Smurfit Kappa's corporate social responsibility activity is recognised with top award
Smurfit Kappa has won a Corporate Social Responsibility Award in the 2017 Portafolio Awards for its work in building a sustainable society.
The prestigious Portafolio Awards are held annually in Colombia to recognise people and companies who have demonstrated exemplary achievements in areas including the environment, customer service, business and social initiatives. A large group of companies, including some of the world’s leading brands, were gathered at the event along with the country’s president, Juan Manuel Santos.
Alvaro Henao, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Colombia, said: “We are excited and proud to receive this award. It recognises Smurfit Kappa Group´s commitment to initiatives that help improve the environment and develop the communities in which we operate.
“At Smurfit Kappa, we believe in sustainability in every fibre and this includes running our plants and mills in a sustainable way and being socially responsible.”
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an integral part of Smurfit Kappa’s ongoing global sustainability programme, with the company investing in the economic and social development of the communities in which it operates.
‘People’ is one of the five strategic pillars of the company’s commitment to sustainability along with forest, climate change, water and waste. Smurfit Kappa engages with and actively supports people in local communities to build a sustainable future. Examples of successful initiatives delivered by the company to date include:
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Schools and education programmes in Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Poland and Venezuela
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Vocational training and work placements in Norway
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Recycling workshops in Spain and the Czech Republic
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Conservation projects to protect the flora and fauna in forests and plantations in Colombia
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Environmental clean-up of local area in Russia.
This latest award follows on from Smurfit Kappa ranking in the top 1% of Ecovadis’ worldwide sustainability ratings earlier this year.