Smurfit Kappa has just published its 17th Sustainable Development Report, which shows that it has achieved four of the targets set in its Better Planet 2050 environmental and social impact initiative in the medium term.

In terms of waste management, it has reduced waste sent to landfill by 35.8%, exceeding the target of a 30% reduction by 2050 (in 2022, it was reduced by 24%). In forest protection, 95.5% of packaging sold has Chain of Custody Certification, exceeding the 95% target set for 2050 (in 2022, this percentage was 94.3%). In Community Support, €25.6m was donated to support social, environmental and community initiatives, exceeding the 2050 target of €24m (in 2022, this figure was €18.4m). Finally, in Diversity, 25.1% of management positions were held by women by the end of 2023, exceeding the target of 25% by 2024 (in 2022, this percentage was 23.5%).

This comprehensive report, covering January to December 2023, highlights the company’s progress through continued capital investment, ongoing operational improvements and collaboration with customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Tony Smurfit, Group CEO, said: “I am very proud of the great progress on our sustainability targets during 2023, but most of all I am proud that we have achieved four of our Better Planet 2050 goals. This is not only a reflection of the dedication of our employees and the effectiveness of our investment programmes, but also demonstrates our strong commitment to supporting our local communities, creating a better planet and contributing to a circular, low-carbon future.

Spain, key to Smurfit Kappa’s sustainability strategy
In addition to achieving its main sustainability objectives, the Report also lists several achievements in which Spain has been key, such as the installation of 12,000 solar panels at the paper mill in Sangüesa (Navarra), which will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 3,200 t per year. This project is in addition to similar renewable energy initiatives at other plants in Spain, as well as in other countries such as Colombia, Mexico and, more recently, at the new plant Smurfit Kappa has inaugurated in Morocco.

The latter has become the first integrated packaging plant in Morocco to be powered by green energy, as it has 1,500 solar panels that will power the facility to cover 55% of its energy needs and help it reduce 900t of CO2 emissions per year, ensuring that the process is as sustainable as the product. It also has a water purification and treatment system that reduces water consumption by 50%.

Smurfit Kappa has also completed the €27m investment process in a new waste management and recovery plant at the paper mill in Iurreta (Vizcaya). This is the largest waste reduction project that the company has undertaken to date, with a positive impact on the carbon footprint that translates into the elimination of 75,000 tonnes of materials that previously went straight to landfill.