terminated). 

The assessment is reviewed if a significant event or a significant change in circumstances occurs 
which

affects this assessment and that is within the control of the lessee. 

Accounting Estimates 
Business disposals – completion accounts 
At 31 December 2022, the Group has recognised £18.0m (2021: £nil) in other financial liabilities in 
relation to the completion accounts processes in respect of the Group’s disposals of the Packaging 
business and the Filters business.  

The amount recognised, based on the facts and circumstances that were present and known at the 
balance sheet date, represents management’s best estimate of the expected settlement payable 
through the respective completion accounts processes and other mechanisms allowed by the share 
purchase agreements (SPA). Although the outcome of the completion accounts process for both the 
Packaging business and the Filters business remains inherently uncertain at the end of the reporting 
period, given that the SPA terms related to the completion accounts mechanisms are complex, and 
the completion accounts could be the subject of commercial negotiation and, in the absence of 
agreement, an expert determination process, it is therefore recognised that the final amount agreed 
could be materially different from the estimate. 

The future range of possible outcomes associated with the various assumptions and judgements 
applied in the determination of the total value of the financial liability recognised at 31 December 
2022 could therefore lead to a material increase or decrease in the value of the financial liability 
recognised in the next financial year, the extent of which is dependent upon the outcome and timing 
of many variables linked to the SPA mechanisms in place and the associated commercial negotiations 
that will ensue. The assessed range of possible future outcomes in the next financial year could 
potentially lead to a decrease in the liability of up to £8.5m or an increase of up to £11m. 

Measurement of contingent consideration 
The Group has recognised a net loss of £16.6m on the disposal of the Filters business (refer to note 
24). The value of the loss is subject to finalisation of the deferred contingent consideration receivable 
which requires judgement. The maximum potential undiscounted deferred contingent consideration 
amount that the Group could receive is £20.0m. Deferred consideration is structured as an earn-out 
in
two tranches of up to £10.0m with each tranche contingent upon the Filters business achieving 
certain contractual profit performance targets in its financial years ending 31 December 2023 and 
31

December 2024 (the ‘earn-out years’), respectively.  

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES 

Critical Accounting Judgements and Estimates 

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires the Directors and management to 

•  whether a third party providing customisation and configuration service is in effect a 

make judgements and estimates in respect of certain items where the choice of accounting policy and 

subcontractor of the SaaS provider: management considers factors such as the nature of the 

assumptions applied in determining the judgement or estimate could materially affect the Group’s 

contractual and working relationship between the SaaS provider and the third party, the 

financial position, results, or cash flows at the reporting date.  

obligations of the third party who has the primary responsibility for the services that it provides. 

Management regularly reviews the critical accounting judgements that significantly impact the 

amounts recognised in the consolidated financial statements and the critical accounting estimates 

that due to their significant estimation uncertainty, may give rise to a material adjustment in the next 

financial reporting period. 

Leases and lease right-of-use assets 

A key judgement in determining the right-of-use asset and lease liability is establishing whether it 

is

reasonably certain that an option to extend the lease will be exercised. Distinguishing whether a 

lease will be extended or otherwise could have a material impact on the value of the right-of-use 

Although the determination of accounting estimates is based on management’s best estimate 

assets and lease liabilities recognised on the balance sheet, but may not have a material impact on 

considering its knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results may ultimately differ from 

the income statement. 

those estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis and 

revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and 

future periods if the revision affects both current and future reporting periods. 

In determining the lease term, management considers all facts and circumstances that create an 

economic incentive to exercise an extension option, or not exercise a termination option. Extension 

options (or periods after termination options) are only included in the lease term if the lease is 

The Group’s critical accounting judgements and estimates are detailed below.  

reasonably certain to be extended (or not terminated). 

Accounting Judgements 

Adjusting items 

Adjusting items are separately presented from other items of financial performance as this enables 

management to reflect the underlying performance of the continuing operations of the Group. 

Judgement is required to determine whether such items of financial performance should be included 

within adjusting items by virtue of their nature, size or incidence. The Group’s accounting policy 

concerning adjusting items is detailed under alternative performance measures. 

Adjusting items of £26.0m (2021: £10.1m) have been reported in continuing operations including 

£10.4m of costs incurred relating to acquisitions, disposals and restructuring of the continuing 

business following the sale of the Filters and Packaging divisions, and £12.4m has been incurred 

in

relation to the customisation and configuration costs of significant “software as a service” 

(“SaaS”)

arrangements which, in management’s judgement, constitute material one-off charges 

to

upgrade the Group’s technical capabilities and meets the Group’s policy for being categorised 

as

adjusting items.  

The assessment is reviewed if a significant event or a significant change in circumstances occurs 

which

affects this assessment and that is within the control of the lessee. 

Accounting Estimates 

Business disposals – completion accounts 

At 31 December 2022, the Group has recognised £18.0m (2021: £nil) in other financial liabilities in 

relation to the completion accounts processes in respect of the Group’s disposals of the Packaging 

business and the Filters business.  

The amount recognised, based on the facts and circumstances that were present and known at the 

balance sheet date, represents management’s best estimate of the expected settlement payable 

through the respective completion accounts processes and other mechanisms allowed by the share 

purchase agreements (SPA). Although the outcome of the completion accounts process for both the 

Packaging business and the Filters business remains inherently uncertain at the end of the reporting 

period, given that the SPA terms related to the completion accounts mechanisms are complex, and 

the completion accounts could be the subject of commercial negotiation and, in the absence of 

A complete analysis of the amounts included in adjusting items is detailed in note 2. 

agreement, an expert determination process, it is therefore recognised that the final amount agreed 

“Software as a service” (“SaaS”) arrangements 

could be materially different from the estimate. 

The recognition of customisation and configuration costs (which are included within adjusting items) 

The future range of possible outcomes associated with the various assumptions and judgements 

relating to SaaS arrangements involves a number of key judgements:  

•  whether a software arrangement is a SaaS arrangement: management considers the fact pattern 

of the software arrangement carefully to identify SaaS arrangements, distinguishing from other 

arrangements such as “platform as a service” or “infrastructure as a service”; 

•  whether any cost incurred in customisation and configuration results in an additional code from 

which the Group has the power to obtain the future economic benefits and restricts other third 

parties access to those benefits: management considered whether the code can be used in or 

transferred to another computing arrangement; 

•  whether the customisation and configuration service provided by the SaaS provider is distinct 

from

the regular SaaS arrangement: management considers factors such as whether the 

Group

can benefit from the service separately from the other elements of deliverables from 

the

SaaS provider;  

applied in the determination of the total value of the financial liability recognised at 31 December 

2022 could therefore lead to a material increase or decrease in the value of the financial liability 

recognised in the next financial year, the extent of which is dependent upon the outcome and timing 

of many variables linked to the SPA mechanisms in place and the associated commercial negotiations 

that will ensue. The assessed range of possible future outcomes in the next financial year could 

potentially lead to a decrease in the liability of up to £8.5m or an increase of up to £11m. 

Measurement of contingent consideration 

The Group has recognised a net loss of £16.6m on the disposal of the Filters business (refer to note 

24). The value of the loss is subject to finalisation of the deferred contingent consideration receivable 

which requires judgement. The maximum potential undiscounted deferred contingent consideration 

amount that the Group could receive is £20.0m. Deferred consideration is structured as an earn-out 

in

two tranches of up to £10.0m with each tranche contingent upon the Filters business achieving 

certain contractual profit performance targets in its financial years ending 31 December 2023 and 

31

December 2024 (the ‘earn-out years’), respectively.  

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES 

Management has, with the assistance of an external valuation specialist, determined the fair value of 
contingent consideration receivable using an option pricing model which applies prudent assumptions 
to risk-free cash flows in each of the earn-out years. For valuation purposes, as inputs into the model 
are intended to be risk-neutral, profit forecasts for the earn-out years are discounted to neutralise 
forecast risk by applying a risk-adjusted rate to expected cash flows based on an industry specific and 
geographically derived weighted average cost of capital. The resulting risk-adjusted profit for each 
earn-out year has been modelled against the respective contractually agreed profit performance 
target with the calculated earn-out achieved discounted to present value by applying a rate that 
reflects counterparty credit risk and the timing of future cash flows. 

been classified as a long-term receivable in the consolidated financial statements (refer to 

At 31 December 2022, deferred contingent consideration receivable with a fair value of £10.6m (2021: 
£nil) has
note
materially from the fair value estimate at 31 December 2022 as a result of reasonable changes 
to

19). The actual earn-out receivable when the contingent consideration is finalised may differ 

assumptions applied.  

Based on information available at the reporting date, the assessed range of possible future outcomes 
could potentially lead to an increase of up to £7.0m in the earn-out receivable being recognised in
the 
next financial year, or a decrease of £10.6m were the conditions for the earn-out to fail in their 
entirety,  representing the resolution of the uncertainty inherent in the cash flows. Any
movements in fair value of the deferred contingent consideration when remeasured at subsequent 
reporting period end dates will be taken through the consolidated income statement, and
as part of the result from discontinued operations. 

recognised 

future 

issues and exposures in each of the jurisdictions in which the Group operates. Management is 

Taxation 
Liabilities for tax contingencies require management judgements and estimates in respect of tax 
audit
also required to make an estimate of the current tax liability together with an assessment of the 
temporary differences which arise as a consequence of different accounting and tax treatments. 
Where management concludes a tax position is uncertain, a current tax liability is held for anticipated 
taxes that are considered probable based on the information available. 

Key judgement areas for the Group include the pricing of intercompany goods and services as well 
as
the tax consequences arising from restructuring operations. Management may engage with 
professional advisors in making their assessment and, if appropriate, will liaise with the relevant 
taxation authorities to resolve the matter. The tax liability is reassessed in each period to reflect 
management’s best estimate in light of information available. If the final outcome of these matters 
differs to the liability held in the financial statements, the difference may materially impact the 
income tax charge / (credit) in the year the matter is concluded. 

At 31 December 2022, included in the tax payable is a liability of
£4.4m (2021: £7.4m) for transfer 
pricing matters and £11.7m (2021: £12.3m) for other uncertain tax positions. The reduction in each 
provision is primarily due to the expiry of statute of limitations following the passage of time, 
favourable agreements reached with tax authorities on previous matters, and part of the liability 
transferring with disposed entities. Adjustments for current year transactions and foreign exchange 
movements complete the movement in the year. Of the £16.2m recognised at the end of the reporting 

period, a possible range of outcomes could potentially see between £2.8m and £6.7m resolved in the 
next financial year as a result of expiring statute of limitations and completion of tax audits. 

In addition the Group has recognised a net deferred tax asset of £7.3m in the UK. The assessed range 
of possible future outcomes in the next financial year could potentially lead to a decrease in the 
deferred tax asset of up to £0.7m or an increase of up to £2.6m, notwithstanding that the Group has 
unrecognised UK tax losses which could be utilised as information on the sustainable long term UK 
profitability position becomes available. 

Retirement benefit obligations 
At 31 December 2022, the net retirement benefit liability was £10.6m (2021: £9.0m asset) including 
a
obligations requires the application of judgement in relation to the key assumptions used, 
particularly

retirement benefit liability of £18.5m (2021: £25.1m). The measurement of defined benefit 

in determining the discount rate, inflation rate, and mortality rates.  

In consultation with Essentra’s actuaries, management determines the point within the range of 
possible outcomes for those assumptions applied at the balance sheet date that most appropriately 
reflects Essentra’s circumstances. Small changes to these assumptions can have a material impact 
on
the valuation and therefore reported amounts. Consequently, the Group performs a sensitivity 
analysis for the key assumptions applied in determining post-employment costs and liabilities, as 
detailed in note 18. 

Provision for contractual obligations 
The provision for contractual obligations represents amounts that the Group may be liable to pay 
arising from the disposal of the Packaging and Filters businesses during the year.  

At 31 December 2022 provisions for contractual obligations amounted to £5.5m (2021: £nil), 
representing the Group’s estimate of ongoing obligations due to each of the buyers under the 
respective Share Purchase Agreements. 

Based on management’s assessment at the balance sheet date, the resolution to the uncertainty 
inherent in the assumptions applied in determining the Group’s provisions for contractual obligations, 
could
period. 

material impact to the value and settlement of the liability in the next reporting 

result in

a

The assessed range of possible future outcomes in the next financial year could potentially lead to a 
decrease in the provision of up to £3.5m or an increase of up to £2.0m. 

150 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

151

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

151 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 
1.  Segment analysis 
The Group has determined its operating segments based upon the information reported to the Group
reported on a divisional basis consistent with the basis upon which the Group manages its operations, allocates resources, and assesses performance. The adjusted operating profit/loss presented for each 
operating segment includes the effect of the allocation of certain functional costs such as finance, human resources, legal and IT, as well as costs relating to management of the divisions, based on a 
consistently applied internal management methodology. 

Management Committee, which is the Group’s Chief Operating Decision Maker. Segment information is 

The Group’s operating segments, as reported, are as follows: 

CCoommppoonneennttss is a global market leading manufacturer and distributor of plastic injection moulded, vinyl dip moulded and metal items. 

PPaacckkaaggiinngg is one of only two multi-continental suppliers of a full secondary packaging range to the health and personal care sectors. On 1 October 2022, the Group completed its sale of the Packaging 
business and in accordance with IFRS 5, this segment has been re-presented within discontinued operations. 

FFiilltteerrss is the only global independent supplier of innovative cigarette filters and related solutions to
accordance with IFRS 5, this segment has been re-presented within discontinued operations. 

the

tobacco industry. On 3 December 2022, the Group completed the sale of

the

Filters business and in 

Income statement information 

External revenue 

Adjusted operating profit after allocation of central costs to discontinued operations2 

Central cost allocations to discontinued operations4 

Adjusted operating profit 

Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets 

Adjusting items 

Operating profit/(loss) 

Balance sheet information 

Segment assets 

Intangible assets 

Unallocated items3 

Total assets 

Segment liabilities 

Unallocated items3 

Total liabilities 

Other segment information 

Capital expenditure (cash spend) 

Depreciation of plant, property and equipment 

Average number of employees 

152 
152

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

Components 
£m 

Central  
Services 
£m 

Continuing  
Operations  
£m 

Discontinued  
Operations5  
£m 

20221 

Total 
£m 

337.9 

– 

337.9 

653.9 

991.8 

63.7 

– 

63.7 

(10.4) 

(12.4) 

40.9 

204.5 

204.4 

– 

408.9 

78.7 

– 

78.7 

12.1 

8.5 

3,114 

(24.9) 

(13.7) 

(38.6) 

– 

(13.6) 

(52.2) 

31.7 

2.2 

450.6 

484.5 

74.0 

336.6 

410.6 

1.4 

5.4 

234 

38.8 

(13.7) 

25.1 

(10.4) 

(26.0) 

(11.3) 

236.2 

206.6 

450.6 

893.4 

152.7 

336.6 

489.3 

13.5 

13.9 

3,348 

38.4 

13.7 

52.1 

(189.2) 

– 

(137.1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

27.5 

15.6 

4,067 

77.2 

– 

77.2 

(199.6) 

(26.0) 

(148.4) 

236.2 

206.6 

450.6 

893.4 

152.7 

336.6 

489.3 

41.0 

29.5 

7,415 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

1.  Segment analysis 

consistently applied internal management methodology. 

The Group’s operating segments, as reported, are as follows: 

The Group has determined its operating segments based upon the information reported to the Group

Management Committee, which is the Group’s Chief Operating Decision Maker. Segment information is 

reported on a divisional basis consistent with the basis upon which the Group manages its operations, allocates resources, and assesses performance. The adjusted operating profit/loss presented for each 

operating segment includes the effect of the allocation of certain functional costs such as finance, human resources, legal and IT, as well as costs relating to management of the divisions, based on a 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1. 

 Segment analysis ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

Income statement information 

External revenue 

CCoommppoonneennttss is a global market leading manufacturer and distributor of plastic injection moulded, vinyl dip moulded and metal items. 

PPaacckkaaggiinngg is one of only two multi-continental suppliers of a full secondary packaging range to the health and personal care sectors. On 1 October 2022, the Group completed its sale of the Packaging 

Adjusted operating profit after allocation of central costs to discontinued operations2 

business and in accordance with IFRS 5, this segment has been re-presented within discontinued operations. 

FFiilltteerrss is the only global independent supplier of innovative cigarette filters and related solutions to

the

tobacco industry. On 3 December 2022, the Group completed the sale of

the

Filters business and in 

accordance with IFRS 5, this segment has been re-presented within discontinued operations. 

Central cost allocations to discontinued operations4 

Adjusted operating profit 

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 

Adjusting items 

Operating profit/(loss) 

Balance sheet information 

Segment assets 

Intangible assets 

Unallocated items3 

Total assets 

Segment liabilities 

Unallocated items3 

Total liabilities 

Other segment information 

Capital expenditure (cash spend) 

Depreciation of plant, property and equipment 

Average number of employees 

Components 
£m 

Central  
Services 
£m 

Continuing  
Operations  
£m 

Discontinued  
Operations  
£m 

20211 

Total 
£m 

301.7 

– 

301.7 

658.0 

959.7 

56.9 

– 

56.9 

(8.6) 

(0.4) 

47.9 

172.4 

158.9 

– 

331.3 

74.2 

– 

74.2 

9.1 

7.2 

2,708 

(16.6) 

(13.9) 

(30.5) 

– 

(9.7) 

(40.2) 

21.8 

4.5 

184.7 

211.0 

29.2 

405.3 

434.5 

3.9 

5.1 

287 

40.3 

(13.9) 

26.4 

(8.6) 

(10.1) 

7.7 

194.2 

163.4 

184.7 

542.3 

103.4 

405.3 

508.7 

13.0 

12.3 

2,995 

41.9 

13.9 

55.8 

(13.8) 

– 

42.0 

419.6 

320.1 

– 

739.7 

144.4 

– 

144.4 

28.7 

24.3 

5,191 

82.2 

– 

82.2 

(22.4) 

(10.1) 

49.7 

613.8 

483.5 

184.7 

1,282.0 

247.8 

405.3 

653.1 

41.7 

36.6 

8,186 

Notes: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these operations have been re-presented above as discontinued operations. Refer to note 24 for further details. 
2.  Central Service costs after allocations of £24.9m (2021: 16.6m) includes executive and non-executive management, group finance, tax, treasury, legal, group assurance, human resources, information technology, corporate development, investor relations and other services 

provided centrally to support the operating segments. 

3.  The unallocated assets relate to income and deferred tax assets, retirement benefit assets, derivatives, short-term investments, loan receivables and cash and cash equivalents. The unallocated liabilities relate to interest bearing loans and borrowings, retirement benefit 

obligations, derivatives, deferred tax liabilities and income tax payable. Intersegment transactions are carried out on an arm’s length basis. 

4.  Central service cost allocations includes the effect of allocation of certain functional costs such as finance, human resources, legal and IT, as well as costs relating to management of the divisions on an internal management methodology. Adjusted operating profit of 

£38.8m in 2022 includes costs that would have otherwise been allocated to the Packaging and Filters businesses had those businesses not been disposed. Had those additional costs been adjusted for the adjusted operating profit would have been £43.0m. 

5.  Operating loss from discontinued operations for the year ended 31 December 2022 excludes the loss on disposal of £19.0m. 
6.  Total Group net finance expense of £18.4m (2021: £16.5m) and total Group income tax credit of £2.0m (2021: £4.9m charge) cannot be meaningfully allocated by segment. 
7.  On a continuing basis, no customer accounted for more than 10% of revenue in either 2022 or 2021. 

Income statement information 

External revenue 

Adjusted operating profit after allocation of central costs to discontinued operations2 

Central cost allocations to discontinued operations4 

Adjusted operating profit 

Amortisation and impairment of acquired intangible assets 

Adjusting items 

Operating profit/(loss) 

Balance sheet information 

Segment assets 

Intangible assets 

Unallocated items3 

Total assets 

Segment liabilities 

Unallocated items3 

Total liabilities 

Other segment information 

Capital expenditure (cash spend) 

Depreciation of plant, property and equipment 

Average number of employees 

Components 

£m 

Central  

Services 

£m 

Continuing  

Operations  

£m 

Discontinued  

Operations5  

£m 

337.9 

– 

337.9 

653.9 

991.8 

63.7 

– 

63.7 

(10.4) 

(12.4) 

40.9 

204.5 

204.4 

– 

408.9 

78.7 

– 

78.7 

12.1 

8.5 

3,114 

(24.9) 

(13.7) 

(38.6) 

– 

(13.6) 

(52.2) 

31.7 

2.2 

450.6 

484.5 

74.0 

336.6 

410.6 

1.4 

5.4 

234 

38.8 

(13.7) 

25.1 

(10.4) 

(26.0) 

(11.3) 

236.2 

206.6 

450.6 

893.4 

152.7 

336.6 

489.3 

13.5 

13.9 

3,348 

38.4 

13.7 

52.1 

(189.2) 

(137.1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

27.5 

15.6 

4,067 

20221 

Total 

£m 

77.2 

– 

77.2 

(199.6) 

(26.0) 

(148.4) 

236.2 

206.6 

450.6 

893.4 

152.7 

336.6 

489.3 

41.0 

29.5 

7,415 

152 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

153

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

153 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

 Segment analysis ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
1. 
Geographic segment information: 

External revenue by destination 

United Kingdom 

Rest of Europe and Africa 

Americas 

Asia and Middle East 

Total external revenue by destination 

Continuing 
Operations  
£m 

Discontinued 
Operations  
£m 

21.0 

146.1 

122.4 

48.4 

337.9 

39.9 

211.4 

184.8 

217.8 

653.9 

2022 

Total 
£m 

60.9 

357.5   

307.2   

266.2   

991.8   

Continuing 
Operations  
£m 

Discontinued 
Operations  
£m 

21.0 

135.5 

106.5 

38.7 

301.7 

49.8 

246.8 

189.8 

171.6 

658.0 

20211 

Total 
£m 

70.8 

382.3 

296.3 

210.3 

959.7 

Notes: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these operations have been re-presented above as discontinued operations. Refer to note 24 for further details. 
2.  Non-current assets in the UK total £91.1m (2021: £145.6m), with the other significant location being the USA with £114.2m (2021: £309.8m). 

2.  Operating costs and adjusting items from continuing operations 
The following is an analysis of net operating costs included in arriving at operating (loss)/profit: 

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work-in-progress 

Raw materials and consumables 

Personnel expense2  

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Depreciation of lease right-of-use assets 

Loss/(gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment 

Amortisation of intangible assets5 

Adjusting items 

Other operating expenses3 

Net operating expenses 

Notes: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022 and consequently, comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2021 has been re-presented.  
2.  Excludes personnel expenses totalling £5.1m (2021: £9.6m) recognised within adjusting items.  
3.  Other operating expenses includes manufacturing, selling, general and administrative overheads.  
4.  Research and development expenses (including relevant staff costs) charged to profit or loss during the year amounted to £0.2m (2021: £nil). 
5. 

Includes amortisation of non-acquired intangible assets of £2.7m (2021: £2.6m). 

Note 

5 

2 

2022 
£m 

(7.7) 

109.3 

122.7 

13.9 

5.6 

0.1 

13.1 

26.0 

66.2 

20211 
£m 

(11.3) 

99.1 

111.9 

12.3 

5.4 

(0.1) 

11.2 

10.1 

55.4 

349.2 

294.0 

154 
154

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1. 

 Segment analysis ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

Geographic segment information: 

External revenue by destination 

United Kingdom 

Rest of Europe and Africa 

Americas 

Asia and Middle East 

Total external revenue by destination 

Notes: 

Changes in inventories of finished goods and work-in-progress 

Raw materials and consumables 

Personnel expense2  

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 

Depreciation of lease right-of-use assets 

Loss/(gain) on sale of property, plant and equipment 

Amortisation of intangible assets5 

Adjusting items 

Other operating expenses3 

Net operating expenses 

Notes: 

1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these operations have been re-presented above as discontinued operations. Refer to note 24 for further details. 

2.  Non-current assets in the UK total £91.1m (2021: £145.6m), with the other significant location being the USA with £114.2m (2021: £309.8m). 

2.  Operating costs and adjusting items from continuing operations 

The following is an analysis of net operating costs included in arriving at operating (loss)/profit: 

1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022 and consequently, comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2021 has been re-presented.  

2.  Excludes personnel expenses totalling £5.1m (2021: £9.6m) recognised within adjusting items.  

3.  Other operating expenses includes manufacturing, selling, general and administrative overheads.  

4.  Research and development expenses (including relevant staff costs) charged to profit or loss during the year amounted to £0.2m (2021: £nil). 

5. 

Includes amortisation of non-acquired intangible assets of £2.7m (2021: £2.6m). 

Continuing 

Operations  

Discontinued 

Operations  

Continuing 

Operations  

Discontinued 

Operations  

£m 

21.0 

146.1 

122.4 

48.4 

337.9 

£m 

39.9 

211.4 

184.8 

217.8 

653.9 

2022 

Total 

£m 

60.9 

357.5   

307.2   

266.2   

991.8   

£m 

21.0 

135.5 

106.5 

38.7 

301.7 

£m 

49.8 

246.8 

189.8 

171.6 

658.0 

20211 

Total 

£m 

70.8 

382.3 

296.3 

210.3 

959.7 

20211 

£m 

(11.3) 

99.1 

111.9 

12.3 

5.4 

(0.1) 

11.2 

10.1 

55.4 

Note 

5 

2 

2022 

£m 

(7.7) 

109.3 

122.7 

13.9 

5.6 

0.1 

13.1 

26.0 

66.2 

2.  Operating costs and adjusting items ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Auditors’ remuneration 
Fees payable to the Company’s external auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and its associates are analysed below: 

Fees payable for the audit of the Company and the consolidated financial statements 

Audit of the financial statements of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation  

Total audit fees 

Audit-related assurance services1 

Other assurance services2 

Total non-audit fees 

Total fees 

2022 
£m 

3.1 

0.4 

3.5 

0.1 

1.2 

1.3 

4.8 

20213 
£m 

1.6 

1.0 

2.6 

0.1 

– 

0.1 

2.7 

Notes: 
1.  Audit-related assurance services mainly comprises the review of the half-year financial statements and associated results announcement.  
2.  Other assurance services relates to Reporting Accountant services in respect to the Class 1 Circulars issued in respect of the disposals of the Packaging business and the Filters business.  
3.  During the year auditors’ remuneration has been analysed In greater detail and consequently have been represented In more appropriate line Items for consistent presentation with the current year figures. 

Adjusting items 
Adjusting items are separately presented from other items by virtue of their nature, size and/or incidence. They are identified separately in order for the reader to obtain a clearer understanding of the 
underlying results of the ongoing Group’s operations, by excluding items which, in management’s view, do not form part of the Group’s underlying operating results, such as gains, losses or costs arising from 
business acquisition and disposal activities, significant restructuring and closure costs, and costs of major Software as a Service projects, items which are non-recurring or one-off in nature (such as the costs 
of fundamental strategic review and reorganisation) and (from 2022) charges relating to the Group’s legacy defined benefit pension schemes, and the related tax effect, as adjusting items. 

Continuing operations 

Costs relating to restructuring following disposals of businesses2 

Gains/losses and transaction costs relating to acquisitions and disposals of businesses3 

Acquisition integration and restructuring costs4 

Customisation and configuration costs of significant software as a service (“SaaS”) arrangements5 

Defined benefit pension scheme charges6 

349.2 

294.0 

Other7 

Adjusting items before tax 

Tax 

Adjusting items after tax 

2022 
£m 

10.4 

0.3 

0.2 

12.4 

2.0 

0.7 

26.0 

2.8 

28.8 

20211 
£m 

– 

(3.6) 

0.3 

11.8 

– 

1.6 

10.1 

(0.5)  

9.6  

Notes: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging and Filters businesses during the year ended 31 December 2022 and consequently, comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2021 has been re-presented. See note 24 for further details. 
2.  Costs of £9.9m (including advisory fees of £5.7m) in relation to major restructuring activities to “right size” the continuing operations of the business following the disposal of the Filters and Packaging businesses; a charge of £0.5m in relation to the acceleration of share 

options in respect of certain senior management employees leaving the business following the completion of the strategic review.  

3.  Costs of £0.3m were incurred in relation to the acquisition of the Wixroyd Group, acquired in December 2022.  

In 2021 a credit of £4.4m in relation to the reversal of certain claim provisions in relation to prior disposals, following the conclusion of negotiation with the purchasers; a gain of £0.4m in relation to a prior acquisition for claims made against the vendor. These are offset by 
acquisition-related costs of £1.0m in relation to the acquisition of Jiangxi Hengzhu Electrical Cabinet Lock Co., Ltd (“Hengzhu”) and £0.2m related to costs incurred in pursuit of acquisition targets. 

4.  Comprises costs of £0.2m for the integration of Hengzhu, acquired in 2021, into the business. In 2021 £0.3m for the integration of Hengzhu into the existing business. 
5.  Costs of significant SaaS arrangements which, in the view of management, represents investment in upgrading the Group’s technological capability, were expensed as adjusting items in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies. In the current year, costs of £12.4m 

(2021: £11.8m) were attributable to major SaaS projects and relate primarily to the costs of implementing a new cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) system within the Group. 

6.  Costs of £2.0m were incurred in relation to defined benefit pension scheme charges which, following the outcome of the strategic review, no longer pertain to the continuing operations of the Group. 
7.  Comprises £0.6m write-down of centrally held IT assets following completion of the strategic review, £0.6m costs of restructuring activities within the continuing European and Americas businesses, offset by a £0.5m credit relating to adjustments to the carrying value of 

lease right-of-use assets.  
In 2021, £2.9m of professional and advisory fees in relation to strategic reviews of the on-going business and the now disposed Group’s Filters and Packaging businesses. Components restructuring, comprised £0.6m costs in relation to restructuring activities within the 
European and Americas businesses, offset by a £0.6m credit relating to the reversal of certain prior provisions, and a £1.3m credit relating to adjustments to the carrying value of lease right-of-use assets.

154 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

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155 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

3.  Net finance expense from continuing operations 

4.  Income tax (credit)/expense 

20211 
£m 

Note 

2022 
£m 

Amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement 

– 

Current tax 

1.9 

0.2 

2.1 

Prior years’ tax 

Deferred tax 

Prior years’ deferred tax  

Income tax (credit)/expense 

(15.9) 

(10.9) 

(1.1) 

Income tax (credit)/expense is attributable to:  

(2.9) 

Expense/(credit) on loss from continuing operations  

(0.6) 

(Credit)/expense on loss/profit from discontinued operations  

(1.4) 

(16.9) 

(14.8) 

Income tax (credit)/expense 

Amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income 

Tax credit in respect of taxable foreign exchange taxable losses 

Tax (credit)/expense on remeasurement of defined benefit 
pension schemes 

Income tax (credit)/expense 

2021 
£m 

2.7 

0.7 

2.5 

(1.0) 

4.9 

(2.2)  

7.1 

4.9 

16 

16 

14.5 

(2.0) 

(16.3) 

1.8 

(2.0) 

2.0 

(4.0) 

(2.0) 

(0.9) 

(5.1) 

(0.4) 

7.9 

(6.0) 

7.5 

Finance income 

Bank deposits 

Other finance income2 

Net interest on pension scheme assets 

Total finance income 

Finance expense 

Interest on loans and overdrafts 

Amortisation of bank facility fees 

Other finance expense3 

Net interest on pension scheme liabilities  

Interest on leases 

Total finance expense 

Net finance expense 

Note 

18 

18 

2022 
£m 

1.4 

5.1 

0.6 

7.1 

(4.7) 

(2.2) 

(0.6) 

(1.5) 

(24.9) 

(17.8) 

Notes: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these 
operations have been re-presented above as discontinued operations. Refer to note 24 for further details. The total net finance 
expense for the Group, including discontinued operations, was £18.4m (2021: £16.5m). 
Included within other finance income is £1.8m (2021: £1.9m) relating to exchange gains on cash, borrowings and leases and £3.2m 
relating to monetary gains on Hyperinflation economies (2021: £nil). 
Included within other finance expense is £0.9m (2021: £nil) relating to loss on derivative financial instruments, £0.8m (2021: £nil) of 
hedge ineffectiveness, and £0.3m (2021: £2.7m) relating to exchange losses on cash, borrowings and leases. 

3. 

2. 

156 
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ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finance income 

Bank deposits 

Other finance income2 

Net interest on pension scheme assets 

Total finance income 

Finance expense 

Interest on loans and overdrafts 

Amortisation of bank facility fees 

Other finance expense3 

Interest on leases 

Total finance expense 

Net finance expense 

Notes: 

Amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement 

– 

Current tax 

Prior years’ tax 

Deferred tax 

Prior years’ deferred tax  

Income tax (credit)/expense 

(15.9) 

(10.9) 

(1.1) 

Income tax (credit)/expense is attributable to:  

(2.9) 

Expense/(credit) on loss from continuing operations  

Note 

18 

2022 

£m 

1.4 

5.1 

0.6 

7.1 

(4.7) 

(2.2) 

(0.6) 

(1.5) 

(24.9) 

(17.8) 

20211 

£m 

1.9 

0.2 

2.1 

(1.4) 

(16.9) 

(14.8) 

Income tax (credit)/expense 

Amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of 

comprehensive income 

Tax credit in respect of taxable foreign exchange taxable losses 

Tax (credit)/expense on remeasurement of defined benefit 

pension schemes 

Note 

2022 

£m 

16 

16 

14.5 

(2.0) 

(16.3) 

1.8 

(2.0) 

2.0 

(4.0) 

(2.0) 

2021 

£m 

2.7 

0.7 

2.5 

(1.0) 

4.9 

(2.2)  

7.1 

4.9 

(0.9) 

(5.1) 

(0.4) 

7.9 

(6.0) 

7.5 

1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these 

operations have been re-presented above as discontinued operations. Refer to note 24 for further details. The total net finance 

expense for the Group, including discontinued operations, was £18.4m (2021: £16.5m). 

