Smurfit Westrock, the world’s largest integrated paper-based packaging manufacturer, has published its first Sustainability Report following the merger between Smurfit Kappa and WestRock. The document outlines the key environmental, social, and governance milestones achieved since their union in July 2024, and where applicable, also includes sustainability progress from both companies during the year.
“The publication of Smurfit Westrock’s first Sustainability Report represents a key milestone for our company. It reflects not only our firm commitment to caring for the planet and supporting the communities where we operate, but also the value we deliver through responsible and sustainable management. This report highlights the strength of the combination between Smurfit Kappa and WestRock and demonstrates that sustainability and business success go hand in hand,” stated Ignacio Sevillano, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Key Highlights of the Global Report Include:
Renewable Energy Drive: Smurfit Westrock achieved an estimated 700,000 MWh of contracted renewable electricity to obtain Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). This figure was made possible thanks to the incorporation of solar power into the U.S. electrical grid, driven by the launch of the second of two solar projects inaugurated in 2025.
Sustainable Financing Aligned with Circular Business: In line with its sustainable, circular model, the company launched its Green Finance Framework to support responsible investments with positive environmental impact. In November 2024, it issued more than $2 billion in green bonds, reinforcing its commitment to responsible growth.
Global Recognition for Sustainable Innovation Leadership: Smurfit Westrock received 106 international awards in the categories of design, sustainability, and innovation. The company was also recently honored with the Innovation of the Year and Sustainability of the Year awards at the North American Paperboard Packaging Competition for its development of sustainable multipack beverage packaging alternatives.
People and Communities at the Core: In 2024, the company allocated $8.8 million to support communities where it operates. A total of 180 community projects were carried out with the participation of 12,426 Smurfit Westrock employees in 29 countries, demonstrating the team’s strong commitment to creating a positive impact in their surroundings.
Spain: A Strategic Hub for Smurfit Westrock
Spain has played a key role in Smurfit Westrock’s sustainability strategy, achieving significant advances in energy efficiency, innovation, and circular economy.
At the Sangüesa plant (Navarra), over 12,000 solar panels were installed, reducing the plant’s annual CO₂ emissions by more than 3,000 metric tonnes. Valued at €6 million, the photovoltaic system is the largest of its kind in Navarra. Alongside existing biomass and recovery boilers, the system now generates over 50% of the plant’s annual energy needs. Since 2005, Sangüesa has reduced CO₂ emissions by more than 51%, positioning itself as one of the group’s energy benchmarks. In 2024, the plants in Almería, Huelva, and Córdoba were awarded the ECO20®: Made with Solar Energy label following external audits certifying their use of solar energy.
Cartón Circular
In terms of circular economy and waste management, the Nervión plant (Basque Country) hosted the largest landfill waste reduction project in the company’s history. With a €27 million investment, new circular production processes have eliminated 75,000 metric tonnes of waste and reduced 450,000 km of road transport annually, reinforcing operational efficiency and sustainability.
Also in 2024, Smurfit Westrock joined the Cartón Circular initiative, the Collective Extended Producer Responsibility System (SCRAP) promoted by the industry’s main associations. In Málaga, the company actively participates in urban paper collection projects, engaging the community in the recycling cycle.
Spain also served as the launchpad for one of the group’s most disruptive sustainable innovations. At the Nervión plant, the company produces 100% paper-based wrapping, made with Nertop® Stretch Kraft, a high-performance recyclable material that replaces traditional stretch plastic film and remains strong even under humid conditions. This solution is designed to stabilize loads during transport while minimizing environmental packaging impact.
Recognitions
Smurfit Westrock’s commitment to sustainable innovation has received broad national and international recognition. One standout example is Agrolife®, developed at the Totana plant (Murcia): a pioneering treatment for agricultural packaging that absorbs ethylene emitted by fruits and vegetables during the supply chain, delaying ripening and extending shelf life. This solution was named one of the ‘100 Best Ideas of the Year’ by Actualidad Económica in the Sustainability and SDG category. It also received top international accolades including the WorldStar Awards 2024 (Fresh Fruit and Vegetables category) and the “Save Food” award at the Liderpack Awards 2023.
Natural Environment Protection
Environmental conservation has also remained central to the strategy. 100% of Smurfit Westrock’s paper plants operate under Chain of Custody (COC) management systems certified to FSC, PEFC, and/or SFI standards. In Spain, significant progress has been made by supporting FSC certification of forests managed by small landowners, thereby strengthening local contributions to biodiversity conservation and responsible forest management.
Social Impact
The company has reinforced its social impact in Spain through the Smurfit Westrock Foundation, which donated €100,000 to the Red Cross to support those affected by the DANA storm. Additionally, the internal campaign ‘Todos con Quart’ raised funds among employees to help colleagues at the Quart plant (Valencia) who were most impacted by this climate event.
30th Anniversary of ISO 9001 Certification
Lastly, the Burgos plant celebrated the 30th anniversary of its ISO 9001 certification, having become in 1994 the first corrugated board company in Spain to obtain this distinction. To mark the occasion, AENOR awarded special recognition to highlight the plant’s longstanding excellence, leadership, and ability to adapt to increasingly demanding environments.
“At Smurfit Westrock, we work side by side with our customers to develop circular solutions that address today’s environmental challenges without compromising the future. Every step in the packaging lifecycle—from responsible sourcing to recycling—is an opportunity to innovate and make a positive impact. That’s why our commitment is clear: we aim to build more sustainable supply chains, reduce our carbon footprint, and continue improving our processes to protect the planet, people, and business. This way of working allows us to move forward with coherence and purpose,” said Susana Amaya, Sustainability Manager for Spain, Portugal, and Morocco at Smurfit Westrock.
You can download the full version of the Sustainability Report on our Sustainability Reporting page: https://www.smurfitkappa.com/es/sustainability/reporting
