Smurfit Kappa named Continuous Improvement Supplier of the Year 2015 by Philips Lighting

Smurfit Kappa has been commended for its innovation, expertise and commitment to the highest standards of sustainability by its long term partner, Philips, and has been named Continuous Improvement Supplier of the Year 2015, achieving the Philips Lighting – Quality and Sustainability Excellence Award.

Smurfit Kappa has continuously supported Philips since 1954 through changing market and supply chain requirements, supplying to 23 Philips sites worldwide. Presenting the award, Philips described this long-term partnership as being so established due to the company’s position as “the only strategic supplier in packaging with global coverage” and its “continuous support on packaging development, value engineering, innovation and sustainability.”

This award recognises Smurfit Kappa’s continuous efforts and achievements in sustainability, namely that it guarantees that 100% of all paper material supplied to Philips is labelled as Chain of Custody certified, with traceable and sustainable sources certified under FSC®, PEFC and SFI; and its commitments to reduce CO2 emissions by 25% and organic content of water by 33% by 2020. 

This award also acknowledges Smurfit Kappa’s continuing efforts to move towards a circular economy, with a target to become 100% circular and a number of its plants already qualifying as such. This is in addition to a minimum 98.2% target for all material to be recycled for packaging or other applications.

The award praises the extraordinary work of the Smurfit Kappa Foundation whose aim is to contribute to end the cycle of poverty and dependence that exist in some of the communities and countries in which the company operates, by investing in social projects.

Alberta Zawadzka, Global Packaging Competence Manager Philips, said, “Philips has awarded Smurfit Kappa for its continuous excellence in sustainable packaging solutions and its pro-active support in optimising total cost of ownership in the supply chain while delivering a high level of quality and service on a daily basis. This award is a continuation of our long-term partnership and we look forward to growing together globally to intensify our global cooperation.”