2. 

Included within other finance income is £1.8m (2021: £1.9m) relating to exchange gains on cash, borrowings and leases and £3.2m 

relating to monetary gains on Hyperinflation economies (2021: £nil). 

3. 

Included within other finance expense is £0.9m (2021: £nil) relating to loss on derivative financial instruments, £0.8m (2021: £nil) of 

hedge ineffectiveness, and £0.3m (2021: £2.7m) relating to exchange losses on cash, borrowings and leases. 

Income tax (credit)/expense 

Net interest on pension scheme liabilities  

18 

(0.6) 

(Credit)/expense on loss/profit from discontinued operations  

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

3.  Net finance expense from continuing operations 

4.  Income tax (credit)/expense 

4.  Income tax expense/(credit)  ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Factors affecting income tax for the year 
The tax charge for the year ended 31 December 2022 is higher than (2021: lower than) the standard 
rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19.0% (2021: 19.0%). The differences are explained below: 

5.  Personnel expense 
Total personnel expense, including Directors is analysed below: 

Continuing operations 

Loss from continuing operations before income tax 

Loss from discontinued operations before income tax 

Tax at UK statutory rate of 19.0% (2021: 19.0%) 

Effects of: 

Permanent disallowable items (including adjusting items)1 

Disposal of entities2 

Overseas state and local tax 

Unrecognised tax attributes utilised3 

Adjustments in respect of prior years 

Withholding tax (including on unremitted earnings) 

Change in tax rates4 

Difference between UK and overseas tax rates5 

Reassessment of deferred tax recognition6 

Other7 

Income tax (credit)/expense8 

2022 
£m 

(29.1) 

(156.7) 

(185.8) 

(35.3) 

16.6 

4.7 

0.3 

10.6 

(0.2) 

1.1 

(1.3) 

(2.0) 

3.5 

– 

(2.0) 

2021 
£m 

(7.1) 

40.3 

33.2 

6.3 

(8.3) 

1.6 

(0.5) 

1.0 

(0.3) 

2.4 

(2.2) 

(0.2) 

6.1 

(1.0) 

4.9 

Notes:  
1.  This includes £19.3m (2021: £nil) in relation to permanent differences arising from profits/losses on disposal, impairments and other 

2. 

costs associated with the disposals, net of the releases of uncertain tax provisions of £2.9m (2021: £9.0m). 
Includes £5.9m (2021: £6.0m) tax charge arising on an intra-group transfer of a subsidiary net of the release of an uncertain tax 
provision of £1.2m (2021: £4.4m) relating to a disposal in prior years where the statute of limitations has now expired. 

3.  See further information regarding deferred tax asset recognition in note 16. 
4.  Reflects the impact of differences in substantively enacted, or enacted corporate tax rates, for future periods to those of the 

current

period. 

5.  Reflects the impact of different tax rates in the jurisdictions in which Essentra operates by reference to the UK statutory rate. 

This

impact may vary in future years due to changes in overseas tax rates or Essentra’s geographical profit split. 

6.  Reflects the de-recognition of deferred tax assets (primarily on tax losses) due to changes in the year and latest forecasts which 

mean it is no longer probable that the related tax benefits will be realised. 

7.  For 2021 Other includes £0.8m reflecting the difference between the UK statutory rate of 19% and the 25% enacted rate at

which 

the deferred tax asset arising on the change in SaaS accounting policy is recognised (see note 16). 

8.  The income tax expense in the UK is £0.9m (2021: £2.5m). 

Wages and salaries 

Social security expense 

Pension expense (note 18)2 

Share option expense (note 18) 

Total personnel expense1,2 

2022 
£m 

105.4 
13.0 
2.9 
1.4 
122.7 

2021 
£m 

2022 
£m 

98.2   

245.5 

10.4   

4.0   

(0.7)  

25.1 

7.4 

2.6 

Total 

2021 
£m 

251.6 

25.5 

8.6 

0.8 

111.9   

280.6 

286.5 

Notes (continuing): 
1.  Additional personnel expenses totalling £5.1m (2021: £9.6m) were included within adjusting items, including: wages and salaries of 

£4.1m (2021: £8.5m); social security expense of £0.4m (2021: £0.8m); pension expense of £0.1m (2021: £0.3m); and £0.5m (2021: 
£nil) relating to share option expense.  

2.  Total pension expense for 2022 includes £2.0m (2021: £nil) included within adjusting items. 
3.  The Annual Report on Remuneration on pages 111 to 121 sets out information on Directors’ remuneration. 

Key management remuneration 

Short-term employee benefits 

Post-employment benefits 

Share-based payments 

Termination benefits 

Total1 

2022 
£m 

5.2 

0.3 

1.8 

0.9 

8.2 

2021 
£m 

5.2 

0.6 

0.5 

0.3 

6.6 

Note: 
1.  Essentra considers key management personnel to be the Directors and the members of the Group Management Committee. 

amounts disclosed are on the same basis as those used to determine the relevant amounts disclosed in the Annual Report on 

The
Remuneration on pages 111 to 121. 

156 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

157

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157 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

6.  Earnings per share 

Earnings from continuing operations 

(Loss)/profit attributable to equity holders of 
the

Company 

Adjustments: 

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 

Tax on amortisation of acquired intangible assets 

Adjusting items2 

Tax on adjusting items2 

Adjusted earnings attributable to equity 
holders of the	Company 

Discontinued operations 

Continuing operations 

2022 
£m 

20211 

£m   

2022 
£m 

20211 
£m 

(156.9) 

31.8     

(31.1) 

(4.9) 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares 

Basic weighted average ordinary shares outstanding1 

Dilutive effect of employee share option plans 

Diluted weighted average ordinary shares 

2022 
million 

301.1 

2.0 

303.1 

2021 
million 

301.0 

1.3 

302.3 

Note: 
1.  The basic weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue excludes shares held in treasury and shares held by the employee 

benefit trust. 

10.4 

(2.4) 

26.0 

2.8 

8.6 

(2.1) 

10.1 

(0.5)  

Earnings per share from continuing operations2 

5.7 

11.2  

Basic (loss)/earnings per share  

Adjustment 

2022 
pence 

20211 
pence 

(10.3)p 

(1.6)p 

12.2p 

1.9p 

5.3p 

3.7p 

Notes: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022 and consequently, 

comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2021 has been re-presented. See note 24 for further details. 

2.  Refer to note 2 for details of adjusting items. 

Adjusted basic earnings per share from continuing operations 

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share from continuing operations 

(10.3)p 

(1.6)p 

Adjustment 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations 

Earnings per share discontinued operations 

Basic (loss)/earnings per share 

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share 

12.2p 

1.9p 

5.3p 

3.7p 

(52.1)p 

(52.1)p 

10.6p 

10.5p 

Notes: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022 and consequently, 

comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2021 has been re-presented. See note 24 for further details. 

2.  Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations is provided to reflect the underlying performance of the Group. 

158 
158

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STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
	
 
     
 
 
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

6.  Earnings per share 

Earnings from continuing operations 

(Loss)/profit attributable to equity holders of 

the

Company 

Adjustments: 

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets 

Tax on amortisation of acquired intangible assets 

Adjusting items2 

Tax on adjusting items2 

Adjusted earnings attributable to equity 

holders of the	Company 

Notes: 

1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022 and consequently, 

comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2021 has been re-presented. See note 24 for further details. 

2.  Refer to note 2 for details of adjusting items. 

Discontinued operations 

Continuing operations 

2022 

£m 

20211 

£m   

2022 

£m 

20211 

£m 

(156.9) 

31.8     

(31.1) 

(4.9) 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares 

Basic weighted average ordinary shares outstanding1 

Dilutive effect of employee share option plans 

Diluted weighted average ordinary shares 

1.  The basic weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue excludes shares held in treasury and shares held by the employee 

Note: 

benefit trust. 

10.4 

(2.4) 

26.0 

2.8 

8.6 

(2.1) 

10.1 

(0.5)  

Earnings per share from continuing operations2 

5.7 

11.2  

Basic (loss)/earnings per share  

Adjustment 

Adjusted basic earnings per share from continuing operations 

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share from continuing operations 

(10.3)p 

(1.6)p 

Adjustment 

Adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations 

Earnings per share discontinued operations 

Basic (loss)/earnings per share 

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share 

Notes: 

1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022 and consequently, 

comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2021 has been re-presented. See note 24 for further details. 

2.  Adjusted earnings per share from continuing operations is provided to reflect the underlying performance of the Group. 

2022 

million 

301.1 

2.0 

303.1 

2021 

million 

301.0 

1.3 

302.3 

2022 

pence 

20211 

pence 

(10.3)p 

(1.6)p 

12.2p 

1.9p 

12.2p 

1.9p 

5.3p 

3.7p 

5.3p 

3.7p 

(52.1)p 

(52.1)p 

10.6p 

10.5p 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

7. 

Investment Properties, Property, plant and equipment 

Cost 

Beginning of year 

Acquisitions 

Additions 

Disposals 

Business disposals  

Transfers 

Currency translation3 

End of year 

Accumulated depreciation and 
impairment 

Beginning of year 

Charge in period6 

Disposals 

Business disposals  

Impairment4 

Currency translation3 

End of year 

Note 

23 

24 

24 

2022 

Total 
Investment 
properties5 
£m 

Land and 
buildings 
£m 

Plant and 
machinery 
£m 

Fixtures, fittings 
and equipment 
£m 

2022     

Total  
property,  
plant and equipment1,2 

£m     

Land and 
buildings 
£m 

Plant and  
machinery 
£m 

Fixtures, fittings  
and equipment 
£m 

2021 

Total  
property,  
plant and equipment1,2 
£m 

–   

–   

–   

– 

– 

7.0 

–   

7.0   

–   

–   

– 

– 

–   

–   

–   

79.4 

0.5 

2.5 

(0.7) 

(43.5) 

(7.0) 

6.5 

37.7 

18.0 

2.8 

(0.7) 

(9.0) 

– 

3.1 

14.2 

386.5 

0.7 

33.1 

(9.4) 

(324.5) 

– 

39.2 

125.6 

223.7 

18.5 

(8.7) 

(161.2) 

0.1 

23.3 

95.7 

78.9 

0.2 

4.0 

– 

(14.4) 

– 

3.3 

72.0 

48.8 

8.2 

– 

(0.1) 

0.4 

2.9 

60.2 

544.8    

1.4     

39.6    

(10.1)    

(382.4)   

(7.0)   

49.0     

235.3    

290.5    

29.5    

(9.4)    

(170.3)   

0.5    

29.3     

170.1    

84.8 

(0.5) 

2.1 

(4.2) 

– 

– 

(2.8) 

79.4 

17.2 

3.2 

(0.8) 

– 

0.2 

(1.8) 

18.0 

387.2 

2.4 

31.8 

(20.6) 

– 

– 

(14.3) 

386.5 

226.0 

25.3 

(19.2) 

– 

0.5 

(8.9) 

223.7 

78.4 

0.1 

4.9 

(3.2) 

– 

– 

(1.3) 

78.9 

44.7 

8.1 

(3.2) 

– 

– 

(0.8) 

48.8 

550.4 

2.0 

38.8 

(28.0) 

– 

– 

(18.4) 

544.8 

287.9 

36.6 

(23.2) 

– 

0.7 

(11.5) 

290.5 

Net book value at end of year 

7.0   

23.5 

29.9 

11.8 

65.2    

61.4 

162.8 

30.1 

254.3 

Included within land and buildings, plant and machinery and fixtures, fittings and equipment are assets in the course of construction of £0.3m (2021: £1.7m) which were not depreciated during the year.  

Notes: 
1. 
2.  Contractual commitments to purchase property, plant and equipment amounted to £0.3m at 31 December 2022 (2021: £0.4m). 
3.  Currency translation as at 31 December 2022 includes £3.2m (2021: £nil) in respect of adjustments for hyperinflation. See ‘Changes in accounting policies’ under note (a) ‘basis of preparation’ for further details of the Group’s application of IAS 29 during the year. 
4.  Property, plant and equipment with a net book value of £0.6m (2021: £1.1m) was impaired by £0.6m (2021: £1.1m) to a recoverable amount of £nil (2021: £nil), which represented fair value less cost to sell. £0.6m (2021: £0.8m) of this impairment relates to restructuring 

projects and has been charged to adjusting items. Furthermore, £nil (2021: £0.4m) has been written back to a recoverable amount of £nil (2021: £0.4m) and this has been charged to adjusting items. Refer to note 2 for further details of adjusting items. 

5.  During the year to 31 December 2022, land and buildings with a net book value of £7.0m, over which the UK Essentra Pension Plan holds security, were reclassified as investment properties. The transfer follows the disposal of the Filters business which held a pre-existing 
property lease arrangement with the continuing Group. At the date of disposal of the Filters business on 3 December 2022 (see note 24), the continuing Group ceased owner-occupation. Following its assessment of the remaining useful economic life associated to 
investment properties at the balance sheet date, the Group is depreciating owned freehold investment property at 2% on a straight-line basis. No amounts were received in respect of rental income during the year. 
Included within the depreciation charge for the period is £13.9m (2021: £12.3m) relating to continuing operations. 

6. 

158 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

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159 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
	
 
     
 
 
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

8.  Intangible assets 

Cost 

Beginning of year  

Acquisitions8  

Additions 

Disposals 

Business disposals4 

Currency translation7 

End of year 

Accumulated amortisation and impairment 

Beginning of year  

Charge for the year3 

Business disposals4 

Impairment5 

Disposal 

Currency translation7 

End of year 

Note 

Goodwill 
£m 

Customer 
relationships 
£m 

Other 
intangible 
assets1,2 
£m 

2022 

Total 
£m 

Goodwill 
£m 

Customer 
relationships 
£m 

Other 
 intangible 
assets1,2 
£m 

354.9 

20.7 

– 

– 

423.2 

8.2 

– 

– 

24 

(271.9) 

(319.2) 

36.4 

140.1 

27.9 

– 

47.1 

159.3 

280.9 

16.6 

24 

(214.6) 

(228.0) 

181.6 

– 

9.6 

4.5 

1.1 

– 

28.5 

99.1 

26.4 

804.5   

0.6 

1.0 

(1.4) 

(2.7) 

0.9 

24.8 

12.2 

3.0 

(1.1) 

– 

(0.8) 

0.7 

14.0 

29.5   

1.0   

(1.4)   

(593.8)  

84.4   

324.2   

321.0   

19.6   

(443.7)  

182.7 

(0.8)   

38.8   

117.6   

356.0 

4.5 

424.4 

8.6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(5.6) 

354.9 

(9.8) 

423.2 

27.8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

264.3 

22.2 

– 

– 

– 

0.1 

27.9 

(5.6) 

280.9 

23.1 

– 

3.2 

– 

– 

0.1 

26.4 

9.0 

2.8 

– 

0.3 

– 

0.1 

12.2 

2021 

Total 
£m 

803.5 

13.1 

3.2 

– 

– 

(15.3) 

804.5 

301.1 

25.0 

– 

0.3 

– 

(5.4) 

321.0 

Net book value at end of year 

135.6 

60.2 

10.8 

206.6   

327.0 

142.3 

14.2 

483.5 

Notes: 
1.  Other intangible assets principally comprise trade names acquired with Reid Supply, developed technology acquired with Richco, order backlog, software development and e-Commerce development costs. Salary costs of £0.2m (2021: £0.7m) were capitalised as part of 

other intangible assets during the year. 
Included within other intangible assets at 31 December 2022, are assets in the course of construction of £nil (2021: £0.9m) which were not amortised during the year. 

2. 
3.  Amortisation charged on other intangible assets (which includes e-Commerce development and software development costs not acquired through a business combination), is included within operating profit before amortisation of acquired intangibles and adjusting items. 

Amortisation charged on customer relationships acquired in a business combination is excluded from the Group’s adjusted operating profit measure. Included within the amortisation charge for the period is £13.1m (2021: £11.2m) relating to continuing operations. 

4.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year to 31 December 2022. The goodwill disposed was £35.6m and £21.7m, respectively. Refer to note 24 for further details. 
5.  An impairment charge of £181.6m was recognised at 30 June 2022 following the Group’s impairment assessment in respect of the carrying value of goodwill allocated to the Packaging business prior to its disposal. In addition, an impairment charge of £1.1m was recognised 

relating to intangible assets held in India following an impairment review triggered by the divestment of the Packaging business. These impairment charges have been included within the result from discontinued operations. 

6.  The weighted average remaining useful lives of customer relationships and other intangible assets at the end of the year were 5.8 years and 4.3 years (2021: 9.0 years and 5.2 years) respectively. 
7.  Currency translation as at 31 December 2022 includes £13.9m (2021: £nil) in respect of adjustments for hyperinflation. See ‘Changes in accounting policies’ under note (a) ‘basis of preparation’ for further details of the Group’s application of IAS 29 during the year. 
8  Acquisitions includes goodwill of £20.2m and customer relationships and other intangibles of £8.8m relating to the acquisition of the Wixroyd Group, and £0.5m relating to the Hengzhu acquisition. See note 23. 

Essentra tests intangible assets annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications of
operating cash flows to the net carrying value of the goodwill and other intangible and tangible

impairment. A discounted cash flow analysis is computed to compare the discounted estimated future 

assets for each cash generating unit or group of cash generating units as appropriate. 

Goodwill is allocated to groups of cash generating units, being the operating segments, as follows: 

Components 

Packaging – discontinued 

Filters – discontinued 

Total net book value of goodwill 

160 
160

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

2022 
£m 

135.6 

– 

– 

135.6 

2021 
£m 

96.8 

208.5 

21.7 

327.0 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
Goodwill 

relationships 

Note 

£m 

£m 

Customer 

Other 

intangible 

assets1,2 

£m 

Customer 

Goodwill 

relationships 

£m 

£m 

Other 

 intangible 

assets1,2 

£m 

26.4 

804.5   

23.1 

803.5 

356.0 

4.5 

424.4 

8.6 

2022 

Total 

£m 

29.5   

1.0   

(1.4)   

(593.8)  

84.4   

324.2   

321.0   

19.6   

(443.7)  

182.7 

(0.8)   

38.8   

117.6   

0.6 

1.0 

(1.4) 

(2.7) 

0.9 

24.8 

12.2 

3.0 

(1.1) 

– 

(0.8) 

0.7 

14.0 

24 

(271.9) 

(319.2) 

354.9 

20.7 

– 

– 

36.4 

140.1 

27.9 

– 

181.6 

– 

9.6 

4.5 

423.2 

8.2 

– 

– 

47.1 

159.3 

280.9 

16.6 

1.1 

– 

28.5 

99.1 

24 

(214.6) 

(228.0) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(5.6) 

354.9 

(9.8) 

423.2 

27.8 

264.3 

22.2 

0.1 

27.9 

(5.6) 

280.9 

3.2 

– 

– 

– 

0.1 

26.4 

9.0 

2.8 

0.3 

– 

– 

0.1 

12.2 

2021 

Total 

£m 

13.1 

3.2 

– 

– 

(15.3) 

804.5 

301.1 

25.0 

0.3 

– 

– 

(5.4) 

321.0 

135.6 

60.2 

10.8 

206.6   

327.0 

142.3 

14.2 

483.5 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

8.  Intangible assets 

Accumulated amortisation and impairment 

Cost 

Beginning of year  

Acquisitions8  

Additions 

Disposals 

Business disposals4 

Currency translation7 

End of year 

Beginning of year  

Charge for the year3 

Business disposals4 

Impairment5 

Disposal 

Currency translation7 

End of year 

Net book value at end of year 

Notes: 

other intangible assets during the year. 

Components 

Packaging – discontinued 

Filters – discontinued 

Total net book value of goodwill 

160 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

1.  Other intangible assets principally comprise trade names acquired with Reid Supply, developed technology acquired with Richco, order backlog, software development and e-Commerce development costs. Salary costs of £0.2m (2021: £0.7m) were capitalised as part of 

2. 

Included within other intangible assets at 31 December 2022, are assets in the course of construction of £nil (2021: £0.9m) which were not amortised during the year. 

3.  Amortisation charged on other intangible assets (which includes e-Commerce development and software development costs not acquired through a business combination), is included within operating profit before amortisation of acquired intangibles and adjusting items. 

Amortisation charged on customer relationships acquired in a business combination is excluded from the Group’s adjusted operating profit measure. Included within the amortisation charge for the period is £13.1m (2021: £11.2m) relating to continuing operations. 

4.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year to 31 December 2022. The goodwill disposed was £35.6m and £21.7m, respectively. Refer to note 24 for further details. 

5.  An impairment charge of £181.6m was recognised at 30 June 2022 following the Group’s impairment assessment in respect of the carrying value of goodwill allocated to the Packaging business prior to its disposal. In addition, an impairment charge of £1.1m was recognised 

relating to intangible assets held in India following an impairment review triggered by the divestment of the Packaging business. These impairment charges have been included within the result from discontinued operations. 

6.  The weighted average remaining useful lives of customer relationships and other intangible assets at the end of the year were 5.8 years and 4.3 years (2021: 9.0 years and 5.2 years) respectively. 

7.  Currency translation as at 31 December 2022 includes £13.9m (2021: £nil) in respect of adjustments for hyperinflation. See ‘Changes in accounting policies’ under note (a) ‘basis of preparation’ for further details of the Group’s application of IAS 29 during the year. 

8  Acquisitions includes goodwill of £20.2m and customer relationships and other intangibles of £8.8m relating to the acquisition of the Wixroyd Group, and £0.5m relating to the Hengzhu acquisition. See note 23. 

Essentra tests intangible assets annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications of

impairment. A discounted cash flow analysis is computed to compare the discounted estimated future 

operating cash flows to the net carrying value of the goodwill and other intangible and tangible

assets for each cash generating unit or group of cash generating units as appropriate. 

Goodwill is allocated to groups of cash generating units, being the operating segments, as follows: 

2022 

£m 

135.6 

– 

– 

135.6 

2021 

£m 

96.8 

208.5 

21.7 

327.0 

Total net book value of customer relationships 
and	other intangible assets 

71.0 

156.5 

Following an impairment assessment of the carrying value of intangible assets held by the Group’s 
operations performed by management at 31 December 2022, no impairment charge was required to 
be recognised on the Group’s continuing operations. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

8.  Intangible assets ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Customer relationships and other intangible assets are allocated to the businesses to which they 
relate, as follows: 

Business 

Components – Businesses of former Moss and Skiffy 

Continuing  

Components – Businesses of former Richco 

Components – Business of former Mesan 

Components – Business of former Abric 

Components – Business of former Micro Plastics, Inc. 

Components – Industrial Supply 

Components – Innovative Components 

Components – Hengzhu 

Components – Wixroyd Group 

Components – e-Commerce development costs 

Components – other businesses 

Components – Sweden 

Software and development costs 

Packaging – Americas 

Packaging – Asia 

Packaging – Europe 

Packaging – Nekicesa 

Filters 

Continuing 

Continuing 

Continuing 

Continuing 

Continuing 

Continuing 

Continuing 

Continuing 

Continuing 

Continuing 

Continuing 

Continuing 

Discontinued 

Discontinued 

Discontinued 

Discontinued 

Discontinued 

2022 
£m 

8.3 

13.4 

0.9 

5.9 

3.8 

0.7 

6.6 

8.3 

8.8 

5.9 

3.7 

2.5 

2.2 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

The impairment assessment for intangible assets (excluding goodwill) and property, plant and 
equipment is performed on the cash generating units within the divisions. The cash generating units 
are primarily the manufacturing sites. Goodwill is tested at the divisional level, which is the level that 
management monitor goodwill. The recoverable amount is estimated on the basis of value in use, i.e. 
discounted cash flows expected to be generated by the group by its cash generating units. For assets 
in the cash generating units assessed to be impaired, their fair value less costs to sell is also considered 
in determining the impairment loss to be recognised, if any. In these cases, the fair value less costs to 
sell is based on estimated market prices reflecting the age and condition of the asset. 

The impairment tests for goodwill and intangible assets are based on the Board approved business 
plan (the “Plan”). Cash flow projections are over five years using the approved annual budget for 
the
first year and subsequent years based on the Group and Divisional Strategic Plan. The Group’s 
impairment test incorporates the following assumptions: 

• 

The key assumptions in the cash flow projections for the Plan are revenue growth and operating 
margin. Operating margin is primarily based upon the historical levels achieved, adjusted by 
targets set for revenue expansion and cost control and reduction within the Plan period. 
The
values assigned to these assumptions represent management’s assessment of market 
condition and scope for cost and profitability improvement, taking into account realisable 
synergies resulting from integration activities. The annual revenue growth rate over the five year 
forecast period averages 6.6% with a terminal growth rate of 2.4% from 2028 onwards. The 
average operating profit margin over the five year forecast period is assumed to improve by 120 
bps. 

2021 
£m 

8.8 

15.3 

1.4 

6.7 

3.7 

1.6 

6.6 

8.8 

– 

6.3 

3.0 

– 

4.5 

45.5 

1.1 

• 

38.2 

3.7 

1.3 

The estimated cash flows are discounted using a post-tax discount rate based upon Essentra’s 
estimated post-tax weighted average cost of capital of 10.8% (2021: 6.5%). The post-tax discount 
rate for 2022 was significantly higher than for 2021 as the rate for 2021 was a blended rate 
incorporating the Packaging and Filters businesses that were sold during 2022, whereas the rate 
for 2022 was for the Components business only, which generally had a higher discount rate than 
the Packaging and Filters businesses. The specific pre-tax discount rates applied for the Group on 
continuing operations are 11.0% (2021: 8.4% for Components). 

161

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

161 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

9.  Lease right-of-use asset 

Cost 

Beginning of year 

Additions, extensions and surrenders 

Terminations 

Business disposals 

Acquisitions 

Currency translation4 

End of year 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 

Beginning of year 

Charge for the year3 

Terminations 

Disposal of businesses 

Impairment write back1 

Currency translation4 

End of year 

Net book value at end of year 

Land and 
buildings 
£m 

Plant and 
machinery 
£m 

Fixtures, 
fittings and 
equipment 
£m 

2022 

Total 
£m 

114.3   

10.3   

(8.5)   

(83.8)  

–   
11.1   

43.4 

63.9   

10.1   

(8.1)  

(47.4)     

(0.6)  

4.5   

22.4   

Land and 
buildings 
£m 

Plant and 
machinery 
£m 

Fixtures, 
 fittings and 
equipment 
£m 

102.0 

8.2 

(6.3) 

– 

2.0 

(5.4) 

100.5 

57.7 

9.0 

(6.0) 

– 

(1.1) 

(3.0) 

56.6 

13.9 

1.8 

(1.7) 

– 

– 

(0.6) 

13.4 

5.7 

2.9 

(1.3) 

– 

– 

(0.3) 

7.0 

0.4 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.4 

0.2 

0.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.3 

2021 

Total 
£m 

116.3 

10.0 

(8.0) 

– 

2.0 

(6.0) 

114.3 

63.6 

12.0 

(7.3) 

– 

(1.1) 

(3.3) 

63.9 

0.4 

– 

(0.1) 

(0.2) 

– 

0.1 

0.2 

0.3 

0.2 

(0.1) 

(0.2) 

– 

(0.1) 

0.1 

0.1 

21.0   

43.9 

6.4 

0.1 

50.4 

100.5 

7.6 

(6.9) 

(71.2) 

– 

10.3 

40.3 

56.6 

7.4 

(6.7) 

(40.4) 

(0.6) 

4.1 

20.4 

19.9 

13.4 

2.7 

(1.5) 

(12.4) 

– 

0.7 

2.9 

7.0 

2.5 

(1.3) 

(6.8) 

– 

0.5 

1.9 

1.0 

Notes: 
1.  During the year, an impairment write back of £0.6m (2021: impairment write back of £1.1m) was recognised in adjusting items (refer to note 2). The assets were uplifted to their recoverable amount, which represented their fair value.  
2.  Contractual commitments to lease property, plant and equipment amounted to £nil at 31 December 2022 (2021: £nil). 
3.  Depreciation charge of £10.1m in the year includes an amount of £5.6m relating to continuing operations and £4.5m relating to discontinued operations. 
4.  Currency translation as at 31 December 2022 includes net book value movement of £2.7m in respect of adjustments for hyperinflation. See ‘Changes in accounting policies’ under note (a) ‘basis of preparation’ for further details of the Group’s application of IAS 29 during 

the

year. 

162 
162

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

9.  Lease right-of-use asset 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 

Additions, extensions and surrenders 

Cost 

Beginning of year 

Terminations 

Business disposals 

Acquisitions 

Currency translation4 

End of year 

Beginning of year 

Charge for the year3 

Terminations 

Disposal of businesses 

Impairment write back1 

Currency translation4 

End of year 

Notes: 

the

year. 

Land and 

buildings 

£m 

Plant and 

machinery 

£m 

Fixtures, 

fittings and 

equipment 

£m 

Land and 

buildings 

£m 

Plant and 

machinery 

£m 

Fixtures, 

 fittings and 

equipment 

£m 

2022 

Total 

£m 

114.3   

10.3   

(8.5)   

(83.8)  

–   

11.1   

43.4 

(47.4)     

63.9   

10.1   

(8.1)  

(0.6)  

4.5   

22.4   

0.4 

– 

(0.1) 

(0.2) 

– 

0.1 

0.2 

0.3 

0.2 

(0.1) 

(0.2) 

– 

(0.1) 

0.1 

102.0 

8.2 

(6.3) 

– 

2.0 

(5.4) 

100.5 

57.7 

9.0 

(6.0) 

– 

(1.1) 

(3.0) 

56.6 

13.9 

1.8 

(1.7) 

– 

– 

(0.6) 

13.4 

5.7 

2.9 

(1.3) 

– 

– 

(0.3) 

7.0 

0.4 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.4 

0.2 

0.1 

0.3 

2021 

Total 

£m 

116.3 

10.0 

(8.0) 

– 

2.0 

(6.0) 

114.3 

63.6 

12.0 

(7.3) 

– 

(1.1) 

(3.3) 

63.9 

100.5 

7.6 

(6.9) 

(71.2) 

– 

10.3 

40.3 

56.6 

7.4 

(6.7) 

(40.4) 

(0.6) 

4.1 

20.4 

19.9 

13.4 

2.7 

(1.5) 

(12.4) 

– 

0.7 

2.9 

7.0 

2.5 

(1.3) 

(6.8) 

– 

0.5 

1.9 

1.0 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

9.  Lease right-of-use asset ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
The income statement shows the following amounts relating to leases: 

11.  Trade and other receivables 

On continuing operations 

Lease right-of-use asset depreciation 

Interest expense (included in finance costs)2 

Exchange losses (included in finance costs) 

Expense relating to short-term leases (included in cost of goods sold 
and

administrative expenses)3 

Expense relating to leases of low-value assets not shown above as  
short-term leases (included in operating expenses) 

2022 
£m 

5.6 

1.5 

1.2 

0.1 

0.1 

8.5 

20211 
£m 

5.4 

1.4 

2.4 

0.2 

0.1 

9.5 

Trade receivables 

Trade receivables subject to factoring 

Other receivables 

Prepayments and accrued income 

Total 

12.  Cash and cash equivalents 

Notes: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022 and consequently, 

comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2021 has been re-presented. See note 24 for further details. 

2.  For the year ended 31 December 2022, the weighted average lessee’s incremental borrowing rate applied to lease liabilities was 7.1% 

(2021: 5.2%). 

3.  The short-term leases expense for the year ending 31 December 2023 is not expected to be materially different to the expense 

disclosed above. 

Bank balances 

Short-term bank deposits and investments 

Total1 

2022 
£m 

45.3 

– 

17.7 

3.4 

66.4 

2022 
£m 

421.4 

– 

421.4 

2021 
£m 

144.8 

4.0 

19.9 

6.5 

175.2 

2021 
£m 

123.9 

12.4 

136.3 

The maturity analysis of lease liabilities has been included within note 19. The total cash outflow for 
leases and analysis of movements in lease liabilities are included within note 22. 

Note: 
1. 

Included in cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2022 were amounts totalling £nil (2021: £12.6m) subject to currency controls 
or other legal restrictions. 

10.  Inventories 

13.  Trade and other payables 

Raw materials and consumables 

Work-in-progress 

Finished goods and goods held for resale 

Total1 

Note: 
1. 

Inventories with a total value of £nil (2021: £0.1m) were written down in the year. 

2022 
£m 

10.6 

4.3 

50.1 

65.0 

2021 
£m 

60.0 

12.5 

56.2 

Trade payables 

Other tax and social security contributions 

Other payables 

128.7 

Accruals and deferred income 

Total 

2022 
£m 

31.9 

9.5 

7.9 

42.2 

91.5 

2021 
£m 

103.3 

13.2 

15.2 

49.2 

180.9 

Net book value at end of year 

0.1 

21.0   

43.9 

6.4 

0.1 

50.4 

1.  During the year, an impairment write back of £0.6m (2021: impairment write back of £1.1m) was recognised in adjusting items (refer to note 2). The assets were uplifted to their recoverable amount, which represented their fair value.  

2.  Contractual commitments to lease property, plant and equipment amounted to £nil at 31 December 2022 (2021: £nil). 

3.  Depreciation charge of £10.1m in the year includes an amount of £5.6m relating to continuing operations and £4.5m relating to discontinued operations. 

