Smurfit Westrock Publishes 2025 Sustainability Report and Unveils “Better Planet Targets

Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable paper-based packaging, today released its 2025 Sustainability Report, highlighting major progress in sustainability, innovation, circularity, and community investment following the strategic combination of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock in 2024.

The report outlines the company’s first consolidated sustainability performance and introduces its new “Better Planet Targets”, setting ambitious goals across climate, water, forestry, waste reduction, and community investment.

“With the circular economy at the core of our business, we use renewable, recyclable and recycled materials to create sustainable packaging solutions,” said Tony Smurfit, President and Group Chief Executive Officer. “Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient and more sustainable Smurfit Westrock.”

Key 2025 Highlights

Smurfit Westrock operates in 40 countries with approximately 97,000 employees and maintains:

• 57 paper and board mills

• 450 converting plants

• 70 recovered fiber facilities

• Approximately 308,000 acres of FSC® or PEFC-certified forests and plantations globally

The company reported several major sustainability achievements during 2025, including:

• More than $10 million donated to communities worldwide

• Over 100 awards for sustainability, packaging design, and innovation

• Inclusion in Sustainability Magazine’s Top 10 Most Sustainable Manufacturing Companies

• Recognition in the Clean200 list for sustainable business leadership

In November 2025, Smurfit Westrock also issued more than $1.3 billion in green bonds, reinforcing its sustainable finance framework and supporting investments in recycling, sustainable forestry, circularity, and decarbonization.

Better Planet Targets

The newly announced Better Planet Targets include:

• 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030

• 22% reduction in water intake

• 28% reduction in waste sent to landfill

• 100% certification of all company-owned forests to FSC® or PEFC standards

• More than $40 million invested in social, environmental, and community initiatives by 2030

“These ambitious targets focus on a further reduction of our environmental footprint and increased support for the communities in which we operate,” said Kaisa Hietala, Chair of the Sustainability Committee of the Board.

Driving Circular Innovation

The report showcases several customer partnerships and innovations designed to reduce plastic use and improve recyclability across industries. Highlights include:

• A plastic-free pollination hive developed with Koppert

• Gourmet food packaging reducing plastic use by 98%

• Fiber-based retail displays for Purina Fancy Feast

• Recyclable wine packaging and sustainable event seating solutions

• Corrugated shipping crate alternatives replacing traditional wood packaging

Smurfit Westrock also highlighted innovations helping customers improve supply chain efficiency and reduce environmental impact through circular packaging solutions and data-driven design tools.

Climate and Resource Stewardship

The company reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a net-zero future through investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and circular manufacturing systems. In 2025, four French facilities achieved net-zero Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions through electrification, renewable electricity adoption, and energy efficiency upgrades.

Approximately 55% of the fiber used in Smurfit Westrock products comes from recycled materials, with the remaining fiber sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Commitment to People and Communities

Smurfit Westrock emphasized that sustainability extends beyond environmental performance to include employee wellbeing, inclusion, safety, and community impact. The company continues to invest in education, health, environmental protection, and community development initiatives across its global footprint.