Packaging giant Smurfit Westrock has updated its environmental and social sustainability targets as part of its Better Planet programme, as well as detailing recent progress made across climate, circularity and communities.
As it noted in its 2025 Sustainability Report, Smurfit Westrock now intends to reduce Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2030, compared with a 2019 baseline, in line with the Paris Agreement.
It also plans to reduce water intake at its mills by 22%, reduce waste sent to landfill by 24%, and invest more than $40 million in social, environmental and community initiatives over the same timeframe.
‘The business case’
“We look for the business case in everything we do, and sustainability is no different,” commented Tony Smurfit, president and CEO, Smurfit Westrock. “Across the markets in which we operate, stakeholders such as customers and investors continue to expect it, and we remain focused on reducing our environmental footprint. I believe that sustainable business is good business.”
In the report, the company also highlighted its Better Planet Packaging initiative, which seeks to engage stakeholders in areas such as packaging innovation, circularity and collaboration, as well as recent work with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and WWF.
Elsewhere, Smurfit Kappa recently undertook a $30 million investment in wastewater pre-treatment and recycling at its Solvay mill in New York.
‘Embedded in how we operate’
“This report clearly illustrates the actions we are taking across our business to help deliver a more sustainable future, underpinned by our customer focus, our global scale, and our capital investment,” added Garrett Quinn, group head of sustainability, branding and communications at Smurfit Westrock.
“At Smurfit Westrock, sustainability is firmly embedded in how we operate. By setting clear, measurable targets and continuing to invest in circular, paper-based solutions, we are strengthening our ability to serve customers, manage risk and support the transition to a lower-carbon, circular economy.”
Headquartered in Dublin, Smurfit Westrock has operations in 40 countries around the world, and employs approximately 97,000 people. Read more here.