4.  Currency translation as at 31 December 2022 includes net book value movement of £2.7m in respect of adjustments for hyperinflation. See ‘Changes in accounting policies’ under note (a) ‘basis of preparation’ for further details of the Group’s application of IAS 29 during 

162 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

163

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

163 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15.  Derivatives 
Derivative financial instruments – cash flow hedges 
The Group uses derivatives to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks arising 
from operational, financing and investment activities. The carrying value of derivatives designated in 
cash flow hedges at the balance sheet date was as follows:  

At 31 December 2022 

At 31 December 2021 

Fair 
values 
£m 

Contractual 
or notional 
amounts 
£m 

Change in 
fair value 
£m 

Fair 
values 
£m 

Contractual 
or notional 
amounts 
£m 

Change in 
fair value 
£m 

0.2 

0.2 

8.3 

8.3 

1.3 

1.3 

– 

– 

58.4 

58.4 

(0.3)  

(0.3)  

66.7 

66.7 

77.4 

77.4 

7.6   

7.6   

1.2   

1.2   

0.5 

0.5 

0.7 

0.7 

0.1 

0.1 

23.0 

23.0 

77.8 

77.8 

0.2 

0.2 

0.7 

0.7 

11.9 

11.9 

(0.4) 

(0.4) 

– 

– 

–   

–   

– 

– 

29.6 

29.6 

– 

– 

Cash flow hedges are hedges of the currency risk exposure to variability in cash flows. They relate to 
trading transactions and interest and principal payments denominated in foreign currencies. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

14. Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Non-current liabilities 

Unsecured bank loans 

US Private Placement Loan Notes 

Total 

Current liabilities 

US Private Placement Loan Notes 

Total 

2022 
£m 

– 

85.0 

85.0 

208.0 

208.0 

2021 
£m 

55.6 

257.7 

313.3 

– 

– 

Current assets  

Forward foreign 
exchange

contracts  

At 31 December 2022, the Group had £nil (2021: £59.2m) of unsecured bank loans drawn in sterling 
at
floating rates of interest set by reference to SONIA (2021: SONIA). Essentra’s $350.0m US Private 
Placement Loan Notes are at a weighted average interest rate of 4.01% per annum (2021: 4.02%). 

In October 2021, the Group completed the refinancing of its revolving credit facility with a new  
five-year term, expiring in November 2025 for a commitment of £275m. In October 2022, following 
lender consent and following the sale of the Packaging business and the expected completion of the 
Filters business, the decision was taken by the Directors to reduce the facility to £200m, maintaining 
the same terms.  

Following the sale of the Packaging and Filters businesses, $247m of the US Private Placement Loan 
Notes were repaid in January 2023. This left $33m maturing July 2028, $35m maturing July 2031 
and

$35m maturing July 2033.  

The currency profile of the carrying and nominal values of Essentra’s loans and borrowings is 
as

follows: 

Non-current assets  

Cross currency interest 
rate

swaps  

Current liabilities  

Forward foreign 
exchange

contracts  

Non-current liabilities 

Cross currency interest 
rate

swaps  

Sterling 

US dollar 

Total 

Carrying 
value 
£m 

– 

293.0 

293.0 

2022 

Nominal 
value 
£m 

–   

291.7   

291.7   

Carrying 
value 
£m 

55.6 

257.7 

313.3 

2021 

Nominal 
value 
£m 

59.2 

259.3 

318.5 

The difference between the total nominal and carrying value of loans and borrowings relates to the 
amortised value of prepaid facility fees of £0.4m (2021: £5.2m) and to the accrued make whole 
payments due on early repayment in January 2023 of £1.7m. 

164 
164

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

14. Interest bearing loans and borrowings 

Non-current liabilities 

Unsecured bank loans 

US Private Placement Loan Notes 

Current liabilities 

US Private Placement Loan Notes 

Total 

Total 

2021 

£m 

55.6 

257.7 

313.3 

2022 

£m 

– 

85.0 

85.0 

208.0 

208.0 

At 31 December 2022, the Group had £nil (2021: £59.2m) of unsecured bank loans drawn in sterling 

at

floating rates of interest set by reference to SONIA (2021: SONIA). Essentra’s $350.0m US Private 

Placement Loan Notes are at a weighted average interest rate of 4.01% per annum (2021: 4.02%). 

In October 2021, the Group completed the refinancing of its revolving credit facility with a new  

five-year term, expiring in November 2025 for a commitment of £275m. In October 2022, following 

lender consent and following the sale of the Packaging business and the expected completion of the 

Filters business, the decision was taken by the Directors to reduce the facility to £200m, maintaining 

Current liabilities  

the same terms.  

Following the sale of the Packaging and Filters businesses, $247m of the US Private Placement Loan 

Notes were repaid in January 2023. This left $33m maturing July 2028, $35m maturing July 2031 

and

$35m maturing July 2033.  

The currency profile of the carrying and nominal values of Essentra’s loans and borrowings is 

– 

– 

Current assets  

Forward foreign 

exchange

contracts  

Non-current assets  

Cross currency interest 

rate

swaps  

Forward foreign 

exchange

contracts  

Non-current liabilities 

Cross currency interest 

rate

swaps  

as

follows: 

Sterling 

US dollar 

Total 

Carrying 

value 

£m 

– 

293.0 

293.0 

2022 

Nominal 

value 

£m 

–   

291.7   

291.7   

Carrying 

value 

£m 

55.6 

257.7 

313.3 

2021 

Nominal 

value 

£m 

59.2 

259.3 

318.5 

The difference between the total nominal and carrying value of loans and borrowings relates to the 

amortised value of prepaid facility fees of £0.4m (2021: £5.2m) and to the accrued make whole 

payments due on early repayment in January 2023 of £1.7m. 

15.  Derivatives 

Derivative financial instruments – cash flow hedges 

The Group uses derivatives to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks arising 

from operational, financing and investment activities. The carrying value of derivatives designated in 

cash flow hedges at the balance sheet date was as follows:  

At 31 December 2022 

At 31 December 2021 

Contractual 

Fair 

or notional 

values 

amounts 

Change in 

fair value 

£m 

£m 

£m 

Fair 

values 

£m 

Contractual 

or notional 

amounts 

£m 

Change in 

fair value 

£m 

0.2 

0.2 

8.3 

8.3 

1.3 

1.3 

– 

– 

58.4 

58.4 

(0.3)  

(0.3)  

66.7 

66.7 

77.4 

77.4 

7.6   

7.6   

1.2   

1.2   

0.5 

0.5 

0.7 

0.7 

0.1 

0.1 

23.0 

23.0 

77.8 

77.8 

0.2 

0.2 

0.7 

0.7 

11.9 

11.9 

(0.4) 

(0.4) 

– 

– 

–   

–   

– 

– 

29.6 

29.6 

– 

– 

Cash flow hedges are hedges of the currency risk exposure to variability in cash flows. They relate to 

trading transactions and interest and principal payments denominated in foreign currencies. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

15.  Derivatives ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
The net fair value gains or losses on open forward foreign exchange contracts that hedge foreign 
currency risk of anticipated future sales, purchases and interest payments are accounted for as cash 
flow hedges. The fair value will be transferred to profit or loss when the forecast transactions occur. 
of these hedged transactions are expected to occur over the next 12 months and all derivative 
All
instruments mature in the next 12 months. 

In July 2021, Essentra entered into a number of cross currency interest rate swap contracts to hedge 
the foreign currency risk of $145m of its US Private Placement Loan Notes. The maturity profile of 
these match those of the underlying loan notes with $20m notional value maturing within 3 years and 
the remainder between 5 and 7 years. These contracts are accounted for as cash flow hedges, with 
the impact of cross currency basis treated as a cost of hedging. In November 2022, following the 
Group’s strategic review, swap contracts hedging $65m were terminated on 28 November 2022 for a 
net receipt of £6.5m. This resulted in ineffectiveness being recognised during the period of £0.8m and 
hedge accounting being discontinued at the repayment date. At 31 December 2022, the Group has 
derivatives with a total notional value of $80m remaining, which are due to mature in 2028. Of these 
remaining derivatives, hedge accounting was discontinued for a total notional value of $47m as the 
related debt is due to be repaid, resulting in a release to finance expense in the period of £0.2m.  

Movements in the Group’s hedging reserves are analysed below: 

The following movements were recognised for the purpose of calculating hedge ineffectiveness in 
the

year: 

Cumulative movement at 1 January 2022 

Movement in period 

Cumulative movement at 31 December 2022 

Movement in period 

Cumulative movement at 31 December 2021 

Movement in 
hedging 
instrument 
£m 

Movement in 
hedged item 
£m 

Ineffectiveness 
recognised 
in	P&L 
£m 

0.7 

13.9 

14.6 

(0.2) 

(14.7) 

(14.9) 

0.5 

(0.8) 

(0.3) 

Movement in 
hedging 
instrument 
£m 

Movement in 
hedged item 
£m 

Ineffectiveness 
recognised  
P&L 
in
£m 

0.7 

0.7 

(0.2) 

(0.2) 

0.5 

0.5 

Cost of 
hedging 
reserve 
£m 

Cash flow 
hedging 
reserve 
£m 

2022 

Total 
hedging 
reserve 
£m 

Cost of 
hedging 
reserve 
£m 

Cash flow 
hedging 
reserve 
£m 

2021 

Total 
hedging 
reserve 
£m 

0.9 

(2.4) 

(1.5)  

– 

(0.1) 

(0.1) 

Hedges of net investments in foreign operations 
Hedges of net investments are hedges of the currency risk exposure to changes in the carrying value 
of net investments in foreign operations.  

Essentra had other US dollar (and in 2021 euro) denominated borrowings which it designated as 
hedges of its net investments in subsidiary undertakings. Exchange losses of £21.7m (2021: losses 
of
£2.8m) on these US dollar borrowings and the gains of £nil (2021: gains of £2.6m) on the euro 
borrowings were recognised in other comprehensive income. 

– 

– 

(0.9) 

(0.9)  

0.2 

0.2   

– 

– 

0.2 

0.2 

– 

– 

(2.0) 

19.0 

17.0   

0.9 

(0.2) 

0.7 

– 

0.8 

0.8   

– 

(0.5) 

(0.5) 

Balance at the beginning of 
the year 

Change in fair value of forward 
foreign exchange contracts 
recognised in other 
comprehensive income 

Amounts recycled to finance 
expense on discontinued hedges 

Change in fair value of cross 
currency interest rate swaps 
recognised in other 
comprehensive income 

Ineffectiveness recognised in 
finance expense/(income) 

Amounts recycled to finance 
expense to offset retranslation 
of

hedged loans 

Balance at the end of the year 

(1.1) 

0.3 

(0.8)  

– 

(16.4) 

(16.4)  

– 

0.9 

(1.8) 

(2.4) 

(1.8) 

(1.5) 

164 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

165

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165 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

16.  Deferred tax 
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following: 

Movements in the year: 

Assets 
£m 

Liabilities 
£m 

Net 
£m 

2022 

Income 
statement: 
Charge/ 
(credit) 
£m 

Assets 
£m 

Liabilities 
£m 

Net 
£m 

2021 

Income 
statement: 
Charge/ 
(credit) 
£m 

(7.1) 

– 

(4.6) 

(11.3) 

2.9 

13.3 

0.6 

2.1 

(4.2) 

13.3 

(4.0) 

(9.2) 

(2.0)   

(11.0) 

(13.0)   

– 

0.1 

0.4 

(8.5) 

(20.2) 

13.2 

39.9 

8.5 

11.8 

2.2 

39.9 

– 

(8.4) 

1.9 

(2.8) 

1.5 

0.9 

(Credit)/charge to the income statement in respect of current year 

Charge/(credit) to the income statement in respect of prior years 

(Credit)/charge to other comprehensive income – defined benefit 
pensions 

Beginning of the year 

Set off of tax 

11.3 

(11.3) 

– 

(23.0) 

18.9 

(4.1) 

(11.7) 

7.6 

(4.1) 

– 

– 

– 

(39.7) 

73.4 

33.7 

28.1 

(28.1) 

– 

(11.6) 

45.3 

33.7 

– 

– 

– 

Charge to reserves – hyperinflation (IAS 29) 

Charge/(credit) to reserves on share-based incentives 

Acquisitions and disposals 

Currency translation 

End of year 

Property, plant and 
equipment1 

Intangible assets2 

Employee benefits3 

Other4 

Tax 
(assets)/liabilities 

Net tax 
(assets)/liabilities 

Total income 
statement 
charge/(credit) 

2022 
Total 
Net 
£m 

33.7 

(16.3) 

1.8  

(5.1) 

2.7 

0.6  

(25.8) 

4.3  

(4.1) 

2021 
Total 
Net 
£m 

24.9 

2.5 

(1.0) 

7.9 

– 

(0.5) 

0.6 

(0.7) 

33.7 

As at 31 December 2022 it was expected that earnings from certain overseas Group companies will 
be
remitted and a deferred tax liability of £1.4m (2021: £8.2m) has been recognised accordingly. 
This
The amount of unrecognised deferred tax in respect of unremitted earnings is £2.0m (2021: £13.3m). 

represents withholding taxes payable on the remittance of these earnings under local tax laws. 

Based on available information, management determined whether it is probable for some or all of 
the
deferred tax assets to be recognised. In determining this management considered the cumulative 
losses in prior years, the history of tax losses, the manner in which assets can be used (including time 
limitations under local laws), future earnings potential and expectation of future reversal of taxable 
temporary differences. Following management assessment, gross deferred tax assets of £0.2m 
(2021:
£0.2m) in respect of capital losses and unutilised tax losses of £61.6m (2021: £46.5m) have not 
been recognised as their realisation is not probable. The capital losses have an unlimited expiry date.  

The income tax losses expire as follows: £3.3m within 5 years, £1.2m in 5+ years and £57.1m with 
no

expiry.  

If future conditions change the amount of unrecognised deferred tax assets will be reassessed. 
This

may impact the income tax expense in the year of remeasurement. 

– 

– 

– 

(14.5)   

– 

– 

– 

1.5 

Notes: 
1.  A deferred tax liability arises on property, plant and equipment as the tax value of assets is lower than the corresponding accounting 

value. This arises as tax deductions are determined by the applicable tax laws in each country the Group operates in whereas 
accounting depreciation is calculated in line with the Group’s accounting policy. 

2.  A deferred tax liability is provided on temporary differences arising on the Group’s intangible assets as in the majority of cases the 
local tax authorities do not allow deduction for amortisation of these intangible assets. The reduction during the period is primarily 
due to the disposals of the Packaging and Filters businesses and by the reducing intangible asset value from the amortisation 
charge for the year, offset by the acquisition of the Wixroyd Group.   

3.  This represents deferred tax on the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes and share-based incentives. 
4.  This includes expenditure that will be deductible in future periods for tax purposes when the amounts are settled in cash, tax losses 

expected to be utilised in future periods and withholding tax on overseas earnings from Group companies expected to be remitted in 
the foreseeable future of £1.4m (2021: £8.2m). The reductions during the period primarily relate to the disposal of the Packaging and 
Filters businesses and the de-recognition of deferred tax assets on tax losses. 

166 
166

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

16.  Deferred tax 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to the following: 

Movements in the year: 

2021 

Income 

statement: 

Charge/ 

(credit) 

£m 

Assets 

Liabilities 

£m 

£m 

Net 

£m 

Assets 

Liabilities 

£m 

£m 

Net 

£m 

(7.1) 

– 

(4.6) 

(11.3) 

2.9 

13.3 

0.6 

2.1 

(4.2) 

13.3 

(4.0) 

(9.2) 

(2.0)   

(11.0) 

(13.0)   

– 

0.1 

0.4 

(8.5) 

(20.2) 

13.2 

39.9 

8.5 

11.8 

2.2 

39.9 

– 

(8.4) 

1.9 

(2.8) 

1.5 

0.9 

pensions 

(Credit)/charge to the income statement in respect of current year 

Charge/(credit) to the income statement in respect of prior years 

(Credit)/charge to other comprehensive income – defined benefit 

Beginning of the year 

(assets)/liabilities 

(23.0) 

18.9 

(4.1) 

(39.7) 

73.4 

33.7 

Set off of tax 

11.3 

(11.3) 

– 

28.1 

(28.1) 

– 

(assets)/liabilities 

(11.7) 

7.6 

(4.1) 

(11.6) 

45.3 

33.7 

Charge to reserves – hyperinflation (IAS 29) 

Charge/(credit) to reserves on share-based incentives 

– 

– 

– 

Acquisitions and disposals 

Currency translation 

End of year 

2022 

Income 

statement: 

Charge/ 

(credit) 

£m 

– 

– 

– 

2022 

Total 

Net 

£m 

33.7 

(16.3) 

1.8  

(5.1) 

2.7 

0.6  

(25.8) 

4.3  

(4.1) 

2021 

Total 

Net 

£m 

24.9 

2.5 

(1.0) 

7.9 

– 

(0.5) 

0.6 

(0.7) 

33.7 

Property, plant and 

equipment1 

Intangible assets2 

Employee benefits3 

Other4 

Tax 

Net tax 

Total income 

statement 

charge/(credit) 

Notes: 

– 

– 

– 

(14.5)   

– 

– 

– 

1.5 

1.  A deferred tax liability arises on property, plant and equipment as the tax value of assets is lower than the corresponding accounting 

value. This arises as tax deductions are determined by the applicable tax laws in each country the Group operates in whereas 

accounting depreciation is calculated in line with the Group’s accounting policy. 

2.  A deferred tax liability is provided on temporary differences arising on the Group’s intangible assets as in the majority of cases the 

local tax authorities do not allow deduction for amortisation of these intangible assets. The reduction during the period is primarily 

due to the disposals of the Packaging and Filters businesses and by the reducing intangible asset value from the amortisation 

charge for the year, offset by the acquisition of the Wixroyd Group.   

3.  This represents deferred tax on the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes and share-based incentives. 

4.  This includes expenditure that will be deductible in future periods for tax purposes when the amounts are settled in cash, tax losses 

expected to be utilised in future periods and withholding tax on overseas earnings from Group companies expected to be remitted in 

the foreseeable future of £1.4m (2021: £8.2m). The reductions during the period primarily relate to the disposal of the Packaging and 

Filters businesses and the de-recognition of deferred tax assets on tax losses. 

As at 31 December 2022 it was expected that earnings from certain overseas Group companies will 

be

remitted and a deferred tax liability of £1.4m (2021: £8.2m) has been recognised accordingly. 

This

represents withholding taxes payable on the remittance of these earnings under local tax laws. 

The amount of unrecognised deferred tax in respect of unremitted earnings is £2.0m (2021: £13.3m). 

Based on available information, management determined whether it is probable for some or all of 

the

deferred tax assets to be recognised. In determining this management considered the cumulative 

losses in prior years, the history of tax losses, the manner in which assets can be used (including time 

limitations under local laws), future earnings potential and expectation of future reversal of taxable 

temporary differences. Following management assessment, gross deferred tax assets of £0.2m 

(2021:

£0.2m) in respect of capital losses and unutilised tax losses of £61.6m (2021: £46.5m) have not 

been recognised as their realisation is not probable. The capital losses have an unlimited expiry date.  

The income tax losses expire as follows: £3.3m within 5 years, £1.2m in 5+ years and £57.1m with 

no

expiry.  

If future conditions change the amount of unrecognised deferred tax assets will be reassessed. 

This

may impact the income tax expense in the year of remeasurement. 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

17.  Provisions 

Beginning of year 

Provisions made during year 

Provisions recognised on business 
disposal 

Business disposals 

Utilised during year 

Currency translation  

End of year 

Non-current 

Current 

End of year 

Beginning of year 

Provisions made during year 

Provisions released during year 

Utilised during year 

Currency translation  

End of year 

Non-current 

Current 

End of year 

  Reorganisation 
£m 

Contractual 
obligations 
£m 

Onerous  
contracts 
£m 

0.9 

3.4 

– 

(0.5) 

(0.2) 

– 

3.6 

– 

3.6 

3.6 

– 

– 

6.5 

– 

(1.0) 

– 

5.5 

– 

5.5 

5.5 

– 

1.9 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1.9 

0.7 

1.2 

1.9 

  Reorganisation 
£m 

Contractual 
obligations 
£m 

Onerous 
contracts 
£m 

5.2 

0.2 

(0.2) 

(4.3) 

– 

0.9 

0.4 

0.5 

0.9 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Other 
£m 

2.7 

0.6 

– 

(2.0) 

(0.7) 

0.2 

0.8 

0.4 

0.4 

0.8 

Other 
£m 

8.3 

0.1 

(5.2) 

(0.3) 

(0.2) 

2.7 

2.1 

0.6 

2.7 

2022 

Total 
£m 

3.6 

5.9 

6.5 

(2.5) 

(1.9) 

0.2 

11.8 

1.1 

10.7 

11.8 

2021 

Total 
£m 

13.5 

0.3 

(5.4) 

(4.6) 

(0.2) 

3.6 

2.5 

1.1 

3.6 

Reorganisation 
Reorganisation provisions are generally held against restructuring and redundancy costs, primarily 
related to the integration of acquired businesses and restructuring associated with acquisitions and 
other businesses. During the year to 31 December 2022, £3.4m of costs associated to reorganisation 
provisions were recognised in adjusting items (see note 2). The majority of the balance is expected to 
be utilised by the Group in the next financial year. 

Contractual obligations 
The provision for contractual obligations represents amounts that the Group may be liable to pay 
arising from the disposal of the Packaging and Filters businesses during the year. At 31 December 
provisions for contractual obligations amounted to £5.5m (2021: £nil), representing the 
2022
estimate of ongoing obligations due to each of the buyers under the respective Share 
Group’s
Purchase Agreements. 

Onerous contracts 
At 31 December 2022, onerous contract provisions of £1.9m (2021: £nil) were recognised in respect 
contracts for services that are now in excess of the Group’s requirements following the disposal 
of
the Packaging and Filters businesses during the year. 
of

Other 
Other provisions relate primarily to non-lease contracts on vacant properties, lease dilapidations, 
employees’ compensation claims, regulatory claims and other claims. Non-current provisions are 
generally provisions for non-lease service contracts on vacant properties and lease dilapidations 
which
dilapidations assumes the business continues to operate based on the most up to date business plan. 
The release of £2.0m during the year to 31 December 2022 mainly relates to claims and non-lease 
property-related provisions. 

are expected to be utilised within the next 10 years. The timing of the utilisation of the lease 

18.  Employee benefits  
Post-employment benefits 
The Group operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution pension schemes around 
the world covering many of its employees. The Group also has a number of other post-employment 
obligations in certain countries, some of which are required under local law. 

The defined benefit plans are administered by boards of trustees and the assets are held 
independently from Essentra. The boards of trustees comprise member nominated trustees, 
employer
a

nominated trustees and independent advisory trustees. The articles of the plans prohibit 
the boards to be established by either the member or employer nominated trustees. 

majority on

Pension costs of the defined benefit schemes are assessed in accordance with the advice of 
independent professionally qualified actuaries. Full triennial actuarial valuations were carried out on 
the principal European defined benefit schemes as at 5 April 2021 and annual actuarial valuations 
are
performed on the principal US defined benefit schemes. The assets and liabilities of the defined 
benefit schemes have been updated to the balance sheet date from the most recently completed 
actuarial valuations taking account of the investment returns achieved by the schemes and the level 
of contributions. 

The principal European defined benefit schemes entitle remaining members to a pension calculated 
1.25% or 2% of their capped final pensionable pay multiplied by the number of pensionable years 
on
of
service. Some members have historical entitlements to accrual rates of 1.67%-1.9% and 3% for 
certain tranches of their service. The principal US defined benefit schemes entitle certain participating 
employees to annuity benefits equal to 50% of final average pensionable salary, reduced for years 
of
for

service less than 30, and other participating employees to annuity benefits equal to $49 per month 
each year of service. 

166 

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167

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167 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

18.  Employee benefits ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
The amounts included in the consolidated financial statements on a total group basis (including 
discontinued operations) are as follows: 

Amounts expensed against operating profit 

Defined contribution schemes 

Defined benefit schemes – current service cost  

Defined benefit schemes – curtailment gain  

Other post-employment obligations 

Total operating expense 

Amounts included as finance (income)/expense 

Net interest on defined benefit scheme assets1 

Net interest on defined benefit scheme liabilities2 

Net finance expense1 

2022 
£m 

2021 
£m 

7.0 

2.0 

6.9 

1.5 

– 

(0.2) 

0.4 

9.4 

0.4 

8.6 

(0.6)  (0.2) 

0.7 

0.1 

0.8 

0.6 

Notes: 
1.   Net interest income on defined benefit scheme assets on a continuing basis (note 3) was £0.6m (2021: £0.2m) 
2.   Net interest expense on defined benefit scheme liabilities on a continuing basis (note 3) was £0.6m 

(2021:

£0.6m) 

Amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of	comprehensive income	

Losses on defined benefit scheme assets excluding amounts in

net

finance

income 

108.5 

0.6 

Gains on changes in assumptions and experience to the present value
benefit scheme liabilities 

of

defined 

Remeasurement losses/(gains) of defined benefit schemes 

(88.0)  (29.1) 

20.5  (28.5) 

During the period, the company incurred administrative expenses totalling £2.0m which, in 
management’s judgement, are not considered to be part of the Group’s ongoing operations. As
such, 
these expenses have been classified as adjusting items and have been presented separately (see note 
2). 

During 2015, the principal defined benefit pension schemes in the UK and the US were closed to 
future
accrual. Following the closure of the Group’s principal defined benefit pension schemes to 
future accruals, the schemes are funded by the Group’s subsidiaries and employees are not required 
to
valuations for
valuation

make any further contribution. The funding of these schemes is based on separate actuarial 

funding purposes for which the assumptions may differ from those used in the 

purposes. 

for IAS

19

In April 2022, the Company, Essentra Components Limited and Essentra Pension Trustees Limited 
(the
trustee of the UK Essentra Pension Plan) entered into a flexible apportionment agreement 
(“FAA”) subject to UK legislation such that Essentra Packaging and Security Limited (a former 
participating employer and Group subsidiary disposed of as part of the Packaging business), and 
Essentra Filter Products Limited and Essentra Pte Limited (both former participating employers and 
Group subsidiaries disposed of as part of the Filters business) transferred all defined benefit pension 
liabilities
Pension Plan.  

to Essentra Components Limited, a continuing participating employer of the UK Essentra 

168 
168

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

In consideration for the trustee entering into the FAA, it was agreed that Essentra Components 
Limited pay the following amounts into the Essentra section of the UK Essentra Pension Plan: i) £0.7m 
(this was paid during the year); and ii) £1.3m payable upon completion of the divestiture of the 
Packaging business in the year of disposal which will be paid in 2023, and make further cash payments 
of £0.6m in each of the six years after the year of divestiture; and iii) £1.3m payable upon completion 
of the divestiture of the Filters business in the year of disposal which will be paid In 2023, and make 
further payments of £0.6m in each of the six years after the year of divestiture.     

The Group’s contributions to its defined benefit pension schemes are determined in consultation with 
trustees, taking into consideration actuarial advice, investment conditions and other local conditions 
and practices. The outcome of these consultations can impact the timing of future cash flows. 
Contributions payable by the Group to its defined benefit pension schemes during the year to 
31
December 2022 amounted to $nil (£nil) to its US schemes and £0.7m in respect of the Group’s 
European schemes.  In 2023, the Group expects to make defined benefit contributions of $1.9m to its 
US schemes and £2.5m in respect of the Group’s European schemes. 

During the year, the Group’s total contributions to defined contribution schemes amounted to £7.0m 
(2021: £6.9m). Contributions on continuing operations of £2.9m were paid in 2022. A similar amount 
is expected to be payable during the ending 31 December 2023. 

There was a change to the methodology and assumptions relating to Retail Prices Index (RPI) and 
Consumer Prices Index (CPI) in 2021. This was due to the Chancellor issuing a response to set out
RPI inflation will be aligned with CPIH inflation (CPI plus housing) by no later than 2030. As
actuary derived the inflation assumption based on a ‘term-based’ curve approach, by
Scheme’s projected cash flows with the gilt-based RPI curve. 

weighing the 

that 
such, the 

The principal assumptions used by the independent qualified actuaries for the purposes of IAS 19 are 
as follows: 

Increase in salaries (pre-2010)1 

Increase in salaries (post-2010)1 

Increase in pensions1 

at RPI capped at 5% 

at CPI capped at 5% 

at CPI minimum 3%, capped at 5% 

at CPI capped at 2.5% 

Discount rate 

Inflation rate – RPI 

Inflation rate – CPI 

2022 

Europe 

n/a 

n/a 

3.0% 

2.7% 

3.3% 

2.2% 

4.8% 

3.1% 

2.7% 

2022 

US 

n/a   

n/a   

n/a   

n/a   

n/a   

n/a   

5.0%   

n/a   

n/a   

2021 

Europe 

n/a 

n/a 

3.1% 

2.7% 

3.3% 

2.2% 

1.9% 

3.2% 

2.7% 

2021 

US 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

2.8% 

n/a 

n/a 

Notes: 
1.   For service prior to April 2010, pension at retirement is linked to salary at retirement. For service after April 2010, pension is linked to 

salary at April 2010 with annual increases capped at 3%. 

2.   During 2021, the Group changed its methodology and assumptions relating to inflation applied to the UK defined benefit pension 
scheme (included within Europe) pertaining to the Retail Prices Index (RPI) and the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). This follows the 
government’s announcement in November 2020 that RPI inflation will be aligned with CPIH inflation (CPI plus housing) from 2030. 
As such, the actuary derived the inflation assumption based on a ‘term-based’ curve approach, by weighing the Scheme’s projected 
cash flows with the gilt-based RPI curve 

3.   Due to the timescale covered, the assumptions applied may not be borne out in practice.  

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
The amounts included in the consolidated financial statements on a total group basis (including 

In consideration for the trustee entering into the FAA, it was agreed that Essentra Components 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

18.  Employee benefits ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

discontinued operations) are as follows: 

Amounts expensed against operating profit 

Defined contribution schemes 

Defined benefit schemes – current service cost  

Defined benefit schemes – curtailment gain  

Other post-employment obligations 

Total operating expense 

Amounts included as finance (income)/expense 

Net interest on defined benefit scheme assets1 

Net interest on defined benefit scheme liabilities2 

Net finance expense1 

Notes: 

(2021:

£0.6m) 

Limited pay the following amounts into the Essentra section of the UK Essentra Pension Plan: i) £0.7m 

(this was paid during the year); and ii) £1.3m payable upon completion of the divestiture of the 

2022 

£m 

2021 

£m 

Packaging business in the year of disposal which will be paid in 2023, and make further cash payments 

of £0.6m in each of the six years after the year of divestiture; and iii) £1.3m payable upon completion 

of the divestiture of the Filters business in the year of disposal which will be paid In 2023, and make 

further payments of £0.6m in each of the six years after the year of divestiture.     

7.0 

2.0 

6.9 

1.5 

– 

(0.2) 

0.4 

9.4 

0.4 

8.6 

(0.6)  (0.2) 

0.7 

0.1 

0.8 

0.6 

The Group’s contributions to its defined benefit pension schemes are determined in consultation with 

trustees, taking into consideration actuarial advice, investment conditions and other local conditions 

and practices. The outcome of these consultations can impact the timing of future cash flows. 

Contributions payable by the Group to its defined benefit pension schemes during the year to 

31

December 2022 amounted to $nil (£nil) to its US schemes and £0.7m in respect of the Group’s 

European schemes.  In 2023, the Group expects to make defined benefit contributions of $1.9m to its 

US schemes and £2.5m in respect of the Group’s European schemes. 

During the year, the Group’s total contributions to defined contribution schemes amounted to £7.0m 

(2021: £6.9m). Contributions on continuing operations of £2.9m were paid in 2022. A similar amount 

is expected to be payable during the ending 31 December 2023. 

There was a change to the methodology and assumptions relating to Retail Prices Index (RPI) and 

Consumer Prices Index (CPI) in 2021. This was due to the Chancellor issuing a response to set out

that 

RPI inflation will be aligned with CPIH inflation (CPI plus housing) by no later than 2030. As

such, the 

actuary derived the inflation assumption based on a ‘term-based’ curve approach, by

weighing the 

Scheme’s projected cash flows with the gilt-based RPI curve. 

The principal assumptions used by the independent qualified actuaries for the purposes of IAS 19 are 

1.   Net interest income on defined benefit scheme assets on a continuing basis (note 3) was £0.6m (2021: £0.2m) 

2.   Net interest expense on defined benefit scheme liabilities on a continuing basis (note 3) was £0.6m 

Amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of	comprehensive income	

Losses on defined benefit scheme assets excluding amounts in

net

finance

income 

108.5 

0.6 

Gains on changes in assumptions and experience to the present value

of

defined 

benefit scheme liabilities 

Remeasurement losses/(gains) of defined benefit schemes 

(88.0)  (29.1) 

20.5  (28.5) 

as follows: 

During the period, the company incurred administrative expenses totalling £2.0m which, in 

management’s judgement, are not considered to be part of the Group’s ongoing operations. As

such, 

these expenses have been classified as adjusting items and have been presented separately (see note 

2). 

During 2015, the principal defined benefit pension schemes in the UK and the US were closed to 

future

accrual. Following the closure of the Group’s principal defined benefit pension schemes to 

at CPI minimum 3%, capped at 5% 

future accruals, the schemes are funded by the Group’s subsidiaries and employees are not required 

to

make any further contribution. The funding of these schemes is based on separate actuarial 

valuations for

funding purposes for which the assumptions may differ from those used in the 

valuation

for IAS

19

purposes. 

In April 2022, the Company, Essentra Components Limited and Essentra Pension Trustees Limited 

(the

trustee of the UK Essentra Pension Plan) entered into a flexible apportionment agreement 

(“FAA”) subject to UK legislation such that Essentra Packaging and Security Limited (a former 

participating employer and Group subsidiary disposed of as part of the Packaging business), and 

Essentra Filter Products Limited and Essentra Pte Limited (both former participating employers and 

Group subsidiaries disposed of as part of the Filters business) transferred all defined benefit pension 

liabilities

to Essentra Components Limited, a continuing participating employer of the UK Essentra 

Pension Plan.  

