Smurfit WestRock Merger: A Leap Forward in Sustainable Packaging

Following the merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, Smurfit WestRock marks its first year as a combined leader in the paper-based packaging industry, emphasizing sustainability and circular economy principles.

Circularity and Sustainability at Core

Smurfit WestRock integrates a fully circular business model featuring:

• Use of renewable raw materials sourced from responsibly managed forests.
• Combination of recycled and virgin fibre for packaging.
• Operation of 63 global recycling facilities collecting post-consumer materials.
• Commitment to a Net Zero Transition Plan, focusing on emissions reduction, renewable energy adoption, and operational efficiency.

Chris Davidson, VP of Sustainability Engagement, highlights the company’s dedication to creating value for both business and planet by engaging stakeholders, customers, and communities towards impactful sustainable innovations.

Milestones Since the Merger

David Upton, VP Europe, notes key achievements including:

• Establishing a global footprint with approximately US$31 billion in annual net sales.
• Launch of a Green Finance Framework, successfully issuing US$2 billion in green bonds to fuel sustainable initiatives.
• Cross-regional sharing of best practices in technology, innovation, and operations.

Innovations Driving Circular Packaging

Kevin Hudson, SVP Forest Resources & Recycle Fibre, underscores fibre-based innovations such as:

• CanCollar Technology: A recyclable paperboard alternative replacing plastic rings and shrink wrap for beverage multipacks, helping major brands reduce plastic waste by tons annually.
• 100% Paper Pallet Wrap: A recyclable substitute for traditional stretch film that stabilizes logistics loads while eliminating single-use plastics.

Collaborations with Leading Brands

Smurfit WestRock’s collaboration with Coca-Cola and Costco exemplifies customer-driven innovation:

• Partnership with Costco resulted in removing 230 tons of single-use plastic via paper-based multi-pack handles.
• Cooperation with Liberty Coca-Cola replaced plastic rings with PETCollar Shield Plus paperboard carriers, eliminating around 100 tons of plastic yearly.

Addressing Global Challenges

David Upton emphasizes navigating diverse global regulations, recycling infrastructures, and supply chain variations. Tailoring sustainable packaging solutions to local market needs while maintaining consistent quality is key to their global strategy.

Efficiency and Sustainability Synergy

Through technology like Depin Inc’s Ecorrcrate—recyclable corrugated shipping crates—the company achieves significant savings in labor, emissions, and warehouse space, showcasing the combined business and environmental benefits of circular packaging solutions.

Smurfit WestRock at a Glance

• 63 recycling facilities worldwide.
• US$100 million invested in biomass boiler in Colombia.
• 230 tons of single-use plastic removed in partnership with Costco.
• Net Zero Transition Plan actively progressing with innovations like hydrogen trials and solar farm PPAs.

Smurfit WestRock’s merger has fortified its position as a global packaging powerhouse committed to pioneering sustainable, circular solutions that enable customers to meet ambitious environmental goals without compromising functionality or aesthetics.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.