Increase in salaries (pre-2010)1 

Increase in salaries (post-2010)1 

Increase in pensions1 

at RPI capped at 5% 

at CPI capped at 5% 

at CPI capped at 2.5% 

Discount rate 

Inflation rate – RPI 

Inflation rate – CPI 

Notes: 

2022 

Europe 

n/a 

n/a 

3.0% 

2.7% 

3.3% 

2.2% 

4.8% 

3.1% 

2.7% 

2022 

US 

n/a   

n/a   

n/a   

n/a   

n/a   

n/a   

5.0%   

n/a   

n/a   

2021 

Europe 

n/a 

n/a 

3.1% 

2.7% 

3.3% 

2.2% 

1.9% 

3.2% 

2.7% 

2021 

US 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

n/a 

2.8% 

n/a 

n/a 

1.   For service prior to April 2010, pension at retirement is linked to salary at retirement. For service after April 2010, pension is linked to 

salary at April 2010 with annual increases capped at 3%. 

2.   During 2021, the Group changed its methodology and assumptions relating to inflation applied to the UK defined benefit pension 

scheme (included within Europe) pertaining to the Retail Prices Index (RPI) and the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). This follows the 

government’s announcement in November 2020 that RPI inflation will be aligned with CPIH inflation (CPI plus housing) from 2030. 

As such, the actuary derived the inflation assumption based on a ‘term-based’ curve approach, by weighing the Scheme’s projected 

cash flows with the gilt-based RPI curve 

3.   Due to the timescale covered, the assumptions applied may not be borne out in practice.  

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

18.  Employee benefits ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
The life expectancy assumptions (in number of years) used to estimate defined benefit obligations 
at

the year-end are as follows: 

Male retiring today at age 65 

Female retiring today at age 65  

Male retiring in 20 years at age 65 

Female retiring in 20 years at age 65 

2022 

Europe 

22.0 

24.4 

23.3 

25.9 

2022 

US 

20.5   

22.5   

22.1   

24.0   

2021 

Europe 

22.0 

24.4 

23.2 

25.8 

2021 

US 

20.5 

22.5 

22.0 

23.9 

Equities 

Bonds/LDI 

Other 

The allocation of assets between different classes of investment is reviewed regularly and is a key 
factor in the trustees’ investment policies. The allocation of assets is arrived at taking into 
consideration current market conditions and trends, the size of potential returns relative to 
investment risk and the extent to which asset realisation needs to match liability maturity. There are 
risks underlying these considerations. If asset returns fall below the returns required for scheme assets 
to match the present value of scheme liabilities, a scheme deficit results. Persistent deficits represent 
an obligation the Group has to settle through increased cash contributions. If asset maturities are not 
properly matched with liability maturities, there is also the risk that the Group could be required to 
make unplanned short-term cash contributions to resolve resulting liquidity issues. Scheme assets are 
invested by the trustees in asset classes and markets that are considered to be reasonably liquid, so 
through this matching liquidity risk is considered to be sufficiently mitigated. 

The fair value of scheme assets, which are not intended to be realised in the short-term and may be 
subject to significant change before they are realised, and the present value of the pension scheme 
liabilities, which are derived from cash flow projections over long periods and are therefore inherently 
uncertain, are: 

Equities 

Bonds/LDI 

Other 

Fair value of scheme assets1 

Present value of scheme liabilities2 

Net retirement benefit 
assets/(obligations)3 

% of total fair 
value of 
scheme assets 

42% 

57% 

< 1% 

Europe 
£m 

61.8 

84.0 

0.7 

% of total fair 
value of scheme 
assets 

64% 

34% 

2% 

US 
£m 

33.3 

17.3 

1.2 

2022 

Total 
£m 

95.1 

101.3 

1.9 

146.5 

(141.1) 

5.4 

51.8 

198.3 

(67.6) 

(208.7) 

(15.8) 

(10.4) 

% of total  
fair value of 
scheme assets 

28% 

71% 

1% 

% of total  
fair value of 
scheme assets 

62% 

36% 

2% 

Europe 
£m 

68.6 

174.7 

2.8 

246.1 

(215.6) 

30.5 

2021 

Total 
£m 

105.4 

196.0 

4.5 

305.9 

US 
£m 

36.8 

21.3 

1.7 

59.8 

(77.5) 

(293.1) 

(17.7) 

12.8 

Fair value of scheme assets1 

Present value of scheme liabilities2 

Net retirement benefit 
assets/(obligations)3 

Notes: 
1.   The fair value of scheme assets are not intended to be realised in the short-term and may be subject to significant change before 

they are realised. 

2.   The present value of the pension scheme liabilities, which are derived from cash flow projections over long periods and are therefore 

inherently uncertain 

3.   In the Consolidated Balance Sheet, the retirement benefit asset of £7.9m relates to the UK pension scheme (2021: £34.1m), and the 

retirement benefit obligations of £18.5m relate to the US and other smaller schemes (2021: £25.1m). 

The equity, corporate bond and government bond assets are either direct investments or investments 
made via a managed fund for those asset classes. All of these assets have a quoted market price in 
an
active market. The other asset class relates primarily to property and hedge funds, which are 
valued at their cumulative unit offer price. No direct investment in property is held. No plan assets 
are

invested directly in the shares of Essentra plc. 

The pension surplus in Europe is not restricted as the asset is considered realisable on the basis 
of

Group’s unconditional right to a refund. 

the

The average expected duration of the Group’s European defined benefit pension liability at 
31
US

December 2022 is 14 years (2021: 18.0 years). The average expected duration of the Group’s 
defined benefit pension liability at 31 December 2022 is 10.2 years (2021: 12.1 years). 

168 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

169

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

169 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

18.  Employee benefits ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Movement in the fair value of post-employment obligations recognised during the year: 

Beginning of year 

Current service cost and administrative expense2 

Employer contributions 

Reduction on plan assets excluding amounts in net finance income3 

Actuarial gains arising from change in financial assumptions 

Actuarial gains arising from change in demographic assumptions 

Actuarial (losses)/gains arising from experience adjustment 

Finance income/(expense) 

Benefits paid 

Curtailments 

Currency translation 

Business disposals4 

End of year 

Defined benefit schemes – net retirement benefit assets/(obligations) 

  Defined benefit pension scheme 

Assets 
£m 

305.9 

(1.8) 

0.7 

(108.5) 

– 

– 

– 

6.3 

(11.5) 

– 

7.2 

– 

Liabilities 
£m 

(293.1) 

(0.2) 

0.2 

– 

95.5 

(1.9) 

(5.6) 

(6.3) 

11.5 

– 

(9.4) 

0.6 

198.3 

(208.7) 

(10.4) 

Other1 
£m 

(3.8) 

(0.4) 

– 

– 

- 

– 

– 

(0.1) 

– 

– 

(0.1) 

4.2 

(0.2) 

2022 

Total 
£m 

9.0   

(2.4)  

0.9   

(108.5)  

95.5   

(1.9)  

(5.6)  

(0.1)  

–   

–   

(2.3)  

4.8   

Defined benefit pension scheme 

Assets 
£m 

312.0 

(1.5) 

6.3 

(0.6) 

– 

– 

– 

4.7 

(16.1) 

– 

1.1 

– 

Liabilities 
£m 

(332.0) 

– 

0.1 

– 

18.5 

4.5 

5.8 

(5.1) 

16.1 

– 

(1.0) 

– 

2021 

Total 
£m 

(23.9) 

(1.8) 

6.4 

(0.6) 

18.8 

4.5 

5.8 

Other 
£m 

(3.9) 

(0.3) 

– 

– 

0.3 

– 

– 

(0.2) 

(0.6) 

– 

0.2 

0.1 

– 

– 

0.2 

0.2 

– 

9.0 

(10.6)  

305.9 

(293.1) 

(3.8) 

12.8 

Notes: 
1. 
2.  During the period, the company incurred administrative expenses totalling £2.0m which, in management’s judgement, are not considered to be part of the Group’s ongoing operations. As such, these expenses have been classified as adjusting items and have been 

Included within the other category above are other post-employment obligations outside of Europe and the US which are required under local law and the pension schemes disposed of due to the sale of the Packaging and Filters businesses. 

3. 

presented separately (see note 2). 
Included within reduction on plan assets is an actuarial loss of £10.8m relating to an investment decision to purchase a bulk purchase annuity (“buy-in”) contract. A premium of £38.2m was paid to purchase buy-in to insure against liabilities within the UK defined benefits 
scheme. The loss represented the difference between the premium paid and the estimated present value of the obligations and is included within other comprehensive income. 

4.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year to 31 December 2022 (refer to note 24 for further details). The participating employers in the UK Essentra Pension Plan of the divested businesses transferred their defined benefit pension 

liabilities to Essentra Components Limited as part of the FAA executed in April 2022. 

Sensitivity 
For the significant assumptions used in determining defined benefit costs and liabilities, the following sensitivity analysis gives the estimate of the impact on the measurement of the scheme liabilities 
as

December 2022. 

at

31

0.5% decrease in the discount rate 

1.0% increase in the rate of inflation 

1.0% increase in rate of salary/pension increases 

1 year increase in life expectancy 

1 year decrease in life expectancy 

0.5% increase in the discount rate 

1.0% decrease in rate of salary/pension increases 

1.0% decrease in the rate of inflation 

170 
170

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

(Increase)/decrease in schemes net liabilities 

Europe 
£m 

(9.7) 

(8.2) 

n/a 

(4.8) 

3.3 

8.0 

n/a 

6.6 

US 
£m 

(3.4) 

n/a 

n/a 

(1.9) 

1.9 

3.3 

n/a 

n/a 

Total 
£m 

(13.1) 

(8.2) 

 n/a 

(6.7) 

5.2 

11.3 

n/a 

6.6 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
  Defined benefit pension scheme 

Defined benefit pension scheme 

Assets 

£m 

305.9 

(1.8) 

0.7 

(108.5) 

– 

– 

– 

6.3 

(11.5) 

7.2 

– 

– 

Liabilities 

£m 

(293.1) 

(0.2) 

0.2 

– 

95.5 

(1.9) 

(5.6) 

(6.3) 

11.5 

– 

(9.4) 

0.6 

(10.4) 

(108.5)  

2022 

Total 

£m 

9.0   

(2.4)  

0.9   

95.5   

(1.9)  

(5.6)  

(0.1)  

–   

–   

(2.3)  

4.8   

Other1 

£m 

(3.8) 

(0.4) 

– 

– 

- 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(0.1) 

(0.1) 

4.2 

(0.2) 

Assets 

£m 

312.0 

(1.5) 

6.3 

(0.6) 

4.7 

(16.1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1.1 

– 

Liabilities 

£m 

(332.0) 

0.1 

– 

– 

18.5 

4.5 

5.8 

(5.1) 

16.1 

(1.0) 

– 

– 

12.8 

Other 

£m 

(3.9) 

(0.3) 

0.3 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.2 

0.1 

– 

2021 

Total 

£m 

(23.9) 

(1.8) 

6.4 

(0.6) 

18.8 

4.5 

5.8 

– 

0.2 

0.2 

– 

9.0 

(0.2) 

(0.6) 

198.3 

(208.7) 

(10.6)  

305.9 

(293.1) 

(3.8) 

Defined benefit schemes – net retirement benefit assets/(obligations) 

1. 

Included within the other category above are other post-employment obligations outside of Europe and the US which are required under local law and the pension schemes disposed of due to the sale of the Packaging and Filters businesses. 

2.  During the period, the company incurred administrative expenses totalling £2.0m which, in management’s judgement, are not considered to be part of the Group’s ongoing operations. As such, these expenses have been classified as adjusting items and have been 

3. 

Included within reduction on plan assets is an actuarial loss of £10.8m relating to an investment decision to purchase a bulk purchase annuity (“buy-in”) contract. A premium of £38.2m was paid to purchase buy-in to insure against liabilities within the UK defined benefits 

scheme. The loss represented the difference between the premium paid and the estimated present value of the obligations and is included within other comprehensive income. 

4.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year to 31 December 2022 (refer to note 24 for further details). The participating employers in the UK Essentra Pension Plan of the divested businesses transferred their defined benefit pension 

liabilities to Essentra Components Limited as part of the FAA executed in April 2022. 

For the significant assumptions used in determining defined benefit costs and liabilities, the following sensitivity analysis gives the estimate of the impact on the measurement of the scheme liabilities 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

18.  Employee benefits ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

Movement in the fair value of post-employment obligations recognised during the year: 

Beginning of year 

Current service cost and administrative expense2 

Employer contributions 

Reduction on plan assets excluding amounts in net finance income3 

Actuarial gains arising from change in financial assumptions 

Actuarial gains arising from change in demographic assumptions 

Actuarial (losses)/gains arising from experience adjustment 

Finance income/(expense) 

Benefits paid 

Curtailments 

Currency translation 

Business disposals4 

End of year 

Notes: 

presented separately (see note 2). 

Sensitivity 

as

at

31

December 2022. 

0.5% decrease in the discount rate 

1.0% increase in the rate of inflation 

1.0% increase in rate of salary/pension increases 

1 year increase in life expectancy 

1 year decrease in life expectancy 

0.5% increase in the discount rate 

1.0% decrease in rate of salary/pension increases 

1.0% decrease in the rate of inflation 

(Increase)/decrease in schemes net liabilities 

Europe 

£m 

(9.7) 

(8.2) 

n/a 

(4.8) 

3.3 

8.0 

n/a 

6.6 

US 

£m 

(3.4) 

n/a 

n/a 

(1.9) 

1.9 

3.3 

n/a 

n/a 

Total 

£m 

(13.1) 

(8.2) 

 n/a 

(6.7) 

5.2 

11.3 

n/a 

6.6 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

18.  Employee benefits ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Share-based incentives 
Essentra operates equity-settled share-based incentive plans for its Executive Directors and employees. The total expense in respect of these plans during the year was £2.6m (2021: £0.8m). A charge of £0.5m 
was also recognised within adjusting items, in relation to the acceleration of share options in respect of certain senior management employees leaving the business following the completion of the strategic 
review. Details of these plans are set out below: 

Share awards/options outstanding: 

LTIP Part A 

LTIP Part B  

DASB  

SAYE 3 year plan 

SAYE 5 year plan 

US SAYE 2 year plan 

Restrictive Shares 

Total 

LTIP Part A 

LTIP Part B  

DASB  

SAYE 3 year plan 

SAYE 5 year plan 

US SAYE 2 year plan 

Total 

Number 
At 1 January  
2022 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

Number 
Granted  
during the year 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

Number  
Lapsed  
during the year 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

Number 
Exercised  
during the year 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

Number 
At 31 December 
2022 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

98,735 

649.1p 

5,370,852 

416,992 

813,975 

227,571 

46,818 

– 

– 

265.7p 

267.8p 

284.8p 

– 

961,501 

253,721 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

419,519 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(32,535) 

562.0p 

(3,788,200) 

– 

(487,933) 

(117,408) 

(15,993) 

– 

– 

– 

276.9p 

278.7p 

266.5p 

– 

66,200 

692.0p 

– 

(349) 

(235,123) 

– 

– 

– 

2,543,804 

435,590 

(4,030) 

248.0p 

322,012 

– 

– 

249.2p 

256.2p 

294.3p 

– 

– 

– 

– 

110,163 

30,825 

419,519 

3,928,113 

6,974,943 

1,634,741 

  (4,442,069) 

(239,502) 

Number 
At 1 January 
2021 

Weighted 
average 
price 

exercise

Number 
Granted 
during the year 

Weighted 
average 
price 

exercise

Number 
Lapsed  
during the year 

Weighted 
average 
price 

exercise

Number 
Exercised  
during the year 

Weighted 
average 
price 

exercise

Number 
At 31 December 
2021 

Weighted 
average 
price 

exercise

113,980 

607.8p 

– 

4,176,820 

629,662 

515,255 

141,726 

32,994 

5,610,437 

– 

– 

339.5p 

349.0p 

338.2p 

3,279,124 

– 

694,862 

193,408 

37,561 

4,204,955 

– 

– 

– 

248.0 

248.0 

266.5 

(15,245) 

339.8p 

– 

– 

– 

(16,522) 

(196,127) 

(2,068,570) 

(16,543) 

(396,142) 

(107,563) 

(20,244) 

331.9p 

339.1p 

331.0p 

(3,493) 

324.5p 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

98,735 

649.1p 

5,370,852 

416,992 

813,975 

227,571 

46,818 

– 

– 

265.7p 

267.8p 

284.8p 

(2,624,307) 

(216,142) 

6,974,943 

136,934 

2022 

Weighted 
average 
exercise price 

692.0p 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Number 
Exercisable  
At 31 December  
2022 

66,200 

33,826 

10,494 

45,591 

31,449 

– 

– 

187,560 

Number 
Exercisable at 
31
December  
2021 

98,735 

38,199 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2021 

Weighted 
average 
price 

exercise

649.1p 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

170 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

171

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

171 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

18.  Employee benefits ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
The exercise prices of options outstanding at the end of the year range from nil to 692.0p. 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for options exercised during the year was 
257.6p (2021: 293.5p). The following table shows the weighted average fair value at the date of grant 
for options granted during the year: 

Year ended 31 December 2022 

Year ended 31 December 2021 

LTIP 
Part A 

n/a 

n/a 

LTIP 
Part B 

DASB 

SAYE 3 year 
plan 

SAYE 5 year 
Plan 

Restrictive 
Shares 

165.4p 

172.3p 

n/a 

n/a 

230.2p 

257.0p 

n/a 

68.7p 

74.7p 

n/a 

Fair value model inputs for cumulative share options awarded 

Weighted average fair value at grant 

Weighted average share price at grant 

Weighted average exercise price 

Weighted average volatility 

Weighted average dividend yield 

Weighted risk free rate 

Expected employee retention rates 

LTIP 
Part A 

133.1p 

649.1p 

649.1p 

27.2% 

1.88% 

0.46% 

86.0% 

LTIP 
Part B 

273.6p 

337.1p 

– 

32.4% 

3.72% 

0.24% 

83.3% 

2021 

SAYE 3 year 
plan 

SAYE 5 year 
Plan 

75.7p 

319.0p 

265.7p 

36.9% 

3.21% 

0.31% 

81.1% 

77.8p 

318.6p 

278.7p 

40.1% 

3.02% 

0.46% 

82.0% 

DASB 

274.4p 

317.5p 

– 

34.6% 

3.97% 

0.33% 

100.0% 

LTIP 
Part A 

LTIP 
Part B 

DASB 

SAYE 3 year 
plan 

SAYE 5 year 
Plan 

Restrictive 
Shares 

Valuation model 

2022 

Binomial 

Monte 
Carlo 

Binomial 

Binomial 

Binomial 

Expected term 

3.00 years  3.00 years  3.00 years  3.20 years  5.19 years 

Weighted average fair value at 
grant 

Weighted average share price at 
grant 

141.4p 

225.8p 

189.0p 

69.2p 

75.5p 

230.2p 

692.0p 

275.6p 

223.7p 

293.1p 

304.2p 

237.0p 

Where relevant, market conditions are taken into account in determining the fair value of the awards 
at grant date. The three year average historic volatility at grant date has been used as the volatility 
input for the LTIP Part A, LTIP Part B, DASB and SAYE 3 year awards, and the five year average historic 
volatility at grant date has been used as the volatility input for the SAYE 5 year award. 

Weighted average exercise price 

692.0p 

– 

– 

249.2p 

265.5p 

Weighted average volatility 

27.0% 

37.0% 

35.8% 

36.1% 

40.5% 

Weighted average dividend yield 

1.80% 

2.79% 

3.00% 

2.74% 

2.94% 

Weighted risk free rate 

0.40% 

1.08% 

2.37% 

0.21% 

0.44% 

– 

40% 

2.5% 

3.4% 

Expected employee retention rates 

85.0% 

81.1% 

100.0% 

80.1% 

81.0% 

85.0% 

Expected term 

3.00 
years 

2.30 
years 

3.00 
years 

3.20 
years 

5.20 

years  3.0 years 

Valuation model 

Binomial 

Monte 
Carlo  Binomial  Binomial  Binomial  Binomial 

LTIP 
Part A 

Contractual life 

3 – 10 years 

LTIP 
Part B 

3 – 6 
years 

DASB 

SAYE 3 year 
plan 

SAYE 5 year 
Plan 

Restrictive 
Shares 

2022 and 2021 

3 years 

3 years 

5 years 

3 years 

Details of the vesting conditions of the LTIP Part A, LTIP Part B and DASB share option schemes are set 
out in the Annual Report on Remuneration on pages 111 to 121. 

172 
172

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

18.  Employee benefits ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

The exercise prices of options outstanding at the end of the year range from nil to 692.0p. 

The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for options exercised during the year was 

257.6p (2021: 293.5p). The following table shows the weighted average fair value at the date of grant 

for options granted during the year: 

Year ended 31 December 2022 

Year ended 31 December 2021 

257.0p 

n/a 

68.7p 

74.7p 

n/a 

LTIP 

Part B 

DASB 

165.4p 

172.3p 

plan 

n/a 

Plan 

n/a 

Shares 

230.2p 

SAYE 3 year 

SAYE 5 year 

Restrictive 

Weighted average exercise price 

LTIP 

Part A 

n/a 

n/a 

Fair value model inputs for cumulative share options awarded 

Weighted average fair value at grant 

Weighted average share price at grant 

Weighted average volatility 

Weighted average dividend yield 

Weighted risk free rate 

Expected employee retention rates 

LTIP 

Part A 

LTIP 

Part B 

SAYE 3 year 

SAYE 5 year 

Restrictive 

DASB 

plan 

Plan 

Shares 

Valuation model 

Binomial 

Binomial 

Binomial 

Binomial 

Weighted average fair value at 

Weighted average share price at 

grant 

grant 

141.4p 

225.8p 

189.0p 

69.2p 

75.5p 

230.2p 

692.0p 

275.6p 

223.7p 

293.1p 

304.2p 

237.0p 

Where relevant, market conditions are taken into account in determining the fair value of the awards 

at grant date. The three year average historic volatility at grant date has been used as the volatility 

input for the LTIP Part A, LTIP Part B, DASB and SAYE 3 year awards, and the five year average historic 

volatility at grant date has been used as the volatility input for the SAYE 5 year award. 

Expected term 

3.00 years  3.00 years  3.00 years  3.20 years  5.19 years 

Weighted average exercise price 

692.0p 

– 

– 

249.2p 

265.5p 

Weighted average volatility 

27.0% 

37.0% 

35.8% 

36.1% 

40.5% 

Weighted average dividend yield 

1.80% 

2.79% 

3.00% 

2.74% 

2.94% 

Weighted risk free rate 

0.40% 

1.08% 

2.37% 

0.21% 

0.44% 

Expected employee retention rates 

85.0% 

81.1% 

100.0% 

80.1% 

81.0% 

85.0% 

Contractual life 

3 – 10 years 

3 years 

3 years 

5 years 

3 years 

Expected term 

3.00 

years 

2.30 

years 

Monte 

3.00 

years 

3.20 

years 

5.20 

years  3.0 years 

Details of the vesting conditions of the LTIP Part A, LTIP Part B and DASB share option schemes are set 

out in the Annual Report on Remuneration on pages 111 to 121. 

Valuation model 

Binomial 

Carlo  Binomial  Binomial  Binomial  Binomial 

2022 

– 

40% 

2.5% 

3.4% 

SAYE 3 year 

SAYE 5 year 

DASB 

274.4p 

317.5p 

– 

34.6% 

3.97% 

0.33% 

100.0% 

plan 

75.7p 

319.0p 

265.7p 

36.9% 

3.21% 

0.31% 

81.1% 

2021 

Plan 

77.8p 

318.6p 

278.7p 

40.1% 

3.02% 

0.46% 

82.0% 

LTIP 

Part A 

133.1p 

649.1p 

649.1p 

27.2% 

1.88% 

0.46% 

86.0% 

LTIP 

Part B 

273.6p 

337.1p 

– 

32.4% 

3.72% 

0.24% 

83.3% 

Monte 

Carlo 

LTIP 

Part A 

SAYE 3 year 

SAYE 5 year 

Restrictive 

DASB 

plan 

Plan 

Shares 

2022 and 2021 

LTIP 

Part B 

3 – 6 

years 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

19.  Financial risk management 
Essentra’s activities expose the business to a number of key financial risks which have the potential 
to

affect its ability to achieve its business objectives. 

The Board has overall responsibility for Essentra’s system of internal control and financial risk 
management and for reviewing the effectiveness of this system. Such a system can only be designed 
to mitigate, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can therefore 
only provide reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss.  

Essentra has a centralised treasury function to manage funding, liquidity and exposure to interest 
and foreign exchange risk. Treasury policies are approved by the Board and cover the nature 
rate
of
the exposure to be hedged, the types of derivatives that may be employed and the criteria for 
investing and borrowing cash. Essentra uses derivatives only to manage currency and interest rate risk 
arising from underlying business activities. No transactions of a speculative nature are undertaken. 
The Treasury function is subject to periodic independent reviews by the Group Assurance function. 
Underlying policy assumptions and activities are reviewed by the Treasury Committee. 

Controls over exposure changes and transaction authenticity are in place and dealings are restricted 
to those banks with the relevant combination of geographical presence, expertise and suitable 
credit

rating.  

The following describes Essentra’s financial risk exposure and management from a quantitative 
and

qualitative perspective. 

(i) Credit risk 
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss if a customer or counterparty to a financial asset or liability fails 
to meet its contractual obligations, and arises principally from trade receivables and cash and cash 
equivalents. Essentra has no significant individual concentrations of credit risk. The following is an 
overview of how Essentra manages its credit risk exposures. 

Trade and other receivables 
Essentra’s exposure to credit risk is primarily driven by the profile of its customers. This is influenced 
the demographics of the customer base, including the industry and country in which customers 
by
operate.  

Trade receivables were assessed for impairment at the balance sheet date using an expected credit 
loss model which measures the required allowance at an amount equal to expected lifetime credit 
losses applying both a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the asset base. The Group monitors 
significant customers’ credit limits and recognises a specific impairment of trade receivables in 
circumstances where a customer’s credit standing has deteriorated to the extent that a credit 
is considered probable. The Group also recognises an expected credit loss impairment of 
default
receivables through an accounting policy election, whereby default losses are expected for 
trade
each
ageing category as follows: Current: 0.2%, Overdue 1-30 days: 0.5%, Overdue 31-60 days: 1%, 
Overdue 61-90 days: 5%, Overdue 91-180 days: 10%, Overdue 181-360 days: 50% and Overdue over 
360 days: 100%. 

As at 31 December 2022, gross trade receivables were £46.7m (2021: £151.4m) of which £15.7m (2021: 
£27.1m) were past due. The ageing analysis of past due trade receivables is as follows: 

1-60 days 

61-180 days 

181-360 days 

360+ days 

Total 

2022 
£m 

13.7 

1.4 

0.3 

0.3 

15.7 

As at 31 December 2022, the combined specific and expected credit loss impairment of trade 
receivables was £1.4m (2021: £2.6m). The analysis of the combined impairment based on the 
underlying receivables is as follows: 

Current 

1-60 days 

61-180 days 

181-360 days 

360+ days 

Total 

The movement in the provision for impaired receivables is as follows: 

Beginning of year 

Impaired receivables acquired/(disposed) 

Impairment loss recognised1 

Business disposals 

Utilisation 

End of year 

Notes: 
1. 

Impairment loss on a continuing basis is £0.8m (2021: £0.7m). 

2022 
£m 

0.3 

0.1 

0.4 

0.3 

0.3 

1.4 

2022 
£m 

2.6 

– 

1.1 

(2.3) 

– 

1.4 

2021 
£m 

21.6 

3.2 

0.6 

1.7 

27.1 

2021 
£m 

0.4 

– 

0.1 

0.4 

1.7 

2.6 

2021 
£m 

2.7 

(0.1) 

0.3 

– 

(0.3) 

2.6 

172 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

173

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

173 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

19.  Financial risk management ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
On a periodic basis the Group undertakes the sale of certain trade receivables to banks using facilities 
set up by its customers. These trade receivables are factored on a non-recourse basis and therefore 
are derecognised from the Group’s balance sheet at the point of sale to the bank. The Group does not 
operate its own invoice discounting or factoring facilities. As at 31 December 2022, £nil was drawn 
under invoice discounting facilities (2021: £19.9m), representing cash collected before it was 
contractually due from the customer. 

(ii) Market price risk 
Market price risk is the risk that changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates will affect 
income or the value of financial assets and liabilities. Essentra has produced a sensitivity analysis that 
shows the estimated change to the income statement and equity of a 1%, 5% or 10% weakening or 
strengthening in sterling against all other currencies or an increase or decrease of 50 basis points 
(“bps”), 100bps and 200bps in market interest rates. The amounts generated from the sensitivity 
analysis are estimates and actual results in the future may materially differ.  

Derivative assets 
Credit risk with respect to derivatives is controlled by limiting transactions to major banking 
counterparties where internationally agreed standard form documentation exists. The credit ratings 
of
these counterparties are monitored regularly. The maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to 
derivatives at the balance sheet date is £8.5m (2021: £1.3m) being predominantly, the fair value of 
cross currency interest rate swaps (see note 15).  

Cash and cash equivalents 
Credit risk relating to cash and cash equivalents is monitored daily, on a counterparty by counterparty 
basis. The credit limits imposed specify the maximum amount of cash which can be invested in, or 
with, any single counterparty. These limits are determined by geographic presence, expertise and 
credit rating. The Group regularly monitors the credit ratings of counterparties. 

The following credit risk table provides information regarding the credit risk exposure of Essentra by 
classifying derivative assets, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents according to 
credit ratings of the counterparties. AAA is the highest possible rating and all of the assets are neither 
impaired nor past due. 

Current derivative assets 

Non-current derivative assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total 

Current derivative assets 

Non-current derivative assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total 

AAA 
£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

AAA 
£m 

– 

– 

1.5 

1.5 

AA 
£m 

– 

– 

2.8 

2.8 

AA 
£m 

– 

– 

11.3 

11.3 

A 
£m 

0.1 

8.3 

BBB 
£m 

0.1 

– 

232.4 

180.9 

240.8 

181.0 

A 
£m 

0.5 

0.7 

107.5 

108.7 

BBB 
£m 

– 

– 

15.2 

15.2 

BB 
£m 

Not rated 
£m 

2022 

Total 
£m 

0.2 

8.3 

– 

– 

5.3 

5.3 

421.4 

429.9 

– 

– 

– 

– 

BB 
£m 

Not rated 
£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.8 

0.8 

2021 

Total 
£m 

0.5 

0.7 

136.3 

137.5 

Essentra’s maximum credit risk exposure is £504.5m (2021: £311.4m) and no collateral is held against 
this amount (2021: £nil). 

174 
174

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

Essentra is exposed to two types of market price risk: currency risk and interest rate risk. 

a) Currency risk 
Essentra publishes its consolidated financial statements in sterling but conducts business in several 
foreign currencies. Therefore it is subject to currency risk due to exchange rate movements which 
affect the translation of results and underlying net assets of its operations and their transaction costs.  

Hedge of net investment in foreign operations 
The majority of Essentra’s net assets are in currencies other than sterling. The Company’s normal 
policy is to limit the translation exposure and the resulting impact on shareholders’ funds through 
measures such as borrowing in those currencies in which the Group has significant net assets. 
Essentra’s US dollar denominated assets were approximately 100% (2021: 53%) hedged by $205m 
of

US dollar denominated borrowings.  

Transaction exposure hedging 
Essentra does not formally define the proportion of highly probable forecast sales and purchases to 
hedge, but agrees an appropriate percentage on an individual basis with each business by reference 
to the Group’s risk management policies and prevailing market conditions. The Group documents 
currency derivatives used to hedge its forecast transactions as cash flow hedges. To the extent that 
cash flow hedges are effective, gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income until 
the forecast transaction occurs, at which point the gains and losses are transferred either to the 
income statement or to the non-financial asset acquired. 

The majority of Essentra’s transactions are carried out in the functional currencies of its operations 
and therefore transaction exposure is limited. However, where such exposure does occur, Essentra 
uses forward foreign currency contracts to hedge its exposure to movements in exchange rates on 
highly probable forecast foreign currency sales and purchases over a period of up to 18 months.  
its

In accordance with its Treasury policy, Essentra does not hold or issue derivatives for speculative 
purposes.  

Hedging of foreign currency loan principal and interest payments 
In July 2021, Essentra entered into a number of cross currency interest rate swap contracts to hedge 
the foreign currency risk (principal and interest) of $145m of its US dollar loan notes. The maturity 
profile of these match those of the underlying instruments with $20m notional value maturing within 
3 years and the remainder between 5 and 7 years. In November 2022 $65m of these swap contracts 
were terminated leaving $80m notional value maturing within 6 years. 

The following table shows Essentra’s sensitivity to a 1%, 5% and 10% weakening or strengthening in 
sterling against all currencies. To calculate the impact on the income statement for the year all 
currencies’ average rates have been increased or decreased by 1%, 5% or 10%. The translational effect 
on equity is limited as a proportion of US dollar and euro exposure is hedged. Accordingly the effect on 
equity is calculated by increasing or decreasing the closing rate of all currencies with an adjustment 
for the movement in currency hedges. It is assumed that all net investment and cash flow hedges will 
continue to be 100% effective. The sensitivity on profit before tax is calculated by increasing or 
decreasing the average rate of all currencies. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

19.  Financial risk management ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

(ii) Market price risk 

19.  Financial risk management ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

On a periodic basis the Group undertakes the sale of certain trade receivables to banks using facilities 

Market price risk is the risk that changes in foreign exchange rates and interest rates will affect 

set up by its customers. These trade receivables are factored on a non-recourse basis and therefore 

income or the value of financial assets and liabilities. Essentra has produced a sensitivity analysis that 

are derecognised from the Group’s balance sheet at the point of sale to the bank. The Group does not 

shows the estimated change to the income statement and equity of a 1%, 5% or 10% weakening or 

operate its own invoice discounting or factoring facilities. As at 31 December 2022, £nil was drawn 

strengthening in sterling against all other currencies or an increase or decrease of 50 basis points 

under invoice discounting facilities (2021: £19.9m), representing cash collected before it was 

(“bps”), 100bps and 200bps in market interest rates. The amounts generated from the sensitivity 

contractually due from the customer. 

Derivative assets 

Credit risk with respect to derivatives is controlled by limiting transactions to major banking 

counterparties where internationally agreed standard form documentation exists. The credit ratings 

of

these counterparties are monitored regularly. The maximum exposure to credit risk in relation to 

derivatives at the balance sheet date is £8.5m (2021: £1.3m) being predominantly, the fair value of 

a) Currency risk 

cross currency interest rate swaps (see note 15).  

Cash and cash equivalents 

analysis are estimates and actual results in the future may materially differ.  

Essentra is exposed to two types of market price risk: currency risk and interest rate risk. 

Impact on the profit before tax – 
gain/(loss) 

Impact on equity – gain/(loss) 

Essentra publishes its consolidated financial statements in sterling but conducts business in several 

foreign currencies. Therefore it is subject to currency risk due to exchange rate movements which 

affect the translation of results and underlying net assets of its operations and their transaction costs.  

Impact on the profit before tax – 
gain/(loss) 

Impact on equity – gain/(loss) 

10% 
£m 

0.4 

25.0 

10% 
£m 

1.8 

65.5 

5% 
£m 

0.8 

31.0 

Weakening in sterling 

Strengthening in sterling 

2022 

5% 
£m 

0.2 

11.8 

1% 
£m 

10% 
£m 

5% 
£m 

1% 
£m 

0.0   

2.3   

(0.3) 

(0.2) 

(20.4) 

(10.7) 

(0.0) 

(2.2) 

Weakening in sterling 

Strengthening in sterling 

2021 

1% 
£m 

10% 
£m 

5% 
£m 

1% 
£m 

0.2   

6.0   

(1.4) 

(53.6) 

(0.8) 

(28.1) 

(0.2) 

(5.8) 

Amounts drawn by Essentra on its committed facilities are subject to standard banking covenants. 
The financial covenants require the net debt to EBITDA ratio to be less than 3.0x and interest cover 
to

be greater than 3.5x. There has been no covenant breach during the period. 

(iii) Liquidity risk 
Liquidity risk is the risk that Essentra, although solvent, will encounter difficulties in meeting 
obligations associated with financial liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another 
financial

asset. 

primarily funded by a series of US Private Placement Loan Notes from various financial institutions 

Essentra’s objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility. Essentra 
is
totalling US$350m and syndicated multi-currency 5-year revolving credit facilities of £200.0m 
(2021:
January 2023 $247m of the loan notes were repaid leaving $33m maturing in July 2028, $35m in July 
2031 and $35m in July 2033).  

£275.0m) from its banks. Following the disposal of the Packaging and Filters businesses, in 

In
October 2021 the revolving credit facility was renegotiated with a revised maturity date of 
November 2025. In October 2022, given the sale of the Packaging business and the expected 
completion of the sale of the Filters business, the total facility was reduced to £200m with £nil being 
drawn at 31 December 2022.  

Essentra’s available undrawn committed facilities at 31 December were: 

Expiring after two years 

2022 
£m 

200.0 

2021 
£m 

215.8 

Any loans drawn on these facilities would bear interest at floating rates with reference to SONIA for 
the currency and period of the loan. 

The maturity of Essentra’s financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments, is analysed 
below. 

Carrying 
amount 
£m 

UUnnddiissccoouunnttee
ddccoonnttrraaccttuuaa
ll  ccaasshh  fflloowwss  
£m 

Fair value 
£m 

<1 yr 
£m 

1-2 yrs 
£m 

2-5 yrs 
£m 

US Private Placement Loan Notes1 

277.7 

293.0 

326.4 

215.3 

3.3 

9.9 

Derivative liabilities 

Trade and other payables2 

Lease liabilities 

1.3 

82.0 

22.9 

2.4 

24.1 

1.3 

82.0 

22.9 

2.4 

24.1 

1.3 

82.0 

28.3 

2.4 

24.1 

1.3 

82.0 

6.3 

– 

24.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

4.9 

10.5 

6.6 

2.4 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

410.4 

425.7 

464.5 

329.0 

10.6 

20.4 

104.5 

2022 

>5 yrs 
£m 

97.9 

– 

– 

A 1 cent change to the US dollar rate against sterling will impact the adjusted operating profit by 
£0.1m (2021: £0.2m). A 1 cent change to the euro rate against sterling will impact the adjusted 
operating profit by £0.1m (2021: £0.3m). 

b) Interest rate risk 
Essentra’s strategy is to ensure that at least 30% of the total debt with maturities of more than one 
year is protected with fixed interest rates or approved interest rate derivatives. 

The following table shows the Group’s sensitivity to a 50bps, 100bps and 200bps decrease or increase 
in sterling, US dollar and euro interest rates. To calculate the impact on the income statement for the 
year, the interest rates on all external floating rate interest bearing loans and borrowings have been 
increased or decreased by 50bps, 100bps or 200bps and the resulting increase or decrease in the net 
interest charge has been adjusted for the effect of Essentra’s interest rate derivatives. See note 14 for 
interest rate disclosures on loans and borrowings. 

Decrease in interest rates 

Increase in interest rates 

200bps 
£m 

100bps 
£m 

50bps 
£m 

200bps 
£m 

100bps 
£m 

50bps 
£m 

2022 

Impact on the income 
statement

– gain/(loss) 

1.9 

1.0 

0.5   

(1.9) 

(1.0) 

(0.5) 

Decrease in interest rates 

Increase in interest rates 

Other financial liabilities 

200bps 
£m 

100bps 
£m 

50bps 
£m 

200bps 
£m 

100bps 
£m 

50bps 
£m 

Total 

Deferred contingent 
consideration3 

2021 

Impact on the income 
statement

– gain/(loss) 

2.9 

1.5 

0.7   

(2.9) 

(1.5) 

(0.7) 

Credit risk relating to cash and cash equivalents is monitored daily, on a counterparty by counterparty 

basis. The credit limits imposed specify the maximum amount of cash which can be invested in, or 

with, any single counterparty. These limits are determined by geographic presence, expertise and 

credit rating. The Group regularly monitors the credit ratings of counterparties. 

Hedge of net investment in foreign operations 

The majority of Essentra’s net assets are in currencies other than sterling. The Company’s normal 

policy is to limit the translation exposure and the resulting impact on shareholders’ funds through 

measures such as borrowing in those currencies in which the Group has significant net assets. 

Essentra’s US dollar denominated assets were approximately 100% (2021: 53%) hedged by $205m 

The following credit risk table provides information regarding the credit risk exposure of Essentra by 

classifying derivative assets, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents according to 

of

US dollar denominated borrowings.  

credit ratings of the counterparties. AAA is the highest possible rating and all of the assets are neither 

Transaction exposure hedging 

impaired nor past due. 

Current derivative assets 

Non-current derivative assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total 

Current derivative assets 

Non-current derivative assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total 

this amount (2021: £nil). 

Essentra does not formally define the proportion of highly probable forecast sales and purchases to 

hedge, but agrees an appropriate percentage on an individual basis with each business by reference 

to the Group’s risk management policies and prevailing market conditions. The Group documents 

currency derivatives used to hedge its forecast transactions as cash flow hedges. To the extent that 

cash flow hedges are effective, gains and losses are recognised in other comprehensive income until 

the forecast transaction occurs, at which point the gains and losses are transferred either to the 

income statement or to the non-financial asset acquired. 

The majority of Essentra’s transactions are carried out in the functional currencies of its operations 

and therefore transaction exposure is limited. However, where such exposure does occur, Essentra 

uses forward foreign currency contracts to hedge its exposure to movements in exchange rates on 

its

highly probable forecast foreign currency sales and purchases over a period of up to 18 months.  

BB 

£m 

Not rated 

£m 

purposes.  

In accordance with its Treasury policy, Essentra does not hold or issue derivatives for speculative 

AAA 

£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

AAA 

£m 

– 

– 

1.5 

1.5 

AA 

£m 

– 

– 

2.8 

2.8 

AA 

£m 

– 

– 

11.3 

11.3 

A 

£m 

0.1 

8.3 

BBB 

£m 

0.1 

– 

232.4 

180.9 

240.8 

181.0 

A 

£m 

0.5 

0.7 

107.5 

108.7 

BBB 

£m 

– 

– 

15.2 

15.2 

BB 

£m 

Not rated 

£m 

2022 

Total 

£m 

0.2 

8.3 

– 

– 

5.3 

5.3 

421.4 

429.9 

2021 

Total 

£m 

0.5 

0.7 

136.3 

137.5 

– 

– 

0.8 

0.8 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Hedging of foreign currency loan principal and interest payments 

In July 2021, Essentra entered into a number of cross currency interest rate swap contracts to hedge 

the foreign currency risk (principal and interest) of $145m of its US dollar loan notes. The maturity 

profile of these match those of the underlying instruments with $20m notional value maturing within 

3 years and the remainder between 5 and 7 years. In November 2022 $65m of these swap contracts 

were terminated leaving $80m notional value maturing within 6 years. 

The following table shows Essentra’s sensitivity to a 1%, 5% and 10% weakening or strengthening in 

sterling against all currencies. To calculate the impact on the income statement for the year all 

currencies’ average rates have been increased or decreased by 1%, 5% or 10%. The translational effect 

on equity is limited as a proportion of US dollar and euro exposure is hedged. Accordingly the effect on 

equity is calculated by increasing or decreasing the closing rate of all currencies with an adjustment 

for the movement in currency hedges. It is assumed that all net investment and cash flow hedges will 

continue to be 100% effective. The sensitivity on profit before tax is calculated by increasing or 

decreasing the average rate of all currencies. 

Essentra’s maximum credit risk exposure is £504.5m (2021: £311.4m) and no collateral is held against 

174 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

175

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

175 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

19.  Financial risk management ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

Carrying 
amount 
£m 

Undiscounte
dcontractual 
cash flows 
£m 

Fair value 
£m 

US Private Placement Loan Notes1 

270.5 

257.7 

Unsecured bank loans1 

Derivative liabilities 

59.2 

55.6 

0.1 

0.1 

349.1 

64.6 

0.1 

<1 yr 
£m 

10.4 

1.1 

0.1 

Trade and other payables2 

167.7 

167.7 

167.7 

167.7 

Lease liabilities 

Deferred consideration 

57.7 

5.6 

57.7 

5.6 

68.1 

5.6 

14.3 

– 

2021 

>5 yrs 
£m 

283.6 

– 

– 

– 

2-5 yrs 
£m 

44.7 

62.4 

– 

– 

24.4 

17.2 

– 

– 

1-2 yrs 
£m 

10.4 

1.1 

– 

– 

12.2 

5.6 

Total 

560.8 

544.4 

655.2 

193.6 

29.3 

131.5 

300.8 

Notes: 
1.  The fair value of the US Private Placement Loan Notes is estimated by discounting the future cash flows (interests and principal) at 
the prevailing market rates. In 2021, the fair value of the unsecured bank loans is the same as the carrying amount as the loans are 
at floating rate, except for unamortised facility fees.  

2.  Total trade and other payables carried at £91.5m (2021: £180.9m) including other taxes and social security contributions of £9.5m 

(2021: £13.2m), are not financial liabilities and are therefore excluded from the above analysis. The fair value of the trade and other 
payables approximate the carrying amount as they are due to be settled within six months. 

3.  The value of deferred contingent consideration is primarily based on the post-acquisition financial performance of the acquired 

business, and reflects management’s expectation of the performance during the earn-out period. 

The table below shows the amount of bank overdrafts offset against the bank balances under 
enforceable master netting agreements with banks: 

Cash and cash equivalents: 

At 31 December 2022 

At 31 December 2021 

Gross amount  
of recognised  
financial assets 
£m 

Gross amount of 
recognised financial 
liabilities set off in  
the balance sheet 
£m 

Net amount of 
financial assets 
presented in the 
balance sheet 
£m 

421.4 

137.7 

– 

(1.4) 

421.4 

136.3 

Total financial assets and liabilities 
The table below sets out the Group’s accounting categories and fair value for each class of financial 
asset and liability: 

Fair  
value 
£m 

Amortised 
cost 
£m 

2022 

Total 
carrying 
value 
£m 

Fair  
value 
£m 

Amortised 
cost 
£m 

2021 

Total 
carrying 
value 
£m 

Trade and other receivables2  

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest bearing loans and 
borrowings3 

Lease liabilities 

Trade and other payables 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

63.0 

421.4 

63.0   

421.4   

(293.0) 

(293.0)  

(22.9) 

(22.9)  

(82.0) 

(82.0)  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

169.9 

136.3 

169.9 

136.3 

(313.3) 

(313.3) 

(57.7) 

(57.7) 

(167.7) 

(167.7) 

Level 2 of fair value hierarchy 

Derivative assets5 

Derivative liabilities5 

Level 3 of fair value hierarchy 

Trade receivables subject to 
factoring 

Other financial assets6 

Other non-current financial 
liabilities4 

Other current financial liabilities7 

8.5 

(1.3) 

– 

11.6 

(2.4) 

(24.1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Total 

(7.7) 

86.5 

8.5   

(1.3)  

1.2 

(0.1) 

–   

11.6   

(2.4)  

(24.1)  

78.8   

4.0 

– 

(5.6) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

1.2 

(0.1) 

4.0 

– 

(5.6) 

– 

(0.5) 

(232.5) 

(233.0) 

Notes: 
1.  Financial assets and liabilities held at amortised cost mostly have short terms to maturity. For this reason, their carrying amounts 

at

the reporting date approximate the fair values.  

2.  Total trade and other receivables carried at £66.4m (2021: £175.2m) include prepayments of £3.4m (2021: £6.5m) which are not 

3. 

4. 

financial assets and are therefore excluded from the above analysis.  
Included within interest bearing loans and borrowings are $350m (2021: $350m) US Private Placement Loan Notes. The Loan Notes 
are held at amortised cost with a carrying value of £293.0m (2021: £257.7m). The Group estimates that the total fair value of the 
Loan Notes at 31 December 2022 is £277.7m (2021: £270.5m). Unsecured bank loans amounting to £nil (2021: £55.6m), included 
within interest bearing loans and borrowings, incur interest at floating rates and as a result their carrying amounts also approximate 
their fair values at the reporting date. 
Included other non-current financial liabilities (classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy), is an amount of £2.4m representing 
deferred consideration payable in respect of acquisitions (2021: £5.6m). 

5.  Fair values of forward foreign exchange contracts and cross currency interest rate swaps have been calculated at year end forward 

exchange rates compared to contracted rates using observable market data from third party financial institutions.  

6.  Other financial assets, included within long term receivables of £11.6m (2021: £5.2m), includes deferred contingent consideration 

receivable amounting to £10.6m following the disposal of the Filters business. The
has been classified as a long-term receivable in the consolidated financial statements. The fair value has been determined at the 
completion date based on management’s best estimate of the Filters business achieving future performance targets to which the 
earn-out is linked with forecast earnings being a critical unobservable input into the fair value measurement. Management have 
assessed and concluded that any difference in fair value between completion date and 31 December 2022 would be immaterial. 

consideration, which is structured as an earn-out, 

7.  Other current financial liabilities include £18.0m which represents management’s best estimate of the combined expected 

settlement payable by the Group through the respective completion accounts mechanisms linked to both the Filters business 
and
at

Packaging business disposals. The amount recognised is based on the facts and circumstances that were present and known 

the balance sheet date. Other current financial liabilities also include £6.1m (2021: £nil) in respect of acquisitions. 
8.  During the year, a fair value loss of £nil (2021: £nil) was recognised in respect of financial instruments at level 3 fair value 

176 
176

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

hierarchy,
comprehensive income. 

and £nil (2021: £nil) was settled in cash. No other fair value gains or losses were recorded in profit or loss and other 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

19.  Financial risk management ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

US Private Placement Loan Notes1 

270.5 

257.7 

Trade and other payables2 

167.7 

167.7 

167.7 

167.7 

Undiscounte

Carrying 

dcontractual 

Fair value 

amount 

cash flows 

£m 

£m 

£m 

349.1 

64.6 

0.1 

68.1 

5.6 

<1 yr 

£m 

10.4 

1.1 

0.1 

14.3 

– 

1-2 yrs 

£m 

10.4 

1.1 

– 

– 

12.2 

5.6 

2-5 yrs 

£m 

44.7 

62.4 

– 

– 

– 

59.2 

55.6 

0.1 

0.1 

57.7 

5.6 

57.7 

5.6 

2021 

>5 yrs 

£m 

283.6 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Trade and other receivables2  

Cash and cash equivalents 

Interest bearing loans and 

24.4 

17.2 

borrowings3 

Lease liabilities 

560.8 

544.4 

655.2 

193.6 

29.3 

131.5 

300.8 

Trade and other payables 

Fair  

Amortised 

carrying 

Fair  

Amortised 

carrying 

value 

£m 

cost 

£m 

value 

£m 

cost 

£m 

2022 

Total 

value 

£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

63.0 

421.4 

63.0   

421.4   

(293.0) 

(293.0)  

(22.9) 

(22.9)  

(82.0) 

(82.0)  

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

169.9 

136.3 

169.9 

136.3 

(313.3) 

(313.3) 

(57.7) 

(57.7) 

(167.7) 

(167.7) 

Unsecured bank loans1 

Derivative liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Deferred consideration 

Total 

Notes: 

1.  The fair value of the US Private Placement Loan Notes is estimated by discounting the future cash flows (interests and principal) at 

the prevailing market rates. In 2021, the fair value of the unsecured bank loans is the same as the carrying amount as the loans are 

Level 2 of fair value hierarchy 

at floating rate, except for unamortised facility fees.  

2.  Total trade and other payables carried at £91.5m (2021: £180.9m) including other taxes and social security contributions of £9.5m 

(2021: £13.2m), are not financial liabilities and are therefore excluded from the above analysis. The fair value of the trade and other 

payables approximate the carrying amount as they are due to be settled within six months. 

3.  The value of deferred contingent consideration is primarily based on the post-acquisition financial performance of the acquired 

business, and reflects management’s expectation of the performance during the earn-out period. 

Derivative assets5 

Derivative liabilities5 

The table below shows the amount of bank overdrafts offset against the bank balances under 

enforceable master netting agreements with banks: 

Gross amount  

of recognised  

financial assets 

£m 

Gross amount of 

recognised financial 

liabilities set off in  

the balance sheet 

£m 

Net amount of 

financial assets 

presented in the 

balance sheet 

£m 

421.4 

137.7 

– 

(1.4) 

Total 

Notes: 

421.4 

136.3 

Cash and cash equivalents: 

At 31 December 2022 

At 31 December 2021 

Total financial assets and liabilities 

asset and liability: 

The table below sets out the Group’s accounting categories and fair value for each class of financial 

Level 3 of fair value hierarchy 

Trade receivables subject to 

factoring 

Other financial assets6 

Other non-current financial 

liabilities4 

Other current financial liabilities7 

8.5 

(1.3) 

– 

11.6 

(2.4) 

(24.1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

8.5   

(1.3)  

1.2 

(0.1) 

–   

11.6   

(2.4)  

(24.1)  

78.8   

4.0 

– 

(5.6) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(7.7) 

86.5 

(0.5) 

(232.5) 

(233.0) 

1.  Financial assets and liabilities held at amortised cost mostly have short terms to maturity. For this reason, their carrying amounts 

at

the reporting date approximate the fair values.  

2.  Total trade and other receivables carried at £66.4m (2021: £175.2m) include prepayments of £3.4m (2021: £6.5m) which are not 

financial assets and are therefore excluded from the above analysis.  

3. 

Included within interest bearing loans and borrowings are $350m (2021: $350m) US Private Placement Loan Notes. The Loan Notes 

are held at amortised cost with a carrying value of £293.0m (2021: £257.7m). The Group estimates that the total fair value of the 

Loan Notes at 31 December 2022 is £277.7m (2021: £270.5m). Unsecured bank loans amounting to £nil (2021: £55.6m), included 

within interest bearing loans and borrowings, incur interest at floating rates and as a result their carrying amounts also approximate 

their fair values at the reporting date. 

4. 

Included other non-current financial liabilities (classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy), is an amount of £2.4m representing 

deferred consideration payable in respect of acquisitions (2021: £5.6m). 

5.  Fair values of forward foreign exchange contracts and cross currency interest rate swaps have been calculated at year end forward 

exchange rates compared to contracted rates using observable market data from third party financial institutions.  

6.  Other financial assets, included within long term receivables of £11.6m (2021: £5.2m), includes deferred contingent consideration 

receivable amounting to £10.6m following the disposal of the Filters business. The

consideration, which is structured as an earn-out, 

has been classified as a long-term receivable in the consolidated financial statements. The fair value has been determined at the 

completion date based on management’s best estimate of the Filters business achieving future performance targets to which the 

earn-out is linked with forecast earnings being a critical unobservable input into the fair value measurement. Management have 

assessed and concluded that any difference in fair value between completion date and 31 December 2022 would be immaterial. 

7.  Other current financial liabilities include £18.0m which represents management’s best estimate of the combined expected 

settlement payable by the Group through the respective completion accounts mechanisms linked to both the Filters business 

and

Packaging business disposals. The amount recognised is based on the facts and circumstances that were present and known 

at

the balance sheet date. Other current financial liabilities also include £6.1m (2021: £nil) in respect of acquisitions. 

8.  During the year, a fair value loss of £nil (2021: £nil) was recognised in respect of financial instruments at level 3 fair value 

hierarchy,

and £nil (2021: £nil) was settled in cash. No other fair value gains or losses were recorded in profit or loss and other 

comprehensive income. 

2021 

Total 

value 

£m 

1.2 

(0.1) 

4.0 

– 

(5.6) 

– 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

19.  Financial risk management ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
iv)  Capital structure 
Essentra defines its capital structure as its equity and non-current interest bearing loans and 
borrowings, and aims to manage this to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern, 
can continue to provide returns to shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders. 
so

that

it

Essentra sets the amount of capital in proportion to risk. Essentra manages the capital structure 
and
makes adjustments to it in the light of changes in economic conditions and the risk 
characteristics of the underlying assets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, 
Essentra
shares

may return capital to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, issue new 

or sell assets to reduce debt.  

Essentra monitors its capital structure on the basis of the medium-term net debt-to-EBITDA ratio. 
EBITDA is defined as operating profit before depreciation and other amounts written off property, 
plant and equipment, share option expense, intangible amortisation and adjusting items.  

Since the disposal of Filters and Packaging, the Group has a net funding surplus. At 31 December 2022 
the

funding surplus was £113.8m (2021: net debt of £234.7m). 

net

Essentra’s medium term target for net-debt to EBITDA is 0x-1.5x. 

The net debt-to-EBITDA ratios at 31 December were as follows: 

Total Group (including the result from discontinued operations) 

Net (funding surplus)/debt 

Operating profit before intangible amortisation and adjusting items 

Plus depreciation and other amounts written-off property, plant and 
equipment, lease right-of-use assets, and amortisation of non-acquired 
intangible assets2 

Plus share option expense 

EBITDA 

Net (funding surplus)/debt-to-EBITDA ratio 

Net (funding surplus)/debt-to-EBITDA ratio excluding the impact of IFRS 
16 

2022 
£m 

(113.8) 

77.2 

42.3 

2.6 

122.1 

(0.9) 

(1.3) 

20211 
£m 

234.7 

82.2 

51.2 

0.8 

134.2 

1.7 

1.5 

1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022 and consequently, 

comparative information for the year ended 31 December 2021 has been re-presented. See note 24 for further details. 
Includes amortisation on non-acquired intangible assets of £2.7m (2021: £2.6m)  

2. 

20. Issued share capital 

Issued, authorised and fully paid ordinary shares  
of 25p (2021: 25p) each 

Number of ordinary shares in issue 

Beginning of year 

End of year 

2022 
£m 

2021 
£m 

75.6 

75.6 

302,590,708  302,590,708 

302,590,708  302,590,708 

At 31 December 2022, the Company held 897,944 (2021: 905,157) of its own shares with a nominal 
value of £0.2m (2021: £0.2m) in treasury. This represents 0.3% (2021: 0.3%) of the number of ordinary 
shares in issue. 

21.  Reserves 
Within retained earnings the Company has deducted the value of own shares purchased for an 
employee trust and treasury shares held by the Company with a total cost of £5.5m (2021: £7.3m). 

purpose of this trust is to hold shares in the Company for subsequent transfer to Executive 

Employee trust shares are ordinary shares of the Company held in an employee benefit trust. 
The
Directors and employees relating to deferred share awards and options granted under the Company’s 
share-based incentive plans. Full details are set out in the Annual Report on Remuneration on pages 
111 and 121. The assets, liabilities and expenditure of the trust have been incorporated in these financial 
statements. At 31 December 2022, the trust held 410,035 (2021: 645,507) shares, upon which 
dividends have been waived, with an aggregate nominal value of £0.1m (2021: £0.2m) and market 
value of £1.0m (2021: £2.2m). 

The other reserve balance of £132.8m debit (2021: £132.8m) relates to the Group reorganisation, which 
took place as part of the de-merger from Bunzl plc. It represents the difference between Essentra plc’s 
share capital and Essentra International Limited’s share capital and share premium on 6 June 2005. 

176 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

177

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

177 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

22. Analysis of net funding surplus/(debt) 

1 January 
2022 
£m 

Cash flow 
£m 

Business 
disposals 
£m 

Business 
acquisitions 
£m 

Lease 
additions 
£m 

Exchange 
movements 
£m 

Non-cash 
movements 
£m 

31 December 
2022 
£m 

1 January 
 2021 
£m 

Cash flow 
£m 

Business 
combinations 
£m 

Lease 
additions 
£m 

Exchange 
movements 
£m 

Non-cash 
movements 
£m 

31 December 
2021 
£m 

Cash at bank and in hand 

123.9 

(115.7) 

434.9 

(27.9) 

Short-term deposits and 
investments 

Cash and cash equivalents in 
the statement of	cash flows 

Derivative financial instruments 
hedging private placement loans5 

Debt due within one year 

12.4 

5.7 

(18.0) 

– 

136.3 

(110.0) 

416.9 

(27.9) 

– 

– 

(6.5) 

– 

Debt due after one year 

(313.3) 

59.2 

Lease liabilities due within 
one

year 

(11.6) 

14.3 

Lease liabilities due after one

year 

(46.1) 

– 

Debt from net financing 
activities 

(371.0) 

67.0 

37.6 

– 

– 

– 

7.5 

30.1 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

6.2 

(0.1) 

6.1 

– 

– 

– 

421.4   

121.5 

4.2 

–   

14.3 

(1.7) 

421.4   

135.8 

2.5 

13.4 

1.4 

8.3 

– 

– 

(1.2) 

(206.8) 

(208.0)   

(31.2) 

200.3 

(85.0)   

(285.2) 

(24.5) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(1.8) 

(0.2) 

(2.0) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

123.9 

12.4 

136.3 

– 

(2.5) 

(1.1) 

(313.3) 

(2.9) 

(7.4) 

(0.9) 

(3.3) 

(11.3) 

(4.9)   

8.7 

(18.0)   

(11.9) 

(49.1) 

(10.3) 

(23.2) 

(7.7) 

(307.6)   

(346.2) 

15.6 

– 

(8.9) 

(6.4) 

(0.3) 

(1.7) 

(2.0) 

(2.0) 

(2.0) 

(8.0) 

(10.0) 

(10.0) 

0.3 

1.2 

(1.0) 

(3.0) 

(13.3) 

11.5 

(11.6) 

(46.1) 

(2.9) 

(2.9) 

(371.0) 

(234.7) 

Net (debt)/funding surplus 

(234.7) 

(43.0) 

454.5 

(27.9) 

(10.3) 

(17.1) 

(7.7) 

113.8 

(210.4) 

Notes: 
1.  The non-cash movements in debt due after one year represents the amortisation and write down of prepaid facility fees £4.8m (2021: £1.1m amortisation of prepaid facility fees) and the revaluation of loan to fair value £1.7m.  Loans of £185.0m has been reallocated to debt 

due within one year following an agreement to repay on demand in January 2023. 

2.  The net non-cash movements in lease liabilities represents lease surrenders of £0.2m (2021: £1.0m) due to renegotiated lease terms, offset by interest on leases of £2.8m (2021: £2.8m). 
3.  The net cash outflow relating to lease liabilities for low value, short term and variable lease payments was £0.2m (2021: £0.3m) (see note 9). 
4.  During the year £8.7m (2021: £10.5m) of lease liabilities moved from due after one year to due within one year. 
5. 

Included within non-cash movements for derivative financial instruments hedging private placement loans is £1.4m (2021: £nil) relating to the fair value movements on cross currency interest rate swaps.

178 
178

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

22. Analysis of net funding surplus/(debt) 

Cash at bank and in hand 

123.9 

(115.7) 

434.9 

(27.9) 

1 January 

2022 

£m 

Cash flow 

disposals 

acquisitions 

additions 

movements 

movements 

Cash flow 

combinations 

additions 

movements 

movements 

Business 

Business 

Lease 

Exchange 

Non-cash 

31 December 

1 January 

Business 

Lease 

Exchange 

Non-cash 

31 December 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

2022 

£m 

421.4   

 2021 

£m 

121.5 

£m 

4.2 

Short-term deposits and 

investments 

Cash and cash equivalents in 

the statement of	cash flows 

Derivative financial instruments 

hedging private placement loans5 

Debt due within one year 

12.4 

5.7 

(18.0) 

–   

14.3 

(1.7) 

136.3 

(110.0) 

416.9 

(27.9) 

421.4   

135.8 

2.5 

– 

– 

(6.5) 

– 

13.4 

1.4 

8.3 

– 

– 

(1.2) 

(206.8) 

(208.0)   

£m 

6.2 

(0.1) 

6.1 

£m 

– 

– 

– 

£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Debt due after one year 

(313.3) 

59.2 

(31.2) 

200.3 

(85.0)   

(285.2) 

(24.5) 

(2.5) 

(1.1) 

(313.3) 

Lease liabilities due within 

one

year 

(11.6) 

14.3 

Lease liabilities due after one

year 

(46.1) 

– 

(2.9) 

(7.4) 

(0.9) 

(3.3) 

(11.3) 

(4.9)   

8.7 

(18.0)   

(11.9) 

(49.1) 

Net (debt)/funding surplus 

(234.7) 

(43.0) 

454.5 

(27.9) 

(10.3) 

(17.1) 

(7.7) 

113.8 

(210.4) 

(371.0) 

67.0 

37.6 

(10.3) 

(23.2) 

(7.7) 

(307.6)   

(346.2) 

Debt from net financing 

activities 

Notes: 

15.6 

– 

(8.9) 

(6.4) 

(0.3) 

(1.7) 

(2.0) 

(2.0) 

(2.0) 

(8.0) 

(10.0) 

(10.0) 

(13.3) 

11.5 

(11.6) 

(46.1) 

(2.9) 

(2.9) 

(371.0) 

(234.7) 

1.  The non-cash movements in debt due after one year represents the amortisation and write down of prepaid facility fees £4.8m (2021: £1.1m amortisation of prepaid facility fees) and the revaluation of loan to fair value £1.7m.  Loans of £185.0m has been reallocated to debt 

due within one year following an agreement to repay on demand in January 2023. 

2.  The net non-cash movements in lease liabilities represents lease surrenders of £0.2m (2021: £1.0m) due to renegotiated lease terms, offset by interest on leases of £2.8m (2021: £2.8m). 

3.  The net cash outflow relating to lease liabilities for low value, short term and variable lease payments was £0.2m (2021: £0.3m) (see note 9). 

4.  During the year £8.7m (2021: £10.5m) of lease liabilities moved from due after one year to due within one year. 

5. 

Included within non-cash movements for derivative financial instruments hedging private placement loans is £1.4m (2021: £nil) relating to the fair value movements on cross currency interest rate swaps.

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

£m 

(1.8) 

(0.2) 

(2.0) 

– 

0.3 

1.2 

(1.0) 

(3.0) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

7.5 

30.1 

£m 

– 

– 

– 

– 

2021 

£m 

123.9 

12.4 

136.3 

– 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

23. Acquisitions 
Acquisition of Wixroyd Group 
On 1 December 2022, Essentra acquired 100% of the equity interests of Wixroyd Holdings Limited (the 
“Wixroyd Group”), a leading UK supplier of industrial parts for the engineering sector for an initial 
consideration of £31.4m. The consideration payable for the Wixroyd Group comprises an initial cash 
consideration of £31.4m and up to £7.0m deferred earn-out consideration. The deferred earn-out 
consideration is conditional on achieving certain performance criteria for the 12-month period 
commencing 1 January 2023. 

On acquisition, the assets and liabilities of the business acquired were adjusted to reflect their fair 
value to Essentra. The most significant fair value adjustment arising on the acquisition of the Wixroyd 
Group related to attributing fair value to the acquired intangible asset recognised in the form of 
customer relationships. In determining the fair value of the intangible asset, the Group used an 
external valuation specialist whose assessment considered forecast cash flows from the Wixroyd 
Group’s customer contracts, expected attrition rates based on an analysis of historic customer sales 
data, and
the application of an appropriate discount rate specific to the customer relationship asset. 
The resulting analysis indicated a provisional fair value for the customer relationships asset of £8.2m, 
with a corresponding provisional deferred tax liability in relation to the intangible asset of £1.4m. 

Under IFRS 3 Business Combinations, the fair value of assets and liabilities must be finalised within 
12-month “measurement period” from the date of acquisition. At the reporting date, the purchase 
a
price allocation and fair value adjustments are provisional.The acquired business contributed revenues 
of £0.7m and net profit of £0.1m to the Group for the period from 1 December to 31 December 2022 
and these results are included within these consolidated financial statements. Had the acquisition 
completed on 1 January 2022, the contribution to the Group’s revenue and operating profit would 
have been £10.5m and £2.8m higher respectively.  

Acquisition-related costs of £0.3m are included within adjusting items in the consolidated income 
statement (see note 2) and in operating cash flows in the consolidated statement of cash flows. 

The Groups’ provisional assessment of the fair value of the assets and liabilities recognised as part of 
the acquisition of the Wixroyd Group are detailed below: 

Intangible assets1 

Property, plant and equipment 

Inventories 

Trade and other receivables 

Corporation tax receivable 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Corporation tax payable 

Trade and other payables 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Net identifiable assets acquired 

Goodwill2 

Total consideration 

Cash consideration 

Deferred consideration3 

Total consideration 

Provisional 
fair value  
£m 

8.8 

1.4 

2.3 

1.6 

0.4 

3.5 

(0.4) 

(2.0) 

(1.8) 

13.8 

20.2 

34.0 

31.4 

2.6 

34.0 

Note 
1. 
2.  Goodwill recognised of £20.2m represents the expected operating and financial synergies, and the value of the assembled 

Intangible assets comprises customer relationships of £8.2m and other intangible assets of £0.6m. 

workforce
Includes £0.2m relating to an amount withheld pending resolution of an uncertain tax position.  

acquired. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. 

3. 

Co., Ltd (“Hengzhu”), an access hardware manufacturer and distributor in China via an newly 

Acquisition of Hengzhu 
On 2 August 2021, Essentra acquired the trade and assets of Jiangxi Hengzhu Electrical Cabinet 
Lock
incorporated entity, Essentra Hengzhu Precision Components Co Ltd, which acquired 100% of the 
business for ¥103m (approximately £11.8m). Essentra had subscribed and paid up 73% of the issued 
share capital of Essentra Hengzhu Precision Components Co Ltd with the remaining 27% stake 
subject to put and call options exercisable 6 months after issuance of the subsidiary’s audit report 
for
2022. The remaining 27% stake does not confer any shareholder right (including, entitlement to 
dividends and right to transfer to other parties) to the vendor shareholder.  Therefore it is concluded 
that the amount payable under the put option of £4.7m (2021: £4.2m) in substance represents 
deferred consideration and is accounted for as a financial liability. No non-controlling interest is 
recognised in respect of this acquisition.  

Acquisition of Micro Plastics 
On 12 December 2017, Essentra acquired 100% of the share capital of Micro Plastics, Inc. 
The

transaction was settled with cash consideration of £19.7m and deferred consideration of £3.7m,

which £1.3m (2021: £1.2m) remains payable to the vendor. 

of	

178 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

179

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179 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

24. Discontinued operations  
On 1 October 2022, the Group completed its sale of ESNT Packaging & Securing Solutions Limited and 
Essentra Packaging US Inc and their respective subsidiary companies (together the ‘Packaging 
business’). On 3 December 2022, the Group also completed the sale
and its respective subsidiary companies (the ‘Filters business’). The results of the Packaging business 
and the Filters business have been classified as discontinued operations at 31 December 2022 and 
comparative information has been re-presented. Financial information relating to these discontinued 
operations for the period to their respective dates of disposal, is set out below. On 28 September 2022 
the Group also completed the sale of its Packaging business in India for cash consideration of £1.1m 
on
disposal reported below. 

net assets of £2.2m, resulting in a loss on disposal of £1.1m, which has been included in the loss on 

of Essentra Filter Holdings Limited 

Total (loss)/profit for the year from discontinued operations  
The Group recognised a total £152.7m loss (2021: £33.2 profit) for the year from discontinued 
operations as reported in the consolidated income statement. 

Net assets disposed 
The assets and liabilities of the disposed businesses were as follows: 

Property, plant and equipment 

Lease right-of-use assets 

Intangible assets 

Long-term receivables 

Deferred tax assets 

Income tax receivable 

Inventories 

Packaging 
business 
£m 

Filters  
business 
£m 

2022 

Total  
£m 

20211 

Total  
£m 

Trade and other receivables1 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

Total consideration received or receivable2 

294.1 

161.1 

455.2   

Net assets disposed 

Costs of disposal  

Recycling of non-controlling interest 

Recycling of foreign currency translation reserve 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations 
before	tax 

Income tax on disposal 

(300.6) 

(180.1) 

(480.7)  

(23.4) 

(27.2) 

(50.6)  

– 

27.5 

18.4 

11.2 

18.4   

38.7   

(2.4) 

(16.6) 

(19.0)  

– 

– 

–   

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(Loss)/profit for the period after tax3 

(173.6) 

39.9 

(133.7)  

33.2 

Total (loss)/profit for the year from 
discontinued operations 

(176.0) 

23.3 

(152.7)  

33.2 

Trade and other payables 

Lease liabilities due less than one year 

Lease liabilities due greater than one year 

Retirement benefit obligations 

Provisions 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Income tax payable 

Total liabilities 

Net assets disposed 

Notes: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these 

Notes: 
1.  Trade and other receivables are stated after provisions of £2.3m. 

discontinued operations have been re-presented. 

2.  Total consideration of £161.1m in respect of the Filters business includes £10.6m in respect of the fair value of contingent 

consideration receivable, included within long-term receivables. 

3.  This represents the (loss)/profit for the period for operations up until the date of disposal including an impairment of goodwill in 

respect of the Packaging business of £181.6m recorded in June 2022 by reference to the fair value less costs to dispose established by 
the sale and purchase agreement signed with the buyer on 24 June 2022. 

180 
180

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

Packaging  
business 
£m 

Filters  
business 
£m 

123.1 

19.8 

126.8 

1.9 

7.7 

0.3 

47.0 

93.6 

11.8 

89.0 

16.6 

23.3 

1.7 

1.4 

0.1 

56.6 

66.7 

33.9 

432.0 

289.3 

80.1 

4.3 

15.5 

0.6 

2.3 

26.5 

2.1  

71.1 

3.2 

14.6 

4.2 

0.2 

10.9 

5.0  

2022 

Total  
£m 

212.1 

36.4 

150.1 

3.6 

9.1 

0.4 

103.6 

160.3 

45.7 

721.3 

151.2 

7.5 

30.1 

4.8 

2.5 

37.4 

7.1  

131.4 

300.6 

109.2 

180.1 

240.6 

480.7 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

24. Discontinued operations  

Net assets disposed 

On 1 October 2022, the Group completed its sale of ESNT Packaging & Securing Solutions Limited and 

The assets and liabilities of the disposed businesses were as follows: 

24. Discontinued operations ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Income statement analysis of discontinued operations: 

25. Dividends 

Packaging  
business 
£m 

Filters  
business 
£m 

2022 

Total 
discontinued 
operations 
£m 

20211 

Filters  
business 
£m 

Total 
discontinued 
operations 
£m 

Packaging  
business 
£m 

2021 interim: paid 29 October 2021 

Revenue 

319.1 

334.8 

653.9   

362.4 

295.6 

658.0 

2021 proposed final: paid 1 June 2022 

2022 interim: paid 28 October 2022 

Operating (loss)/profit2 

(184.7) 

47.6 

(137.1)  

Finance income 

Finance expense 

0.1 

(0.6) 

1.4 

(1.5) 

1.5   

(2.1)  

(Loss)/profit before tax 

(185.2) 

47.5 

(137.7)  

Income tax credit/(expense) 

11.6 

(7.6) 

4.0   

6.6 

– 

(1.0) 

5.6 

(2.6) 

35.4 

0.6 

(1.4) 

34.6 

(4.4) 

42.0 

0.6 

(2.4) 

40.2 

(7.0) 

(Loss)/profit for the period 
after	tax 

(173.6) 

39.9 

(133.7)  

3.0 

30.2 

33.2 

Note: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these 

discontinued operations have been re-presented. 

2.  The operating result of discontinued operations is stated after impairment charges of £182.7m. An impairment charge of £181.6m 

was recognised at 30 June 2022 following the Group’s impairment assessment in respect of the carrying value of goodwill allocated 
to the Packaging business prior to its disposal. In addition, an impairment charge of £1.1m was recognised relating to intangible 
assets held in India following an impairment review triggered by the divestment of the Packaging business. 

Cash flow information from discontinued operations: 

Packaging  
business 
£m 

Filters  
business 
£m 

2022 

2021 

Total  
£m 

Total  
£m 

Cash consideration 

Cash and cash equivalents disposed 

299.5 

163.1 

462.6   

(11.8) 

(33.9) 

(45.7)  

Proceeds from disposal of businesses net of cash 
disposed  

287.7 

129.2 

416.9   

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

Net cash inflow from investing activities 

24.0 

255.8 

35.7 

59.7   

103.0 

358.8 

Net cash outflow from financing activities 

(4.6) 

(5.7) 

(10.3)   

Increase in cash and cash equivalents 

275.2 

133.0 

408.2   

– 

– 

– 

66.1  

(19.7) 

(7.5) 

38.9  

2022 
p 

– 

– 

2.3 

29.8 

1.0 

Per share 

2021 
p 

2.0   

4.0   

–   

–   

–   

2022 
£m 

– 

– 

6.9 

90.0 

3.0 

Total 

2021 
£m 

6.0 

12.1 

– 

– 

– 

2022 special dividend: payable 
27

2023 

April

2022 proposed final: payable 30 June 2023 

As announced by the Group on 2 February 2023, Essentra intends to pay a special dividend of £90m 
on
were quoted ex-dividend on 20 March 2023. 

27 April 2023 to shareholders on the register of the Company on 21 March 2023. The ordinary shares 

Subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting on 3 May 2023, the proposed final dividend for 
the
Company on 19 May 2023. The ordinary shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 18 May 2023. 

year ended 31 December 2022 will be paid on 30 June 2023 to shareholders on the register of the 

26. Related parties 
Other than the compensation of key management (note 5), Essentra has not entered any material 
transactions with related parties since the last Annual Report. 

ITC Essentra Limited was 50% owned by the Group until its disposal on 3 December 2022. Until that 
date, its results were fully consolidated within the Group’s results as it was deemed Essentra had 
control up to the date of disposal by virtue of its having control of the board. At the date of disposal, 
the entity had gross assets of £34.0m (31 December 2021: £27.6m) and gross liabilities of £14.6m 
(31
cash decreased by £0.5m (2021: £0.8m increase). 

December 2021: £9.9m). Operating profit for the period to disposal was £6.9m (2021: £5.0m) and 

China Tobacco Essentra (Xiamen) Filters Co., Ltd was 49% owned by the Group until its disposal on 
3
December 2022. Until that date, its results were fully consolidated within the Group’s results as it 
was deemed Essentra had control up to the date of disposal by virtue of its having control of the 
board. As the date of disposal, the entity had gross assets of £30.0m (31 December 2021: £20.3m) 
and
was £2.4m (2021: £0.8m loss) and cash decreased by £0.9m (2021: £0.2m). 

gross liabilities of £12.7m (31 December 2021: £5.4m). Operating profit for the period to disposal 

For the Group’s basis of consolidation policy, see note b within Accounting Policies. 

Essentra Packaging US Inc and their respective subsidiary companies (together the ‘Packaging 

business’). On 3 December 2022, the Group also completed the sale

of Essentra Filter Holdings Limited 

and its respective subsidiary companies (the ‘Filters business’). The results of the Packaging business 

and the Filters business have been classified as discontinued operations at 31 December 2022 and 

comparative information has been re-presented. Financial information relating to these discontinued 

operations for the period to their respective dates of disposal, is set out below. On 28 September 2022 

the Group also completed the sale of its Packaging business in India for cash consideration of £1.1m 

on

net assets of £2.2m, resulting in a loss on disposal of £1.1m, which has been included in the loss on 

Intangible assets 

disposal reported below. 

Total (loss)/profit for the year from discontinued operations  

The Group recognised a total £152.7m loss (2021: £33.2 profit) for the year from discontinued 

operations as reported in the consolidated income statement. 

Property, plant and equipment 

Lease right-of-use assets 

Long-term receivables 

Deferred tax assets 

Income tax receivable 

Inventories 

Total consideration received or receivable2 

294.1 

161.1 

455.2   

Net assets disposed 

Costs of disposal  

Recycling of non-controlling interest 

Recycling of foreign currency translation reserve 

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations 

before	tax 

Income tax on disposal 

(300.6) 

(180.1) 

(480.7)  

(23.4) 

(27.2) 

(50.6)  

– 

27.5 

18.4 

11.2 

18.4   

38.7   

(2.4) 

(16.6) 

(19.0)  

– 

– 

–   

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(Loss)/profit for the period after tax3 

(173.6) 

39.9 

(133.7)  

33.2 

Total (loss)/profit for the year from 

discontinued operations 

Notes: 

(176.0) 

23.3 

(152.7)  

33.2 

discontinued operations have been re-presented. 

2.  Total consideration of £161.1m in respect of the Filters business includes £10.6m in respect of the fair value of contingent 

consideration receivable, included within long-term receivables. 

3.  This represents the (loss)/profit for the period for operations up until the date of disposal including an impairment of goodwill in 

respect of the Packaging business of £181.6m recorded in June 2022 by reference to the fair value less costs to dispose established by 

the sale and purchase agreement signed with the buyer on 24 June 2022. 

Trade and other payables 

Lease liabilities due less than one year 

Lease liabilities due greater than one year 

Retirement benefit obligations 

Provisions 

Deferred tax liabilities 

Income tax payable 

Total liabilities 

Net assets disposed 

Notes: 

1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these 

1.  Trade and other receivables are stated after provisions of £2.3m. 

Packaging  

business 

£m 

Filters  

business 

£m 

2022 

Total  

£m 

212.1 

36.4 

150.1 

3.6 

9.1 

0.4 

103.6 

160.3 

45.7 

721.3 

151.2 

7.5 

30.1 

4.8 

2.5 

37.4 

7.1  

89.0 

16.6 

23.3 

1.7 

1.4 

0.1 

56.6 

66.7 

33.9 

71.1 

3.2 

14.6 

4.2 

0.2 

10.9 

5.0  

123.1 

19.8 

126.8 

1.9 

7.7 

0.3 

47.0 

93.6 

11.8 

80.1 

4.3 

15.5 

0.6 

2.3 

26.5 

2.1  

131.4 

300.6 

109.2 

180.1 

240.6 

480.7 

Packaging 

business 

£m 

Filters  

business 

£m 

2022 

Total  

£m 

20211 

Total  

£m 

Trade and other receivables1 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Total assets 

432.0 

289.3 

180 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

181

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181 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

27  Adjusted performance measures 
The Group presents alternative performance measures including adjusted operating profit, adjusted 
operating profit after allocation of central costs, adjusted operating cash flow and adjusted earnings 
per share, which are not defined or specified in accordance with UK adopted International Financial 
Reporting Standards. These non-GAAP measures enable management to reflect the underlying 
performance of the continuing operations of the Group and provides investors with a more 
meaningful comparison of how the business is managed and measured on a periodic basis. For further 
information on alternative performance measures applied by the Group, refer to pages 50 and 51. 

The adjusted performance measures presented below cannot be derived directly from the Group’s 
consolidated financial statements and therefore, a reconciliation of the adjusted performance 
measure to the most directly comparable reported measure in accordance with UK adopted 
International Financial Reporting Standards has been provided. 

Reconciliation to the Group’s adjusted profit measures 

Continuing operations 

Operating (loss)/profit 

 Reported statutory measure 

Amortisation of acquired 
assets 
intangible

Adjusting items 

Note 2 

Adjusted operating profit 

 Adjusted performance measure 

Finance income 

Finance expenses 

Note 3 

Note 3 

Adjusted profit before income tax 

 Adjusted performance measure 

Tax on adjusted profit 

Adjusted net income 

 Adjusted performance measure 

2022 
£m 

(11.3) 

10.4 

26.0 

25.1 

7.1 

2021 
£m 

7.7 

8.6 

10.1 

26.4 

2.1 

(24.9) 

(16.9) 

7.3 

(1.6) 

5.7 

11.6 

(0.4) 

11.2 

Reconciliation of reported statutory measures to the Group’s segment analysis  

Components  
£m 

Central 
Services  
£m 

Continuing 
Operations  
£m 

Discontinued 
Operations  
£m 

Total 

£m   

Components  
£m 

Central  
Services  
£m 

Continuing 
Operations  
£m 

Discontinued 
Operations  
£m 

2022   

2021 

Total 
£m 

Operating (loss)/profit 

Reported statutory measure 

40.9 

(52.2) 

(11.3) 

(137.1)  (148.4)  

47.9 

(40.2) 

Adjusting items 

Note 2 

12.4 

13.6 

26.0 

– 

26.0   

0.4 

9.7 

Amortisation and impairment of acquired 
intangible assets 

Adjusted operating profit 

Adjusted performance measure 

10.4 

– 

63.7 

(38.6) 

10.4 

25.1 

189.2 

199.6   

8.6 

– 

52.1 

77.2   

56.9 

(30.5) 

7.7 

10.1 

8.6 

26.4 

42.0  49.7 

– 

10.1 

13.8  22.4 

55.8  82.2 

Notes: 
1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these operations have been re-presented above as discontinued operations. 

182 
182

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STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

27. Adjusted performance measures ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Net funding surplus/(debt) 
Net funding surplus/(debt) is defined as cash and cash equivalents (including short-term liquid 
investments) and derivatives against hedging placement loans, net of lease liabilities and interest-
bearing loans and borrowings. It is a measure that provides additional information on the Group’s 
financial position. 

2022 
£m 

2021 
£m 

Adjusted operating profit from	continuing 
operations 

Adjusted performance 
measure 

Depreciation of property, plant

and

equipment 

Note 2 

Lease right-of-use asset depreciation 

Note 2 

Amortisation of non-acquired intangible

assets 

Note 2 

Adjusted operating profit 

 Adjusted performance measure 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Reported statutory measure 

421.4 

136.3 

Debt liabilities 

Lease liabilities 

Derivative financial instruments hedging 
placement loans 

Note 14 

Note 19 

Note 15 

Net funding surplus/(debt) 

Adjusted performance 
measure 

(293.0) 

(313.3) 

(22.9) 

(57.7) 

Share option expense 

Other non-cash items1 

Working capital movements 

Net capital expenditure 

8.3 

– 

113.8 

(234.7) 

Adjusted operating cash inflow 
from	continuing operations  

Reconciliation of cash flows 
from	adjusting	items: 

Note 5 

Adjusted performance 
measure 

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

27  Adjusted performance measures 

Reconciliation to the Group’s adjusted profit measures 

The Group presents alternative performance measures including adjusted operating profit, adjusted 

operating profit after allocation of central costs, adjusted operating cash flow and adjusted earnings 

per share, which are not defined or specified in accordance with UK adopted International Financial 

Reporting Standards. These non-GAAP measures enable management to reflect the underlying 

performance of the continuing operations of the Group and provides investors with a more 

Amortisation of acquired 

meaningful comparison of how the business is managed and measured on a periodic basis. For further 

information on alternative performance measures applied by the Group, refer to pages 50 and 51. 

The adjusted performance measures presented below cannot be derived directly from the Group’s 

consolidated financial statements and therefore, a reconciliation of the adjusted performance 

measure to the most directly comparable reported measure in accordance with UK adopted 

International Financial Reporting Standards has been provided. 

Continuing operations 

intangible

assets 

Adjusting items 

Finance income 

Finance expenses 

Operating (loss)/profit 

 Reported statutory measure 

Adjusted profit before income tax 

 Adjusted performance measure 

Tax on adjusted profit 

Adjusted net income 

 Adjusted performance measure 

Note 2 

Note 3 

Note 3 

2022   

Reconciliation of reported statutory measures to the Group’s segment analysis  

Operating (loss)/profit 

Reported statutory measure 

40.9 

(52.2) 

(11.3) 

(137.1)  (148.4)  

47.9 

(40.2) 

Adjusting items 

Note 2 

12.4 

13.6 

26.0 

– 

26.0   

0.4 

9.7 

Amortisation and impairment of acquired 

intangible assets 

Adjusted operating profit 

Adjusted performance measure 

10.4 

– 

63.7 

(38.6) 

10.4 

25.1 

189.2 

199.6   

8.6 

– 

52.1 

77.2   

56.9 

(30.5) 

Notes: 

1.  The Group disposed of the Packaging business and the Filters business during the year ended 31 December 2022. The results of these operations have been re-presented above as discontinued operations. 

Components  

Central 

Services  

Continuing 

Operations  

Discontinued 

Operations  

Total 

Components  

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m   

£m 

Central  

Services  

£m 

Continuing 

Operations  

Discontinued 

Operations  

2022 

£m 

(11.3) 

10.4 

26.0 

25.1 

7.1 

7.3 

(1.6) 

5.7 

2021 

£m 

7.7 

8.6 

10.1 

26.4 

2.1 

11.6 

(0.4) 

11.2 

(24.9) 

(16.9) 

2021 

Total 

£m 

£m 

42.0  49.7 

– 

10.1 

13.8  22.4 

55.8  82.2 

£m 

7.7 

10.1 

8.6 

26.4 

Reconciliation to the Group’s adjusted operating cash flow measure 
Adjusted operating cash flow from continuing operations is presented to exclude the impact of tax, 
adjusting items, interest and other items not impacting operating profit. Net capital expenditure is 
included in this measure as management regards investment in operational assets (tangible and 
intangible) as integral to the underlying cash generation capability of the Group, except amounts 
relating to adjusting items. 

Net cash inflow from operating activities  

Reported statutory measure 

64.0 

2022 
£m 

2021 
£m 

63.2 

Adjusting items  

Note 2 

Non-cash credit/(charge) in

adjusting

items 

Cash outflow on adjusting items 
recognised	in	the year 

Utilisation of prior year and acquired 
provisions 
accruals

and

Cash outflow from adjusting items 

Note 17 

(0.3) 

7.2 

Adjusted performance 
measure 

23.7 

23.9 

Adjusted for: net cash outflow from 
operations 
discontinued

Operating net cash inflow/(outflow) from 
continuing activities 

Cash outflow from adjusting items 

Tax paid on continuing operations 

Adjustments for pension contributions 

Note 24 

(59.7) 

(66.1) 

Notes: 
1.  Other non-cash items comprise impairment of fixed assets £0.5m (2021: £0.2m), inflow from hedging activities and other 

movements £1.1m (2021: £0.5m outflow), movement in provisions £0.1m (2021: less £0.2m) and less movement due to hyperinflation 
£3.2m (2021: £nil). 

4.3 

23.7 

5.0 

– 

(2.9) 

23.9 

4.7 

4.8 

28. Post balance sheet events 
As a consequence of the business disposals, the Group was required to repay $247m of its US Private 
Placement Loan Notes, classified as current liabilities at the balance sheet date, which were repaid in 
full during January 2023. 

Net capex expenditure on continuing operations 

(12.8) 

(12.7) 

Adjusted operating cash flow from 
continuing	operations 

Adjusted performance 
measure 

20.2 

17.8 

182 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

183

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

183 

2022 
£m 

2021 
£m 

25.1 

13.9 

5.6 

2.7 

1.4 

(1.5) 

26.4 

12.3 

5.4 

2.6 

(0.7) 

(0.5) 

(14.2) 

(15.0) 

(12.8) 

(12.7) 

20.2 

17.8 

26.0 

(2.0) 

10.1 

6.6 

24.0 

16.7 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
	
	
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY BALANCE SHEET
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY BALANCE SHEET 

Essentra plc Company Balance Sheet 
At 31 December 2022 

Fixed assets 

Investments in subsidiary undertakings 

Current assets 

Debtors 

Current liabilities 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Net current assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves 

Issued share capital 

Merger reserve 

Capital redemption reserve 

Profit and loss account1 

Total shareholders’ funds 

Note: 
1.  The profit for the financial year ended 31 December 2022 included in the financial statements of the Company is £0.1m (2021: £0.2m). 

The Company’s financial statements on pages 184 to 192 were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 March 2023 and were signed on its behalf by: 

Scott Fawcett 
Chief Executive 

Jack Clarke 
Chief Financial Officer 

184 
184

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

Note 

2022 
£m 

2021 
£m 

3,12 

469.7 

466.6 

4 

515.0 

498.3 

5 

(211.8) 

(3.5) 

303.2 

494.8 

6,7 

(85.0) 

(257.7) 

687.9 

703.7 

8 

9 

9 

75.6 

385.2 

0.1 

227.0 

687.9 

75.6 

385.2 

0.1 

242.8 

703.7 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY BALANCE SHEET 

Essentra plc Company Balance Sheet 

At 31 December 2022 

Fixed assets 

Investments in subsidiary undertakings 

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

Current assets 

Debtors 

Current liabilities 

Net current assets 

Non-current liabilities 

Net assets 

Capital and reserves 

Issued share capital 

Merger reserve 

Capital redemption reserve 

Profit and loss account1 

Total shareholders’ funds 

Note: 

1.  The profit for the financial year ended 31 December 2022 included in the financial statements of the Company is £0.1m (2021: £0.2m). 

The Company’s financial statements on pages 184 to 192 were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 March 2023 and were signed on its behalf by: 

Scott Fawcett 

Chief Executive 

Jack Clarke 

Chief Financial Officer 

Note 

2022 

£m 

2021 

£m 

3,12 

469.7 

466.6 

4 

515.0 

498.3 

5 

(211.8) 

(3.5) 

303.2 

494.8 

6,7 

(85.0) 

(257.7) 

687.9 

703.7 

8 

9 

9 

75.6 

385.2 

0.1 

227.0 

687.9 

75.6 

385.2 

0.1 

242.8 

703.7 

ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 

Essentra plc Company Statement of Changes in Equity 
For the year ended 31 December 2022 

Profit and loss account 

Issued 
share 
capital 
£m 

Merger 
reserve 
£m 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m 

Retained 
earnings 
£m 

Own 
shares 
£m 

Total 
equity 
£m 

Profit and loss account 

Issued 
 share 
capital 
£m 

Merger 
reserve 
£m 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m 

Retained 
earnings 
£m 

Own 
 shares 
£m 

Total 
 equity 
£m 

1 January 2022 

Profit for year 

Total comprehensive income for 
the

year 

Shares issued to satisfy employee 
share option exercises 

Share-based payments 

Dividends paid 

31 December 2022 

75.6 

385.2 

0.1 

250.1 

(7.3) 

703.7 

1 January 2021 

75.6 

385.2 

0.1 

266.8 

(9.0) 

718.7 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.1 

0.1 

(1.8) 

3.1 

(19.0) 

– 

– 

1.8 

– 

– 

0.1 

Profit for year 

0.1 

– 

3.1 

Total comprehensive income for 
the

year 

Shares issued to satisfy employee 
share

option exercises 

Share-based payments 

(19.0) 

Dividends paid 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

0.2 

0.2 

(1.7) 

0.8 

(16.0) 

– 

– 

1.7 

– 

– 

0.2 

0.2 

– 

0.8 

(16.0) 

75.6 

385.2 

0.1 

232.5 

(5.5) 

687.9 

31 December 2021 

75.6 

385.2 

0.1 

250.1 

(7.3) 

703.7 

184 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

185

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

185 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES 

Essentra plc Company Notes 
1.  Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies 
(a) Basis of preparation 
Essentra plc (the ‘Company’) is a public limited company, limited by shares, that is incorporated 
domiciled in England and Wales (registration no 05444653). The address of its registered 
and
office
shares are
single

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1HX, United Kingdom. The Company’s ordinary 
publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange and it is not under the control of any 

shareholder. 

is

These financial statements were prepared using the historical cost convention in accordance with 
Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101) and the Companies Act 
2006. The Company financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis for the 
reasons set out on page 143 to the consolidated financial statements.  

The profit and loss account of the Company is not presented as permitted by Section 408 of the 
Companies Act 2006. 

In the preparation of these financial statements, the Company has applied the following disclosure 
exemptions available under FRS 101, which the Company intends to maintain in future years: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the requirements of paragraph 45(b) and 46-52 of IFRS 2 Share-Based Payments; 

the requirements of paragraphs 62, B64(b), B64(e), B64(g), B64(h), B64(j) to B64(m), 
b64(n)(ii), B64(o)(ii), B64(p), B64(q)(ii), B66 and B67 of IFRS 3 Business Combinations; 

the requirement of IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures; 

the requirement of paragraphs 91-99 of IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement; 

the requirement in paragraph 38 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to present 
comparative information in respect of paragraph 79(a)(iv) of IAS 1, paragraph 73(e) of IAS 16 
Property, Plant and Equipment and paragraph 118(e) of IAS 38 Intangible Assets; 

the requirements of paragraphs 10(d), 10(f), 16, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 
111

134-136 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements; 

and

the requirements of IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows; 

the requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting 
Estimates and Errors; 

the requirements of paragraph 17 of IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures; 

the requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to disclose related party transactions entered 
into between two or more members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which is a party to 
the transaction is wholly owned by such a member; and 

the requirements of paragraphs 134(d)-134(f) and 135(c)-135(e) of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets. 

The results of the Company are included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. 
required, equivalent disclosures are given in the consolidated financial statements. 
Where

There are no new and mandatory effective standards in the year that would have a material impact 
on the financial statements. 

No critical accounting judgements or estimates were required in the year. 

186 
186

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

(b) Principal accounting policies 
The following principal accounting policies have been consistently applied. 

Investment in subsidiary undertaking 
Investment in subsidiary undertaking is held at cost less any provision for impairment. The Company 
assesses at each balance sheet date whether the investment in its subsidiary has been impaired. 

of

investment in the subsidiary in which the relevant employees work over the expected period 

Share-based payments 
The fair value of share options is measured at grant date. It is recognised as an addition to the 
cost
between grant and vesting date of the options, with a corresponding adjustment to reserves. 
Detailed
disclosures for the share-based payment arrangements of the Company are provided 
note
in

18 to the consolidated financial statements. 

Own shares 
The shares held in the Essentra Employee Benefit Trust for the purpose of fulfilling obligations 
in
from
retained earnings. 

respect of share incentive plans are treated as belonging to the Company and are deducted 

retained earnings. The cost of shares held directly (treasury shares) is also deducted from 

its

Dividends 
Dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the period 
in
(interim

which they are approved by the shareholders of the Company (final dividend) or paid 

dividend). 

Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established. 

Foreign currencies 
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded using the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the 
transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using 
rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date and the gains or losses on translation are 
the
included in the profit and loss account. Exchange differences arising from movements in spot rates 
are included in the profit and loss account as exchange gains or losses, while those arising from the 
interest differential elements of forward currency contracts are included in external interest income 
or

expense. 

Financial assets 
Non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active 
market are included in current assets, except for those with maturities greater than 12 months after 
the end of the reporting period which are classified as non-current assets. The Company’s financial 
assets at amortised cost comprise receivables in the balance sheet. 

Receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using 
the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Interest income is recognised accordingly 
using the effective interest method. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES 

ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES 

Essentra plc Company Notes 

1.  Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies 

(a) Basis of preparation 

Essentra plc (the ‘Company’) is a public limited company, limited by shares, that is incorporated 

and

domiciled in England and Wales (registration no 05444653). The address of its registered 

office

is

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford, OX5 1HX, United Kingdom. The Company’s ordinary 

shares are

publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange and it is not under the control of any 

single

shareholder. 

These financial statements were prepared using the historical cost convention in accordance with 

Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (FRS 101) and the Companies Act 

2006. The Company financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis for the 

reasons set out on page 143 to the consolidated financial statements.  

(b) Principal accounting policies 

The following principal accounting policies have been consistently applied. 

Investment in subsidiary undertaking 

Investment in subsidiary undertaking is held at cost less any provision for impairment. The Company 

assesses at each balance sheet date whether the investment in its subsidiary has been impaired. 

Share-based payments 

The fair value of share options is measured at grant date. It is recognised as an addition to the 

cost

of

investment in the subsidiary in which the relevant employees work over the expected period 

between grant and vesting date of the options, with a corresponding adjustment to reserves. 

Detailed

disclosures for the share-based payment arrangements of the Company are provided 

in

note

18 to the consolidated financial statements. 

The profit and loss account of the Company is not presented as permitted by Section 408 of the 

Own shares 

Companies Act 2006. 

In the preparation of these financial statements, the Company has applied the following disclosure 

exemptions available under FRS 101, which the Company intends to maintain in future years: 

The shares held in the Essentra Employee Benefit Trust for the purpose of fulfilling obligations 

in

respect of share incentive plans are treated as belonging to the Company and are deducted 

from

its

retained earnings. The cost of shares held directly (treasury shares) is also deducted from 

the requirements of paragraph 45(b) and 46-52 of IFRS 2 Share-Based Payments; 

the requirements of paragraphs 62, B64(b), B64(e), B64(g), B64(h), B64(j) to B64(m), 

b64(n)(ii), B64(o)(ii), B64(p), B64(q)(ii), B66 and B67 of IFRS 3 Business Combinations; 

the requirement of IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures; 

the requirement of paragraphs 91-99 of IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement; 

the requirement in paragraph 38 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements to present 

comparative information in respect of paragraph 79(a)(iv) of IAS 1, paragraph 73(e) of IAS 16 

Property, Plant and Equipment and paragraph 118(e) of IAS 38 Intangible Assets; 

the requirements of paragraphs 10(d), 10(f), 16, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 

111

and

134-136 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements; 

the requirements of IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows; 

the requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting 

Estimates and Errors; 

the requirements of paragraph 17 of IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures; 

the requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to disclose related party transactions entered 

into between two or more members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which is a party to 

the transaction is wholly owned by such a member; and 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

There are no new and mandatory effective standards in the year that would have a material impact 

on the financial statements. 

No critical accounting judgements or estimates were required in the year. 

retained earnings. 

Dividends 

(interim

dividend). 

Foreign currencies 

or

expense. 

Financial assets 

Dividend distributions to the Company’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the period 

in

which they are approved by the shareholders of the Company (final dividend) or paid 

Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established. 

Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded using the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the 

transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated using 

the

rate of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date and the gains or losses on translation are 

included in the profit and loss account. Exchange differences arising from movements in spot rates 

are included in the profit and loss account as exchange gains or losses, while those arising from the 

interest differential elements of forward currency contracts are included in external interest income 

Non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active 

market are included in current assets, except for those with maturities greater than 12 months after 

the end of the reporting period which are classified as non-current assets. The Company’s financial 

assets at amortised cost comprise receivables in the balance sheet. 

the requirements of paragraphs 134(d)-134(f) and 135(c)-135(e) of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets. 

Receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using 

the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. Interest income is recognised accordingly 

The results of the Company are included in the Group’s consolidated financial statements. 

Where

required, equivalent disclosures are given in the consolidated financial statements. 

using the effective interest method. 

1.  Basis of preparation and principal accounting policies  ccoonnttiinnuueedd 
Financial liabilities 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings and other financial liabilities (excluding derivatives) are initially 
recognised at fair value net of transaction costs incurred. They are subsequently held at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method. Any difference between the proceeds, net of transaction 
costs, and the settlement or redemption of borrowings is recognised in profit or loss over the term 
of

the borrowings. 

2. Net operating charges 
The auditors were paid £5,125 (2021: £5,125) for the statutory audit of the Company. Fees paid to the 
Company’s auditors for services other than the statutory audit of the Company are disclosed in note 2 
to the consolidated financial statements. 

The Directors’ remuneration, which was paid by Essentra International Limited, is disclosed in the 
Annual Report on Remuneration on pages 111 to 121. The only employees of the Company are the 
seven Directors and Company Secretary. 

The Company holds financial instruments which hedge the net investments in the foreign operations 
of its subsidiary undertakings. Gains and losses on these instruments are recognised in the profit and 
loss account of the Company. 

Taxation 
Income tax in the profit and loss account comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is 
recognised in the profit and loss account except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in 
equity or other comprehensive income. 

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year using the applicable tax 
rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date and any adjustment to tax payable 
in prior years. 

Deferred tax is provided, using the balance sheet liability method, on temporary differences arising 
between the tax bases and the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements. 
The following temporary differences are not provided for: goodwill not deductible for tax purposes, 
the
initial recognition of assets or liabilities that affect neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss, 
and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates that are expected to apply when the 
related deferred tax asset or liability is settled, using the applicable tax rates enacted or substantively 
enacted at the balance sheet date. 

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will 
be available against which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent 
that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realised. 

186 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

187

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

187 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES 

3.  Investments in subsidiary undertakings 

6.  Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

Beginning of year 

Additions 

End of year 

2022 
£m 

466.6 

3.1 

469.7 

0.8 

466.6 

2021 
£m 

465.8 

US Private Placement Loan Notes1 

2022 
£m 

85.0 

85.0 

2021 
£m 

257.7 

257.7 

Note: 
1.  Refer to note 14 of the consolidated financial statements for details of the US Private Placement Loan Notes. 

For the year end management performed a value-in-use impairment assessment of its investments 
in

subsidiary undertakings using a discounted cash flow model.  

7.  Maturity of financial liabilities 

The key assumptions in the cash flow model are revenue growth and operating margin for the Group. 
Operating margin is primarily based upon the historical levels achieved, adjusted by targets set for 
revenue expansion and cost control and reduction within The Plan period. The values assigned to these 
assumptions represent management’s assessment of market condition and scope for cost and 
profitability improvement, taking into account realisable synergies resulting from integration 
activities. The annual revenue growth rate over the five year forecast period averages 6.6% with a 
terminal growth rate of 2.4% from 2028 onwards. The average operating profit margin over the 
five

year forecast period is assumed to improve by 120 bps. 

The estimated cash flows are discounted using a post-tax discount rate based upon Essentra’s 
estimated post-tax weighted average cost of capital of 10.8%. The specific pre-tax discount rates 
applied for the Group are 11.0%. 

No impairment in the carrying amount of investments has been identified. 

Debt analysed as falling due: 

Within one year 

Between one and five years 

More than five years 

Less prepaid facility fees 

8.  Issued share capital 

4.  Debtors 

Amounts receivable from subsidiary undertakings 

Issued, authorised and fully paid ordinary shares of 25p (2021: 25p) each 

2022 
£m 

515.0 

515.0 

2021 
£m 

498.3 

498.3 

Number of ordinary shares in issue 

Beginning of year 

End of year 

2022 
£m 

2021 
£m 

208.0 

– 

85.4 

(0.4) 

293.0 

– 

14.8 

244.4 

(1.5) 

257.7 

2022 
£m 

75.6 

2021 
£m 

75.6 

302,590,708  302,590,708 

302,590,708  302,590,708 

At 31 December 2022, the Company held 897,944 (2021: 905,157) of its own shares in treasury. 

Receivables due from group companies to the Company are interest free and repayable on demand. 
Receivables from group companies have been assessed for impairment in accordance with IFRS 9. 
As
all balances are repayable on demand, and the Company expects to be able to recover the 
outstanding intercompany balances if demanded, no provision has been recognised in the year 
ended

31 December 2022 (2021: £nil). 

5.  Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Accruals and deferred income 

US Private Placement Loan Notes1 

2022 
£m 

3.8 

208.0 

211.8 

2021 
£m 

3.5 

– 

3.5 

Note: 
1.  Refer to note 14 of the consolidated financial statements for details of the US Private Placement Loan Notes. 

188 
188

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES 

Beginning of year 

Additions 

End of year 

3.  Investments in subsidiary undertakings 

6.  Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 

2022 

£m 

466.6 

3.1 

469.7 

2021 

£m 

0.8 

466.6 

Note: 

465.8 

US Private Placement Loan Notes1 

1.  Refer to note 14 of the consolidated financial statements for details of the US Private Placement Loan Notes. 

For the year end management performed a value-in-use impairment assessment of its investments 

in

subsidiary undertakings using a discounted cash flow model.  

7.  Maturity of financial liabilities 

The key assumptions in the cash flow model are revenue growth and operating margin for the Group. 

Operating margin is primarily based upon the historical levels achieved, adjusted by targets set for 

revenue expansion and cost control and reduction within The Plan period. The values assigned to these 

Debt analysed as falling due: 

assumptions represent management’s assessment of market condition and scope for cost and 

profitability improvement, taking into account realisable synergies resulting from integration 

activities. The annual revenue growth rate over the five year forecast period averages 6.6% with a 

Within one year 

Between one and five years 

terminal growth rate of 2.4% from 2028 onwards. The average operating profit margin over the 

More than five years 

five

year forecast period is assumed to improve by 120 bps. 

Less prepaid facility fees 

The estimated cash flows are discounted using a post-tax discount rate based upon Essentra’s 

estimated post-tax weighted average cost of capital of 10.8%. The specific pre-tax discount rates 

applied for the Group are 11.0%. 

No impairment in the carrying amount of investments has been identified. 

8.  Issued share capital 

2022 

£m 

85.0 

85.0 

2021 

£m 

257.7 

257.7 

2022 

£m 

2021 

£m 

208.0 

– 

85.4 

(0.4) 

293.0 

– 

14.8 

244.4 

(1.5) 

257.7 

2022 

£m 

75.6 

2021 

£m 

75.6 

Issued, authorised and fully paid ordinary shares of 25p (2021: 25p) each 

2022 

£m 

515.0 

515.0 

2021 

£m 

498.3 

498.3 

Number of ordinary shares in issue 

Beginning of year 

End of year 

302,590,708  302,590,708 

302,590,708  302,590,708 

At 31 December 2022, the Company held 897,944 (2021: 905,157) of its own shares in treasury. 

4.  Debtors 

Amounts receivable from subsidiary undertakings 

Receivables due from group companies to the Company are interest free and repayable on demand. 

Receivables from group companies have been assessed for impairment in accordance with IFRS 9. 

As

all balances are repayable on demand, and the Company expects to be able to recover the 

outstanding intercompany balances if demanded, no provision has been recognised in the year 

ended

31 December 2022 (2021: £nil). 

5.  Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 

Accruals and deferred income 

US Private Placement Loan Notes1 

Note: 

1.  Refer to note 14 of the consolidated financial statements for details of the US Private Placement Loan Notes. 

2022 

£m 

3.8 

208.0 

211.8 

2021 

£m 

3.5 

– 

3.5 

188 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES 

9.  Reserves 
The merger reserve represents the excess of net proceeds received over the nominal value of shares 
Issued subject to the provisions of s612 of the Companies Act 2006. 

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the profit and loss account of the Company 
has not been separately presented in these Financial Statements. The profit attributable to equity 
holders included in the financial statements of the Company is £0.1m (2021: £0.2m). 

Included in the profit and loss account are accumulated share-based payments of £53.0m (2021: 
£49.9m) which are credited directly to reserves. Full details of these share-based payments are set out 
in the Annual Report on Remuneration on pages 111 to 121. 

10.  Dividends 

2021 interim: paid 29 October 2021 

2021 proposed final: paid 1 June 2022 

2022 interim: paid 28 October 2022 

2022 special dividend: payable 
27

2023 

April

2022 proposed final: payable 30 June 2023 

2022 
p 

– 

– 

2.3 

29.8 

1.0 

Per share 

2021 
p 

2.0   

4.0   

–   

–   

–   

2022 
£m 

– 

– 

6.9 

90.0 

3.0 

Total 

2021 
£m 

6.0 

12.1 

– 

– 

– 

13.  Subsidiary undertakings 
The Group’s subsidiaries (including dormant entities) at 31 December 2022, are set out below and are 
100% owned directly or indirectly by the Group unless otherwise indicated. Essentra International 
Limited is the only direct subsidiary of Essentra plc. 

The principal country in which each company operates is the country of incorporation. All subsidiaries 
have the same 31 December year end date as the Company. 

Co., Ltd (“Hengzhu”), an access hardware manufacturer and distributor in China via an newly 

On 2 August 2021, Essentra acquired the  trade and assets of Jiangxi Hengzhu Electrical Cabinet 
Lock
incorporated entity, Essentra Hengzhu Precision Components Co Ltd, which acquired 100% of the 
business for ¥103m (approximately £11.8m). Essentra had subscribed and paid up 73% of the issued 
share capital of Essentra Hengzhu Precision Components Co Ltd with the remaining 27% stake 
subject to put and call options exercisable 6 months after issuance of the subsidiary’s audit report 
for
2022. The remaining 27% stake does not confer any shareholder right (including, entitlement to 
dividends and right to transfer to other parties) to the vendor shareholder.  No non-controlling 
interest is recognised in respect of this acquisition. 

11. Post balance sheet events 
As a consequence of the business disposals, the Group was required to repay $247m of its US Private 
Placement Loan Notes, classified as current liabilities at the balance sheet date, which were repaid in 
full during January 2023. At the same time amounts due from subsidiary undertakings of £515m (note 
4) were reduced by $247m. 

12. Subsidiaries exempt from audit 
The following UK subsidiaries will take advantage of the exemption from the requirements under 
section 479A of the Companies Act 2006 relating to the audit of financial statements for the year 
December 2022. Essentra plc has given a parental guarantee in respect of the debts and 
ended 31
liabilities of these subsidiaries under section 479C of the Companies Act 2006. 

Company name 

  Company name 

Essentra Components Limited  

  Essentra (Northampton) Ltd 

ESNT Holdings (No.1) Limited 

  Essentra Services Limited  

ESNT Holdings (No.2) Limited 

  Wixroyd Holdings Limited 

ESNT International Limited 

  Wixroyd Group Limited 

Essentra International Limited 

  Automation Components Limited 

Essentra Overseas Limited 

  Coburg Components Ltd 

Essentra Pension Trustees Limited 

  Teknipart Limited 

Essentra Finance Limited 

189

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

189 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
	
	
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES 

13.  Subsidiary undertakings ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

Company name 

Essentra Components Limited 

ESNT Holdings (No.1) Limited 

ESNT Holdings (No.2) Limited 

ESNT International Limited 

Essentra International Limited 

Essentra Overseas Limited 

Essentra Pension Trustees Limited 

Essentra Finance Limited 

Essentra (Northampton) Ltd 

Essentra Services Limited 

Filtrona Limited 

Alliance Plastics Limited 

Cigarette Components Limited 

ESNT Components Limited 

Filtrona Custom Moulding Limited 

Stera Tape Limited 

Wixroyd Holdings Limited 

Wixroyd Group Limited 

Automation Components Limited 

Coburg Components Ltd 

Teknipart Limited 

Essentra Plastics LLC 

Innovative Components, Inc. 

Micro Plastics, Inc. 

Essentra Components Inc  

Essentra Components Japan Inc 

ESNT Holdings Inc 

ESNT (Porous) Holdings Inc. 

ESNT US Holdings Corp 

Essentra Corporation 

Essentra Holdings Corp. (DE) 

US NewCo LLC 

ESNT Components Co. 

Essentra Components BV 

Blue NewCo 1 B.V. 

190 
190

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

Country of incorporation 

Principal activity 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

Netherlands 

Manufacturing 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Pension Trustee 

Treasury activities 

Non-trading 

Non-trading  

Dissolved 17  
January 2023  

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Trading 

Trading 

Trading 

Trading 

Trading 

Manufacturing 

Manufacturing 

Manufacturing 

Distribution 

Distribution 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Non-trading  

Distribution 

Netherlands 

Holding Company 

Address of registered office 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

1315 W Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, IL 62704, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Dragonder 3, 5554 GM Valkenswaard , Netherlands 

Dragonder 3, 5554 GM Valkenswaard , Netherlands 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES 

13.  Subsidiary undertakings ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

Company name 

Essentra Components Limited 

ESNT Holdings (No.1) Limited 

ESNT Holdings (No.2) Limited 

ESNT International Limited 

Essentra International Limited 

Essentra Overseas Limited 

Essentra Pension Trustees Limited 

Essentra Finance Limited 

Essentra (Northampton) Ltd 

Essentra Services Limited 

Filtrona Limited 

Alliance Plastics Limited 

Cigarette Components Limited 

ESNT Components Limited 

Filtrona Custom Moulding Limited 

Stera Tape Limited 

Wixroyd Holdings Limited 

Wixroyd Group Limited 

Automation Components Limited 

Coburg Components Ltd 

Teknipart Limited 

Essentra Plastics LLC 

Innovative Components, Inc. 

Micro Plastics, Inc. 

Essentra Components Inc  

Essentra Components Japan Inc 

ESNT Holdings Inc 

ESNT (Porous) Holdings Inc. 

ESNT US Holdings Corp 

Essentra Corporation 

Essentra Holdings Corp. (DE) 

US NewCo LLC 

ESNT Components Co. 

Essentra Components BV 

Blue NewCo 1 B.V. 

Country of incorporation 

Principal activity 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

UK 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

US 

Manufacturing 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Pension Trustee 

Treasury activities 

Non-trading 

Non-trading  

Dissolved 17  

January 2023  

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Dormant 

Trading 

Trading 

Trading 

Trading 

Trading 

Manufacturing 

Manufacturing 

Manufacturing 

Distribution 

Distribution 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Holding Company 

Non-trading  

Distribution 

ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES 

13.  Subsidiary undertakings ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

Address of registered office 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Company name 

Blue NewCo 2 B.V. 

Blue NewCo 3 B.V. 

Blue NewCo 4 B.V. 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

ESNT Holdings Cooperatie 1 W.A. 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Essentra BV 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Essentra International BV / LLC 

ESNT Holdings Cooperatie 2 W.A. 

Essentra Components GmbH 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Essentra Pty Ltd 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Essentra Industria E Commercio LTDA 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Essentra Limited 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Essentra Hengzhu Precision Components Co., Ltd 

Essentra Precision Machinery Components (Ningbo) Co. Ltd. 

Essentra Trading (Ningbo) Co. Ltd  

Essentra Components International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd 

Country of incorporation 

Principal activity 

Netherlands 

Holding Company 

Netherlands 

Holding Company 

Netherlands 

Holding Company 

Netherlands 

Holding Company 

Netherlands 

Holding Company 

Netherlands 

Holding Company 

Netherlands 

Non-trading 

Austria 

Holding Company 

Australia 

Treasury activities 

Address of registered office 

Dragonder 3, 5554 GM Valkenswaard , Netherlands 

Dragonder 3, 5554 GM Valkenswaard , Netherlands 

Dragonder 3, 5554 GM Valkenswaard , Netherlands 

Dragonder 3, 5554 GM Valkenswaard , Netherlands 

Dragonder 3, 5554 GM Valkenswaard , Netherlands 

Dragonder 3, 5554 GM Valkenswaard , Netherlands 

Dragonder 3, 5554 GM Valkenswaard , Netherlands 

Schubertring 6, 1010 Wien, Austria 

32 Clyde Street, Rydalmere NSW 2116, Australia 

Brazil 

Canada 

China 

China 

China 

China 

Manufacturing  Room 7, No 1000 Avenida Emilio Marconato, Centro Comercial, Chacara Primavera, Jaguariuna, 
Sao Paulo, 13.916-074, Brazil 

Manufacturing 

Manufacturing 

Manufacturing 

Distribution 

No. 12 Jingfa Avenue, Yichun, Economic and Technological, Development Zone, Yichun City, 
Jiangxi Province, China 

2538 Spears Road, Oakville ON L6L 5K9, Canada 

99 Huanghai Road, Beilun District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China 

No.99 Huanghai Road, Beilum District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China 

Holding Company  Room 347, Xinmaolou Building, 2 Taizhong South Road, China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, 
Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 200120, China 

Essentra Plastic Trading (Ningbo) Co. Ltd 

Componentes Innovadores Limitada 

China 

Holding Company 

Costa Rica 

Manufacturing 

Cartago-Cartago Parque Industrial Y Zona Franca Zeta, Cartago, Edificios, 48C3 48C4, Costa 
Rica 

99 Huanghai Road, Beilun District, Ningbo, Zhejiang , China 

Essentra Components sro 

Essentra Components SAS 

Essentra International Gmbh  

Essentra Components GmbH 

Essentra Components Limited – Branch Germany 

Essentra (Hong Kong) Limited 

Essentra Components Kft 

Essentra (India) Private Limited  

Essentra Components (India) Private Limited 

ESNT Holdings SpA 

Czech Republic 

Holding Company 

Vídenská 101/119, Dolní Heršpice, Brno, 619 00, Czech Republic 

France 

Non-trading 

Germany 

Holding Company  

Germany 

Germany 

Hong Kong 

Manufacturing 

Distribution 

Non-trading 

Hungary 

Holding Company 

280 rue de la Belle Étoile, 95700 , Roissy , France 

Filmstr. 5, 06766, Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany 

Herrenpfad Süd 36, 41334, Nettetal, Germany 

Montel-Allee 3, 41334 Nettetal, Germany 

36/F, Tower Two, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 

2040 Budaors Gyar u. 2., Hungary 

India 

India 

Italy 

Manufacturing 

Survey No. 46, Jala Hobli, Dodajala Village, Bangalore North – 562 157, Karnataka, India 

Trading 

No 3, Main Rd, Phase 1 Yeshwanthpur Hobli, Bengaluru, Bangalore, Karnataka, 560058, India 

Holding Company 

Podenzano (PC), Loc.I Casoni Fraz. Gargia, Via Copernico no. 54, 29027, Italy 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxfordshire, OX5 1HX 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

1315 W Lawrence Avenue, Springfield, IL 62704, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Two Westbrook Corporate Center, Suite 200, Westchester IL 60154, United States 

Netherlands 

Netherlands 

Holding Company 

Dragonder 3, 5554 GM Valkenswaard , Netherlands 

Dragonder 3, 5554 GM Valkenswaard , Netherlands 

190 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

191

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

191 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES
ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES 

13.  Subsidiary undertakings ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

Company name 

Essentra Components srl 

Essentra Filter Products Spa  

Abric Encode Sdn Bhd 

Country of incorporation 

Principal activity 

Address of registered office 

Italy 

Italy 

Non-trading 

Non-trading 

Malaysia 

Manufacturing 

Via Massarenti, 1 Loc, 1 Maggio, 40013, Castel Maggiore, Italy 

Studio De Vivo SCIS, 84123 Salerno, Corso, Garibaldi n. 143, Italy 

Unit 1110 Block A, Pusat Dagangan Phileo Damansara II, 15 Jalan 16/11 Off Jalan Damansara, 
46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia 

Unit 1110 Block A, Pusat Dagangan Phileo Damansara II, 15 Jalan 16/11 Off Jalan Damansara, 
46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia 

Essentra Malaysia Sdn Bhd 

Malaysia 

Non-trading 

Essentra Asia Sdn Bhd 

Essentra Components SDN BHD  

Essentra Components S.A. de C.V. de R.L. 

Essentra Sp. z o.o. 

Essentra Components SRL 

Essentra Components Products Pte 

Essentra Components sro 

Essentra Components (Pty) Ltd 

ESNT Holdings S.A.U. 

Essentra Components S.L.U 

Essentra Components AB 

Malaysia 

Malaysia 

Mexico 

Poland 

Romania 

Singapore 

Slovakia 

South Africa 

Non-trading  Unit D – 3A – 10, 4th Floor, Greentown Square, Jalan Dato’ Seri Ahmed Said, 30450 Ipoh, Perak, 
Malaysia 

Non-trading 

Manufacturing 

Non-trading 

Distribution 

Non-trading 

Distribution 

D5-5-6, Solaris Dutamas 1 , Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Carretera a Huinala #510, Apodaca, NL 66640, Mexico 

104a, Maratońska, Łódź, 04-007, Poland 

Burcuresti Sectorul 1, Strada POLANA, Nr. 68-72, Etaj 2 , Biroul NR.5 , Romania 

36 Robinson Road, #17-01 City House, Singapore, 068877, Singapore 

Gogol’ova 18, 852 02 Bratislava, Slovakia 

Distribution  Unit 2. Sage Corporate Park, Corner Suni and Tsessebe Streets, South Midrand, Gauteng, 1683, 
South Africa 

Spain 

Holding Company 

Carrer dels Fusters 18-20, Poligono Industrial Can Cuyas, Montcada I Reixac, 08110, Barcelona, 
Spain 

Spain 

Sweden 

Distribution 

Manufacturing 

Calle Roure Gros 1-11, Poligono Industrial Mas d’En Cisa, 08181, Spain 

Askims Verkstadsvag 13Sweden, 436 34 Askim, Vastra Gotalands Ian, Goteborg kommun, 
Sweden 

Essentra Components AB – Finland Branch 

Finland 

Manufacturing 

2A, Tallbergsgatan, Helsinki 00180, Finland 

Essentra Components Sarl 

Essentra Eastern Limited 

Ban Lamai Limited 

Essentra Components (Thailand) Limited 

Apex Filters Company Limited 

Mesan Kilit A.S. 

Mesan Kilit Anonim Şirketi Maslak Şubesi – Digital Hub Branch 

Mesan Kilit Anonim Şirketi Silivri Şubesi  – Branch 

Switzerland 

Non-trading 

Rue du Grand-Chene 2, c/o Pierre- Alain Killias, Lexartis Avocats, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland 

Thailand 

Non-trading 

111/5 Moo 2 Tambon Makamku, Amphur Nikom Pattana, Rayong Province, Thailand 

Thailand 

Holding Company  o. 111/5, Moo 2, Makham Khu Sub-district, Nikhom Phatthana District, Rayong Province, Thailand 

Thailand 

Thailand 

Turkey 

Turkey 

Turkey 

Trading 

Non-trading 

Distribution 

Trading 

Trading 

111/5 Moo 2 Tambon Makamku, Amphur Nikom Pattana, Rayong Province, Thailand 

31/2 Rama 3 Road, Chongnonsee, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120, Thailand 

Ilitelli Organzie Sanayi , , Bolgesi Metal Is San,Sit.7.Blok No24 Basaksehir, Istanbul, Turkey  

Maslak Mahallesi, Bilim Sokak, Sun Plaza Blok No: 5A, İç Kapı No.41 Sarıyer, Istanbul, Turkey 

at Mimar Sinan Mah. Uluğbey Cad. Ofis İşyeri, Blok No: 5, Silivri, Istanbul, Turkey 

192 
192

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
Country of incorporation 

Principal activity 

Address of registered office 

ESSENTRA PLC COMPANY NOTES 

13.  Subsidiary undertakings ccoonnttiinnuueedd 

Company name 

Essentra Components srl 

Essentra Filter Products Spa  

Abric Encode Sdn Bhd 

Essentra Components SDN BHD  

Essentra Components S.A. de C.V. de R.L. 

Essentra Sp. z o.o. 

Essentra Components SRL 

Essentra Components Products Pte 

Essentra Components sro 

Essentra Components (Pty) Ltd 

Essentra Components S.L.U 

Essentra Components AB 

Essentra Components Sarl 

Essentra Eastern Limited 

Ban Lamai Limited 

Essentra Components (Thailand) Limited 

Apex Filters Company Limited 

Mesan Kilit A.S. 

Essentra Malaysia Sdn Bhd 

Malaysia 

Non-trading 

Unit 1110 Block A, Pusat Dagangan Phileo Damansara II, 15 Jalan 16/11 Off Jalan Damansara, 

Essentra Asia Sdn Bhd 

Malaysia 

Non-trading  Unit D – 3A – 10, 4th Floor, Greentown Square, Jalan Dato’ Seri Ahmed Said, 30450 Ipoh, Perak, 

Malaysia 

Manufacturing 

Unit 1110 Block A, Pusat Dagangan Phileo Damansara II, 15 Jalan 16/11 Off Jalan Damansara, 

Malaysia 

Mexico 

Poland 

Romania 

Singapore 

Slovakia 

Non-trading 

Manufacturing 

Non-trading 

Distribution 

Non-trading 

Distribution 

46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia 

46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia 

Malaysia 

D5-5-6, Solaris Dutamas 1 , Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Carretera a Huinala #510, Apodaca, NL 66640, Mexico 

104a, Maratońska, Łódź, 04-007, Poland 

Burcuresti Sectorul 1, Strada POLANA, Nr. 68-72, Etaj 2 , Biroul NR.5 , Romania 

36 Robinson Road, #17-01 City House, Singapore, 068877, Singapore 

Gogol’ova 18, 852 02 Bratislava, Slovakia 

ESNT Holdings S.A.U. 

Spain 

Holding Company 

Carrer dels Fusters 18-20, Poligono Industrial Can Cuyas, Montcada I Reixac, 08110, Barcelona, 

South Africa 

Distribution  Unit 2. Sage Corporate Park, Corner Suni and Tsessebe Streets, South Midrand, Gauteng, 1683, 

Distribution 

Calle Roure Gros 1-11, Poligono Industrial Mas d’En Cisa, 08181, Spain 

South Africa 

Spain 

Sweden 

Essentra Components AB – Finland Branch 

Finland 

Manufacturing 

2A, Tallbergsgatan, Helsinki 00180, Finland 

Spain 

Sweden 

Thailand 

Thailand 

Turkey 

Turkey 

Turkey 

Switzerland 

Non-trading 

Rue du Grand-Chene 2, c/o Pierre- Alain Killias, Lexartis Avocats, 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland 

Thailand 

Non-trading 

111/5 Moo 2 Tambon Makamku, Amphur Nikom Pattana, Rayong Province, Thailand 

Thailand 

Holding Company  o. 111/5, Moo 2, Makham Khu Sub-district, Nikhom Phatthana District, Rayong Province, Thailand 

Trading 

Non-trading 

Distribution 

Trading 

Trading 

111/5 Moo 2 Tambon Makamku, Amphur Nikom Pattana, Rayong Province, Thailand 

31/2 Rama 3 Road, Chongnonsee, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120, Thailand 

Ilitelli Organzie Sanayi , , Bolgesi Metal Is San,Sit.7.Blok No24 Basaksehir, Istanbul, Turkey  

Maslak Mahallesi, Bilim Sokak, Sun Plaza Blok No: 5A, İç Kapı No.41 Sarıyer, Istanbul, Turkey 

at Mimar Sinan Mah. Uluğbey Cad. Ofis İşyeri, Blok No: 5, Silivri, Istanbul, Turkey 

Mesan Kilit Anonim Şirketi Maslak Şubesi – Digital Hub Branch 

Mesan Kilit Anonim Şirketi Silivri Şubesi  – Branch 

Italy 

Italy 

Non-trading 

Non-trading 

Via Massarenti, 1 Loc, 1 Maggio, 40013, Castel Maggiore, Italy 

Studio De Vivo SCIS, 84123 Salerno, Corso, Garibaldi n. 143, Italy 

Opinion 
In our opinion: 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

Independent auditors’ report to the members of Essentra plc 
Report on the audit of the financial statements 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Essentra plc’s group financial statements and company financial statements (the “financial 
statements”) give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the company’s affairs as 
at 31 December 2022 and of the group’s loss and the group’s cash flows for the year then ended; 

the group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with UK-adopted 
international accounting standards as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies 
Act 2006; 

the company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with 
United
Standards,

Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting 
including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and applicable law); and 

the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006. 

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report, which comprise: the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet and Essentra plc Company Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2022; the 
Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated 
Statement of
Cash Flows, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Essentra plc Company 
Statement of Changes in Equity for the year then
Accounting Policies, Critical Accounting Judgements and Estimates, and the notes to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements and Essentra plc Company Notes. 

ended; the Basis of Preparation and Principal 

Manufacturing 

Askims Verkstadsvag 13Sweden, 436 34 Askim, Vastra Gotalands Ian, Goteborg kommun, 

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit and Risk Committee. 

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) 
and applicable law. Our responsibilities under ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors’ 
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the 
audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Independence 
We remained independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant 
to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical Standard, as 
applicable to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements. 

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s 
Ethical Standard were not provided. 

Other than those disclosed in note 2, we have provided no non-audit services to the company or its 
controlled undertakings in the period under audit. 

Our audit approach 
Context 
On 1 October 2022 the Group completed its sale of the Packaging business and on 3 December 
the
Group completed the disposal of the Filters business. As part of our audit planning, we have 
considered the impact of these transactions on our audit risk assessment including evaluating 
management’s analysis of the impact of the disposals on the Group financial statements, the 
presentation of continuing and discontinued operations, the process used by management 

deconsolidate the disposed entities and the calculation and disclosure of the losses and 
arising on the disposals.  We have also developed our audit scope including local 

flows

of

disposed entities to ensure we had sufficient coverage of both continuing 

to
cash
component audits
and

discontinued

operations. 

Overview 
Audit scope 

• 

Local PwC component teams engaged to perform full scope audit procedures over 20 reporting 
units 

•  PwC Group audit team performed full scope audit procedures over a further 16 reporting units 

• 

Specified audit procedures were performed by component auditors over certain balances, 
including revenue, at a further 3 reporting units 

•  PwC Group audit team also performed audit procedures over specific balances within a further 

11

reporting units 

• 

The audit of the company financial statements was undertaken by the PwC Group audit team 
and included substantive procedures over all material balances and transactions 

Key audit matters 

•  Presentation of discontinued operations (group) 

•  Presentation of adjusting items (group) 

•  Recoverability of the company’s investment in subsidiary undertakings (parent) 

Materiality 

•  Overall group materiality: £3,500,000 (2021: £3,300,000) based on our professional judgement 
having applied benchmark percentages to a number of profit measures and considering the 
overall scale of the business. 

•  Overall company materiality: £6,879,000 (2021: £7,000,000) based on 1% of net assets. 

•  Performance materiality: £2,625,000 (2021: £2,500,000) (group) and £5,159,000 (2021: 

£5,250,000) (company). 

The scope of our audit 
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material 
misstatement in the financial statements. 

Key audit matters 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most 
significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most 
significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by the 
auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation 
of
resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and any 
comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, were addressed in the context of our 
audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit. 

Presentation of discontinued operations is a new key audit matter this year. Goodwill impairment in 
the Packaging division, which was a key audit matter last year, is no longer included because of the 
disposal of the Packaging division during the year. Otherwise, the key audit matters below are 
consistent with last year. 

192 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

193

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

193 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Presentation of discontinued operations 
(group) – continued 

We have assessed the impairment of goodwill 
and other intangible assets recognised at the 
point in the year that the Packaging division was 
classified as Held for Sale by reference to the 
agreed consideration included in the signed Sale 
and Purchase Agreement and management’s 
estimation of the expected costs of disposal. 
We
to be appropriate. 

consider the impairment charge recognised 

We have also considered the allocation of central 
costs as part of the segmental report note in the 
Annual Report, and challenged management 
regarding the allocation of costs between the 
continuing and discontinued businesses. 

We consider that presentation of results as 
those
from discontinued operations, is 
adequately reflected and disclosed in the 
financial statements. 

Presentation of discontinued operations 
(group) 
As disclosed in Note 24 of the financial 
statements. On 1 October 2022 the Group 
completed the sale of the Packaging business 
and on 3 December 2022 the sale of the Filters 
division was completed. 

The results of the Packaging and Filters 
businesses have been classified as discontinued 
operations as of 31 December 2022 and 
comparative information in the Consolidated 
income statement, Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income and Consolidated 
Statement of Cash Flows has been re-presented. 
Discontinued operations recognised a post tax 
loss of £152.7 million for the year, including an 
impairment charge of £181.6 million recognised 
at 30 June 2022 related to the carrying value of 
goodwill allocated to the Packaging business 
prior to its disposal and £1.1 million related to an 
impairment charge for the disposal of the 
Packaging business in India. 

These transactions have a significant impact on 
the consolidated financial statements. They have 
triggered a number of non-routine complex 
accounting considerations including the 
separation of the underlying transactions and 
ledgers between continuing and discontinued 
operations, consideration of allocation of costs 
to discontinued operations, including the 
disposal calculation, and allocation of central 
costs. For this reason the presentation of 
discontinued operations is considered as a key 
audit matter. 

As part of our audit, we have critically assessed 
the deconsolidation, the calculations of the 
losses on disposal and the disclosure of the 
discontinued operations in the consolidated 
financial statements. 

We inspected the Sale and Purchase agreements 
and other relevant documents underlying the 
disposals in order to understand key terms and 
conditions and to assess the accounting impact. 

Our audit work in this area has included 
completeness testing of entities included in both 
the continuing and discontinued consolidations 
(to ensure each entity is correctly mapped), 
detailed testing of intercompany eliminations 
and journal entries, specifically in relation to the 
implementation of step plans that were put in 
place prior to the disposals taking place, in 
addition to risk based testing of journals that 
may be used to manipulate the results between 
continuing and discontinued operations. 
We have also performed detailed procedures to 
confirm that the costs of disposal appropriately 
relate to discontinued operations (and are 
presented as such), and to ensure that the 
calculation of net assets disposed of in each case 
directly agree to the appropriate entity codes at 
the date of disposal (as audited by our 
component teams), and in the case of the 
Packaging disposal, these figures also agree to 
the completion accounts. For completeness we 
have also tested adjusting items disclosed in the 
financial statements (see below) to ensure that 
they were correctly allocated to the continuing 
rather than the discontinued business. 

testing a sample of onerous contracts back 

We have performed detailed testing of the costs 
allocated to discontinued operations, including 
testing bonus costs to payment and staff 
communications (to ensure no future service 
is
required to receive the remaining bonuses) 
and
to contract and management’s cost assessment. 
In
professional fees to ensure that the costs are 
clearly associated with the disposal, and 
therefore are correctly presented as 
operations. 
discontinued

addition, we have tested a sample of 

194 
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ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

and other intangible assets recognised at the 

point in the year that the Packaging division was 

classified as Held for Sale by reference to the 

agreed consideration included in the signed Sale 

and Purchase Agreement and management’s 

estimation of the expected costs of disposal. 

We

consider the impairment charge recognised 

to be appropriate. 

We have also considered the allocation of central 

costs as part of the segmental report note in the 

Annual Report, and challenged management 

regarding the allocation of costs between the 

continuing and discontinued businesses. 

We consider that presentation of results as 

those

from discontinued operations, is 

adequately reflected and disclosed in the 

financial statements. 

As disclosed in Note 24 of the financial 

losses on disposal and the disclosure of the 

statements. On 1 October 2022 the Group 

discontinued operations in the consolidated 

completed the sale of the Packaging business 

financial statements. 

and on 3 December 2022 the sale of the Filters 

division was completed. 

The results of the Packaging and Filters 

businesses have been classified as discontinued 

We inspected the Sale and Purchase agreements 

and other relevant documents underlying the 

disposals in order to understand key terms and 

conditions and to assess the accounting impact. 

operations as of 31 December 2022 and 

Our audit work in this area has included 

comparative information in the Consolidated 

completeness testing of entities included in both 

income statement, Consolidated Statement of 

the continuing and discontinued consolidations 

Comprehensive Income and Consolidated 

(to ensure each entity is correctly mapped), 

Statement of Cash Flows has been re-presented. 

detailed testing of intercompany eliminations 

Discontinued operations recognised a post tax 

and journal entries, specifically in relation to the 

loss of £152.7 million for the year, including an 

implementation of step plans that were put in 

impairment charge of £181.6 million recognised 

place prior to the disposals taking place, in 

at 30 June 2022 related to the carrying value of 

addition to risk based testing of journals that 

goodwill allocated to the Packaging business 

may be used to manipulate the results between 

prior to its disposal and £1.1 million related to an 

continuing and discontinued operations. 

impairment charge for the disposal of the 

Packaging business in India. 

These transactions have a significant impact on 

the consolidated financial statements. They have 

triggered a number of non-routine complex 

accounting considerations including the 

separation of the underlying transactions and 

ledgers between continuing and discontinued 

operations, consideration of allocation of costs 

to discontinued operations, including the 

disposal calculation, and allocation of central 

costs. For this reason the presentation of 

discontinued operations is considered as a key 

audit matter. 

We have also performed detailed procedures to 

confirm that the costs of disposal appropriately 

relate to discontinued operations (and are 

presented as such), and to ensure that the 

calculation of net assets disposed of in each case 

directly agree to the appropriate entity codes at 

the date of disposal (as audited by our 

component teams), and in the case of the 

Packaging disposal, these figures also agree to 

the completion accounts. For completeness we 

have also tested adjusting items disclosed in the 

financial statements (see below) to ensure that 

they were correctly allocated to the continuing 

rather than the discontinued business. 

We have performed detailed testing of the costs 

allocated to discontinued operations, including 

testing bonus costs to payment and staff 

communications (to ensure no future service 

is

required to receive the remaining bonuses) 

and

testing a sample of onerous contracts back 

to contract and management’s cost assessment. 

In

addition, we have tested a sample of 

professional fees to ensure that the costs are 

clearly associated with the disposal, and 

therefore are correctly presented as 

discontinued

operations. 

Presentation of discontinued operations 

As part of our audit, we have critically assessed 

Presentation of discontinued operations 

We have assessed the impairment of goodwill 

(group) 

the deconsolidation, the calculations of the 

(group) – continued 

Presentation of adjusting items (group) 
The financial statements include certain items 
which are disclosed as adjusting items. The 
nature of the adjusting items is explained within 
the Group accounting policies and includes 
transaction costs relating to acquisition and 
disposals of businesses, acquisition integration 
and restructuring costs, customisation and 
configuration costs of significant Software as a 
Service (‘SaaS’) arrangements and other items 
such as site closure costs and one-off projects. 

We assessed the appropriateness of the Group’s 
accounting policy for the recognition of 
adjusting items with reference to the applicable 
accounting guidance. We challenged 
management and considered whether the items 
disclosed as adjusting items were consistent with 
the accounting policy and the approach taken 
prior years, to determine that items were 
in
appropriately classified. We did not identify any 
material items which we would expect to be 
reported in earnings before adjusting items. 

Presentation of adjusting items (group) – 
 continued 

In the year the most significant adjusting items 
relate to customisation and configuration costs 
of SaaS arrangements (£12.4 million), costs of 
restructuring following disposal of businesses 
(£10.4 million), defined benefit pension scheme 
charges (£2.0 million) associated with people 
who are no longer employed by the group, 
acquisition integration and restructuring costs 
(£0.5 million) and other costs, including site 
closure costs (£0.7 million). 

We focused on this area as there is limited 
guidance relating to this presentational matter 
within IFRS and judgement is required by the 
directors in determining whether items classified 
as adjusting are consistent with the Group’s 
accounting policy. Consistency in identifying 
and
to
on

maintain comparability of the results year 
year. 

disclosing items as adjusting is important 

include the costs which no longer meet the 

Customisation and configuration costs relate 
costs incurred in system development and 
to
implementation written off. In 2021 
management updated its accounting policy 
to
criteria for capitalisation as adjusting items. 
2022, the Group incurred additional costs of 
In
£12.4 million in relation to SaaS related projects 
that meet this criteria. We have selected a 
sample of costs incurred in the current year and 
obtained supporting documents. For the samples 
selected we traced the expense to supporting 
documents to ensure the accuracy of the cost 
and inspected the nature of these projects 
to
Due
the current and prior year, we agree with 
in
management’s conclusions and presentation 
of
of significant value. 

this item as adjusting in the year for projects 

ensure they relate to SaaS arrangements. 

the highly material nature of the costs 

to

Our review of the presentation of adjusting items 
of the continuing business has also considered 
the appropriateness of presentation of the share 
option acceleration charge (£0.5 million) and 
defined benefit pension scheme charges, being 
IAS 19 current service costs and administrative 
expenses (£2.0 million). We have concluded that 
the share option acceleration is clearly one-off in 
nature and associated with the transformation 
of the group to be a pure-play components 
business. We have challenged management over 
their decision to include the costs of the defined 
benefit schemes as an additional adjusting item 
in 2022 and have sought evidence to verify 
management’s justification for the changed 
presentation. We have also considered the 
impact of the change on the overall presentation 
of adjusting items and whether the revised 
approach is appropriately disclosed and 
explained in the financial statements.  

The disclosures included in note 2 were reviewed 
and deemed reasonable. 

194 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

195

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

195 

See note 2 to the Group financial statements 
details of adjusting items and the Critical 
for
Accounting Judgements and Estimates section 
for management’s disclosure of this significant 
judgement. Also see the Significant financial 
judgements section in the Report of the Audit 
and Risk Committee. 

Costs of restructuring following disposals of 
businesses include employee redundancy costs 
(£4.2 million), external professional costs 
of
(£5.7
million) and a charge for share option 
acceleration (£0.5 million). For redundancy costs 
and external professional costs, in addition to 
the acquisition and integration related costs of 
£0.5 million, we have performed sample testing 
and verified those samples to payroll records and 
redundancy consultation statements, supporting 
invoices, agreements or other evidence. 

Other costs of £0.7 million relate to site closure 
and legal costs (£0.6 million) and net write down 
of assets (£0.1 million). We have tested through 
sampling and items have been traced to invoices 
and other supporting documentation. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Given the restructuring of the Group during the 
year management have performed a Value in 
Use impairment assessment of the Group using 
a discounted cash flow model. We have tested 
the model including assessments of the 
mathematical accuracy and the key 
assumptions. We compared the revenue and 
margin growth assumptions to the historical 
track record of the Components business and 
performed sensitivity analysis. We have engaged 
our valuation experts to assess the 
reasonableness of the discount rate and long 
term growth rates applied in the model. Where 
assumptions sat outside of the ranges 
established by our experts we performed 
sensitivity analysis to confirm that alternative 
assumptions within the PwC ranges did not  
material impairment. 
result in a
We also considered alternative valuation 
reference points including deriving an implied 
valuation of the group below the company from 
the Group’s market capitalisation at 31 
December 2022 adjusted for the external debt 
held in the company’s balance sheet. This 
analysis highlighted no evidence of impairment.   

Based on these procedures, we concluded that 
we concur with management’s assessment that 
there were no impairments identified in the 
carrying value of the company’s investment in 
the group. 

Recoverability of the company’s investment 
in subsidiary undertakings (parent) 
The value of the investment held by the 
company at year end is £469.7 million. 
Essentra
Essentra
this
Group
investment is
company

plc holds a direct investment in 
International Limited, and through 
indirect investment in the 
a whole. The valuation of this 

significant to the 
sheet. 

entity an
as

balance

Investments are tested for impairment if 
impairment indicators exist. If such indicators 
exist, the recoverable amounts of the 
investments in subsidiaries are estimated in 
order to determine the extent of the impairment 
charge, if any. Any such impairment charge is 
recognised in the income statement. Given the 
disposal transactions completed in the year and 
the decline in market capitalisation an 
impairment trigger has deemed to have 
occurred.   

Judgement is required in this area, particularly 
assessing: (1) whether an event has occurred 
in
that may indicate that the related asset values 
may not be recoverable; and (2) whether the 
carrying value of an asset can be supported 
the recoverable value, being the higher of 
by
FVLCTS or VIU which is estimated based on the 
continued use of the asset in the business. 

judgement involved we have identified this 

Given the magnitude of the investment and 
the
area as a key audit matter for the audit of 
the

company. 

See notes 3 and 13 in the company financial 
statements for details of the company’s 
investment in subsidiary entities. 

196 
196

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

How we tailored the audit scope 
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an 
opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the group and 
the company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate. 

large

number of reporting sites spread globally across 34 territories. 

the largest contribution to revenue of the continuing group being 16.9% from one reporting site, 

Prior to the disposals, the Group was split into three divisions being Components, Packaging and 
Filters. Each division consisted of a
There were 187 reporting units within the consolidation, which included the reporting sites and other 
consolidation units. We did not identify any individually significant components within the Group, 
with
and the average being 2.4%. We determined the most effective approach was to engage PwC local 
component teams to perform full scope procedures over 20 reporting units, with the Group audit 
team performing full scope audit work over
further 16 reporting units. In addition, specified audit 
procedures were performed over certain balances, including revenue, at a further 3 reporting units. 
The Group audit team also performed audit procedures over specific balances within a further 
11
all

reporting units. This approach ensures that appropriate audit coverage has been obtained over 

financial statement line items. 

a

	material	

throughout the audit cycle. This included a virtual clearance meeting with each component 

issued written instructions to all component auditors and had regular communications with 

Where work was performed by component auditors, we determined the appropriate level of 
involvement we needed to have in that audit work to ensure we could conclude that sufficient 
appropriate audit evidence had been obtained for the Group financial statements as a whole. 
We
them
team and
team have reviewed working papers of a number of component audit teams and have performed 
oversight visits to teams in the US, Dubai, the UK and Turkey. Based on the detailed audit work 
performed across the Group, we have gained coverage of 70% of
for
net

the continuing group, and 66% of revenue for discontinued operations, in addition to 85% of 
assets. 

review of all significant matters reported. In addition members of the Group engagement 

revenue, 84% of profit before tax 

and the assessment of the impact of those risks on the Group financial statements. We note 

The impact of climate risk on our audit 
In planning our audit, we considered the potential impact of climate change on the Group and 
company financial statements. Given the principal activities of the Group, it is highly likely 
that
climate risk will have an impact on the Group’s business. As part of our audit, we evaluated 
management’s climate change risk assessment including the identified physical and transitional 
risks
management’s conclusion that material physical risks are likely to arise in the longer term and 
therefore have no current financial statement impacts. Transitional risks are considered to have a 
more significant impact on the business as set out in the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial 
Disclosures (TCFD) on page 43. We performed procedures to evaluate the appropriateness of 
management’s risk assessment. We considered the Group’s externally published environmental 
targets and understood the progress made towards these targets to date in addition to plans in place 
to bridge to meeting these targets in the future. We challenged management on the potential 
additional future costs associated with meeting these targets. We assessed that the key financial 
statement line items and estimates which are more likely to be impacted by climate risks are those 
associated with future cash flows, given the more notable impacts of climate change on the business 
are expected to arise in the medium to long term. These included the assessment of impairment and 
the long term viability assessment. However, our procedures did not identify any material impact 
either the Group or company financial statements or our key audit matters for the year ended 
on
December 2022. 
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performed sensitivity analysis. We have engaged 

component teams to perform full scope procedures over 20 reporting units, with the Group audit 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

How we tailored the audit scope 

Recoverability of the company’s investment 

Given the restructuring of the Group during the 

in subsidiary undertakings (parent) 

The value of the investment held by the 

company at year end is £469.7 million. 

year management have performed a Value in 

Use impairment assessment of the Group using 

a discounted cash flow model. We have tested 

Essentra

plc holds a direct investment in 

the model including assessments of the 

Essentra

International Limited, and through 

mathematical accuracy and the key 

assumptions. We compared the revenue and 

margin growth assumptions to the historical 

track record of the Components business and 

our valuation experts to assess the 

reasonableness of the discount rate and long 

term growth rates applied in the model. Where 

assumptions sat outside of the ranges 

established by our experts we performed 

sensitivity analysis to confirm that alternative 

assumptions within the PwC ranges did not  

result in a

material impairment. 

We also considered alternative valuation 

reference points including deriving an implied 

valuation of the group below the company from 

the Group’s market capitalisation at 31 

December 2022 adjusted for the external debt 

held in the company’s balance sheet. This 

analysis highlighted no evidence of impairment.   

Based on these procedures, we concluded that 

we concur with management’s assessment that 

there were no impairments identified in the 

carrying value of the company’s investment in 

the group. 

this

entity an

indirect investment in the 

Group

as

a whole. The valuation of this 

investment is

significant to the 

company

balance

sheet. 

Investments are tested for impairment if 

impairment indicators exist. If such indicators 

exist, the recoverable amounts of the 

investments in subsidiaries are estimated in 

order to determine the extent of the impairment 

charge, if any. Any such impairment charge is 

recognised in the income statement. Given the 

disposal transactions completed in the year and 

the decline in market capitalisation an 

impairment trigger has deemed to have 

occurred.   

Judgement is required in this area, particularly 

in

assessing: (1) whether an event has occurred 

that may indicate that the related asset values 

may not be recoverable; and (2) whether the 

carrying value of an asset can be supported 

by

the recoverable value, being the higher of 

FVLCTS or VIU which is estimated based on the 

continued use of the asset in the business. 

Given the magnitude of the investment and 

the

judgement involved we have identified this 

area as a key audit matter for the audit of 

the

company. 

See notes 3 and 13 in the company financial 

statements for details of the company’s 

investment in subsidiary entities. 

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an 

opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the group and 

the company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which they operate. 

Prior to the disposals, the Group was split into three divisions being Components, Packaging and 

Filters. Each division consisted of a

large

number of reporting sites spread globally across 34 territories. 

There were 187 reporting units within the consolidation, which included the reporting sites and other 

consolidation units. We did not identify any individually significant components within the Group, 

with

the largest contribution to revenue of the continuing group being 16.9% from one reporting site, 

and the average being 2.4%. We determined the most effective approach was to engage PwC local 

team performing full scope audit work over

a

further 16 reporting units. In addition, specified audit 

procedures were performed over certain balances, including revenue, at a further 3 reporting units. 

The Group audit team also performed audit procedures over specific balances within a further 

11

reporting units. This approach ensures that appropriate audit coverage has been obtained over 

all

financial statement line items. 

	material	

Where work was performed by component auditors, we determined the appropriate level of 

involvement we needed to have in that audit work to ensure we could conclude that sufficient 

appropriate audit evidence had been obtained for the Group financial statements as a whole. 

We

issued written instructions to all component auditors and had regular communications with 

them

throughout the audit cycle. This included a virtual clearance meeting with each component 

team and

review of all significant matters reported. In addition members of the Group engagement 

team have reviewed working papers of a number of component audit teams and have performed 

oversight visits to teams in the US, Dubai, the UK and Turkey. Based on the detailed audit work 

performed across the Group, we have gained coverage of 70% of

revenue, 84% of profit before tax 

for

the continuing group, and 66% of revenue for discontinued operations, in addition to 85% of 

net

assets. 

The impact of climate risk on our audit 

In planning our audit, we considered the potential impact of climate change on the Group and 

company financial statements. Given the principal activities of the Group, it is highly likely 

that

climate risk will have an impact on the Group’s business. As part of our audit, we evaluated 

management’s climate change risk assessment including the identified physical and transitional 

risks

and the assessment of the impact of those risks on the Group financial statements. We note 

management’s conclusion that material physical risks are likely to arise in the longer term and 

therefore have no current financial statement impacts. Transitional risks are considered to have a 

more significant impact on the business as set out in the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial 

Disclosures (TCFD) on page 43. We performed procedures to evaluate the appropriateness of 

management’s risk assessment. We considered the Group’s externally published environmental 

targets and understood the progress made towards these targets to date in addition to plans in place 

to bridge to meeting these targets in the future. We challenged management on the potential 

additional future costs associated with meeting these targets. We assessed that the key financial 

statement line items and estimates which are more likely to be impacted by climate risks are those 

associated with future cash flows, given the more notable impacts of climate change on the business 

are expected to arise in the medium to long term. These included the assessment of impairment and 

the long term viability assessment. However, our procedures did not identify any material impact 

on

either the Group or company financial statements or our key audit matters for the year ended 

31

December 2022. 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

Materiality 
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative 
thresholds for materiality. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine 
the
scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the individual 
financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both 
individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.  

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements 
as a whole as follows: 

Overall 
materiality 

How we 
determined it 

Rationale for 
benchmark 
applied 

Financial statements – group 

Financial statements – company 

£3,500,000 (2021: £3,300,000). 

£6,879,000 (2021: £7,000,000). 

1% of net assets. 

The entity is a holding company 
for the rest of the Group and is 
not a trading entity. Therefore 
an asset based measure is 
considered appropriate. 

Professional judgement having applied 
benchmark percentages to a number of profit 
measures and considering the overall scale of 
the business 
Overall Group materiality in 2021 was 
£3,300,000, which represented 5% of profit 
before tax, amortisation of acquired intangible 
assets and adjusting items. 

Given the significant changes in the Group’s 
structure following the disposal of the 
Packaging and Filters divisions, we considered 
materiality in a number of different ways, 
including: 
• 

revenue benchmarks; 

• 

income statement benchmarks including 
adjusted profit metrics for the continuing 
as well as discontinued businesses; 

•  asset benchmarks based on the balance 

sheet of the continuing business. 

We determined that an appropriate level of 
materiality for performing the 2022 audit 
would be within the range of the above 
benchmarks, whilst at neither the upper nor 
lower ends. 
Based on our professional judgement, we 
selected an overall materiality level of 
£3,500,000. 

For each component in the scope of our group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our 
overall group materiality. The range of materiality allocated across components was £50,000 and 
£2,000,000. Certain components were audited to a local statutory audit materiality that was also less 
than our overall group materiality. 

We use performance materiality to reduce to an appropriately low level the probability that the 
aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds overall materiality. Specifically, we 
use performance materiality in determining the scope of our audit and the nature and extent of our 

testing of account balances, classes of transactions and disclosures, for example in determining 
sample sizes. Our performance materiality was 75% (2021: 75%) of overall materiality, amounting to 
£2,625,000 (2021: 2,500,000) for the group financial statements and £5,159,000 (2021: 5,250,000) for 
the company financial statements. 

In determining the performance materiality, we considered a number of factors – the history of 
misstatements, risk assessment and aggregation risk and the effectiveness of controls – and 
concluded that an amount at the upper end of our normal range was appropriate. 

We agreed with the Audit and Risk Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified 
during our audit above £170,000 (group audit) (2021: £160,000) and £170,000 (company audit) (2021: 
£160,000) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, warranted reporting for 
qualitative reasons.  

Conclusions relating to going concern 
Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of the group’s and the company’s ability to continue to 
adopt the going concern basis of accounting included: 

•  obtaining and agreeing management’s going concern assessment to the board approved business 
plan and ensuring that the base case scenario for the 18 month period to 30 September 2024 
indicates that sufficient cash flows are generated to meet the obligations of the business as
fall due while complying with covenant arrangements; 

they 

• 

identifying revenue growth and operating margin as the key assumptions inherent in the plan and 
validating these to historical precedent and market or industry forecasts; 

•  analysing the cash flows in the forecast models to identify unexpected trends and relationships 

and ensuring the mathematical accuracy of management’s models; 

• 

• 

• 

evaluating management’s severe but plausible downside scenario including the impact on the 
Group’s liquidity headroom and its ability to meet debt covenants; 

evaluating management’s analysis of the likely impacts of the strategic reviews on the going 
concern assessment; and 

validating that climate change is expected to have a limited impact during the period of the going 
concern assessment. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to 
events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group’s and 
the company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from 
when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern 
basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. 

However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this conclusion is not a 
guarantee as to the group’s and the company’s ability to continue as a going concern. 

In relation to the directors’ reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, 
we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to the directors’ statement in the 
financial statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going 
concern basis of accounting. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described 
in the relevant sections of this report. 

196 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

197

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

197 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
 
	
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

Reporting on other information  
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial 
statements and our auditors’ report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information. 
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do 
not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form 
of assurance thereon. 

• 

• 

The directors’ explanation as to their assessment of the group’s and company’s prospects, the 
period this assessment covers and why the period is appropriate; and 

The directors’ statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the company 
be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of its 
will
assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications 
or

assumptions. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other 
information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with 
the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially 
misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are 
required to perform procedures to conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial 
statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have 
performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are 
required to report that fact. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities. 

With respect to the Strategic report and Directors’ Report, we also considered whether the disclosures 
required by the UK Companies Act 2006 have been included. 

Based on our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 requires us also to 
report certain opinions and matters as described below. 

Strategic report and Directors’ Report 
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the 
Strategic report and Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 is consistent with the 
financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and company and their environment 
obtained in the course of the audit, we did not identify any material misstatements in the Strategic 
report and Directors’ Report. 

Directors’ Remuneration 
In our opinion, the part of the Annual Report on Remuneration to be audited has been properly prepared 
in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

Corporate governance statement 
The Listing Rules require us to review the directors’ statements in relation to going concern, longer-
term viability and that part of the corporate governance statement relating to the company’s 
compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review. 
Our
additional responsibilities with respect to the corporate governance statement as other 
information are described in the Reporting on other information section of this report. 

Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following 
elements of the corporate governance statement, included within the Risk Management Report and 
Other Statutory Information is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge 
obtained during the audit, and we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to: 

• 

• 

• 

The directors’ confirmation that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and 
principal risks; 
The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those principal risks, what procedures are in 
place to identify emerging risks and an explanation of how these are being managed or 
mitigated; 
The directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether they considered it 
appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing them, and their 
identification of any material uncertainties to the group’s and company’s ability to continue 
to
do so over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial 
statements; 

198 
198

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

Our review of the directors’ statement regarding the longer-term viability of the group and company 
was substantially less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering 
the directors’ process supporting their statement; checking that the statement is in alignment 
with
the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code; and considering whether the 
statement is consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge and understanding of the 
group and company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit. 

In addition, based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the 
following elements of the corporate governance statement is materially consistent with the financial 
statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit: 

• 

• 

The directors’ statement that they consider the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced 
and understandable, and provides the information necessary for the members to assess the 
group’s and company’s position, performance, business model and strategy; 

The section of the Annual Report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management 
and internal control systems; and 

The section of the Annual Report describing the work of the Audit and Risk Committee. 

We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when the directors’ statement 
relating to the company’s compliance with the Code does not properly disclose a departure from a 
relevant provision of the Code specified under the Listing Rules for review by the auditors. 

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit 
Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements 
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in respect of the Financial 
Statements, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in 
accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 
The directors are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the 
company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate 
the group or the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole 
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report 
that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee 
that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement 
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually 
or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 
taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design 
procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in 
respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting 
irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below. 

Based on our understanding of  the group  and  industry,  we  identified  that the  principal  risks  of non-
compliance with laws and regulations related to employment laws and regulations, health and safety 
legislation and import and export restrictions including US sanctions legislation, and we considered the 
extent  to  which  non-compliance  might  have  a  material  effect  on  the  financial  statements.  We  also 
considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the financial statements such as 
the  Companies  Act  2006,  the  Listing  Rules  and  UK  and  overseas  tax  legislation.  We  evaluated 
management’s  incentives  and  opportunities  for  fraudulent  manipulation  of  the  financial  statements 
(including  the  risk  of  override  of  controls),  and  determined  that  the  principal  risks  were  related  to 
posting  of  journal  entries  to  improve  revenue  performance  or  to  manipulate  performance  metrics 
relating to bank covenants, and management bias in key accounting estimates. The group engagement 
team shared this risk assessment with the component auditors so that they could include appropriate 
audit  procedures  in  response  to  such  risks  in  their  work.  Audit  procedures  performed  by  the  group 
engagement team and/or component auditors included: 

•  Review of correspondence with legal advisors. 

•  Review of matters reported through the Group’s whistleblowing helpline and the results of 

Use of this report 
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the company’s members as a 
body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. 
We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or
to any 
other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly 
agreed by our prior consent in writing. 

Other required reporting 
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 

•  we have not obtained all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or 

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the company, or returns adequate for

our 

audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or 

• 

• 

certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

the company financial statements and the part of the Annual Report on Remuneration to
audited are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.  

be 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.  

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the 

The section of the Annual Report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management 

management’s investigation of such matters. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Enquiries of management at the Group, divisional and local levels. 

Enquiries of the Group’s legal team. 

Enquiries with component auditors. 

Evaluation of management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities, in particular 
their compliance procedures in respect of sanction market trading. 

•  Review of internal audit reports in so far as they related to the financial statements. 

• 

• 

Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any journal entries posted with unusual 
account combinations which result in an impact to revenue or to performance metrics relevant to 
banking covenants.; and 

Testing of critical accounting estimates to identify evidence of management bias. 

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become 
aware of instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that are not closely related to events 
and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, the risk of not detecting a material 
misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud 
may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or 
through collusion. 

Our audit testing might include testing complete populations of certain transactions and balances, 
possibly using data auditing techniques. However, it typically involves selecting a limited number of 
items for testing, rather than testing complete populations. We will often seek to target particular 
items for testing based on their size or risk characteristics. In other cases, we will use audit sampling 
to

enable us to draw a conclusion about the population from which the sample is selected. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on 
the
auditors’ report. 

FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our 

Appointment 
Following the recommendation of the Audit and Risk Committee, we were appointed by the directors 
on 20
April 2017 to audit the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017 and 
subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 6 years, covering the 
years ended 31

December 2017 to 31 December 2022. 

Other matter 
In due course, as required by the Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency 
Rule 4.1.14R, these financial statements will form part of the ESEF-prepared annual financial report 
filed on the National Storage Mechanism of the Financial Conduct Authority in accordance with the 
ESEF Regulatory Technical Standard (‘ESEF RTS’). This auditors’ report provides no assurance over 
whether the annual financial report will be prepared using the single electronic format specified in the 
ESEF RTS. 

Nicholas Stevenson (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 

Milton Keynes 
29 March 2023 

199

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

199 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

Reporting on other information  

The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial 

statements and our auditors’ report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do 

not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form 

of assurance thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other 

The directors’ explanation as to their assessment of the group’s and company’s prospects, the 

period this assessment covers and why the period is appropriate; and 

The directors’ statement as to whether they have a reasonable expectation that the company 

will

be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of its 

assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications 

or

assumptions. 

information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with 

Our review of the directors’ statement regarding the longer-term viability of the group and company 

the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially 

was substantially less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering 

misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are 

the directors’ process supporting their statement; checking that the statement is in alignment 

required to perform procedures to conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial 

with

the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code; and considering whether the 

statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have 

statement is consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge and understanding of the 

performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are 

group and company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit. 

required to report that fact. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities. 

In addition, based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the 

With respect to the Strategic report and Directors’ Report, we also considered whether the disclosures 

following elements of the corporate governance statement is materially consistent with the financial 

required by the UK Companies Act 2006 have been included. 

statements and our knowledge obtained during the audit: 

Based on our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 requires us also to 

The directors’ statement that they consider the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced 

report certain opinions and matters as described below. 

Strategic report and Directors’ Report 

and understandable, and provides the information necessary for the members to assess the 

group’s and company’s position, performance, business model and strategy; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Strategic report and Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2022 is consistent with the 

and internal control systems; and 

financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 

The section of the Annual Report describing the work of the Audit and Risk Committee. 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and company and their environment 

obtained in the course of the audit, we did not identify any material misstatements in the Strategic 

In our opinion, the part of the Annual Report on Remuneration to be audited has been properly prepared 

report and Directors’ Report. 

Directors’ Remuneration 

in accordance with the Companies Act 2006. 

Corporate governance statement 

The Listing Rules require us to review the directors’ statements in relation to going concern, longer-

term viability and that part of the corporate governance statement relating to the company’s 

compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review. 

Our

additional responsibilities with respect to the corporate governance statement as other 

information are described in the Reporting on other information section of this report. 

or error. 

Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following 

elements of the corporate governance statement, included within the Risk Management Report and 

Other Statutory Information is materially consistent with the financial statements and our knowledge 

obtained during the audit, and we have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to: 

The directors’ confirmation that they have carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and 

• 

• 

• 

principal risks; 

mitigated; 

The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those principal risks, what procedures are in 

place to identify emerging risks and an explanation of how these are being managed or 

The directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether they considered it 

appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing them, and their 

identification of any material uncertainties to the group’s and company’s ability to continue 

to

do so over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial 

statements; 

198 

ESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 

We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when the directors’ statement 

relating to the company’s compliance with the Code does not properly disclose a departure from a 

relevant provision of the Code specified under the Listing Rules for review by the auditors. 

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit 

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements 

As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities in respect of the Financial 

Statements, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in 

accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 

The directors are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the 

preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group’s and the 

company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 

concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate 

the group or the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole 

are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report 

that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee 

that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement 

when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually 

or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 

taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

STRATEGIC REPORTDIRECTORS’ REPORTFINANCIAL STATEMENTSESSENTRA PLC ANNUAL REPORT 2022 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Shareholder 
Information

Registered Office
Langford Locks, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1HX 
Registered number 05444653

Tel: 01908 359100

Company Secretary
Emma Reid

Investor Relations
investorrelations@essentra.com

Company Website
www.essentraplc.com

Registrar
Computershare Investor Services plc
The Pavilions, Bridgwater Road,  
Bristol BS99 6ZY 
Tel: 0370 703 6394

Shareholders can access online facilities at 
www.computershare.com

Joint Stockbrokers
Jefferies International Limited
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Peel Hunt LLP
100 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 2AT

Corporate PR
Teneo
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Auditor
PwC
Exchange House, Central Business Exchange, 
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK9 2DF

Principal Bankers
Citibank N.A., London Branch
Citigroup Centre, Canada Square,  
Canary Wharf, London E14 5LB

Legal Advisor
Slaughter and May
One Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 8YY

National Westminster Bank plc
250 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4AA

BBVA 
1 Canada Square, London E14 5AB

BNP Paribas, London Branch
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DBS Bank Ltd, London Branch
4th Floor, Paternoster House,  
65 St Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AB

Santander UK plc
Santander House, 201 Grafton Gate East, 
Milton Keynes MK9 1AN

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Annual Report & Accounts 2022