Forest

 

Our virgin fiber raw material is renewable, recyclable, recycled, and biodegradable. We need virgin fiber for its performance properties in certain packaging applications, such as those that require moisture resistance or readiness for food contact.

Wood fibers can be recycled at least 8 times and up to 25 times (according to a 2021 study by the Technische Universität Graz, Austria). Once it completes its recyclable lifespan it needs to be replaced by fresh, virgin wood fiber to produce quality packaging. By practicing and promoting sustainable forestry, we support the future supply of sustainable virgin fiber and deliver a host of environmental and social benefits. The virgin fiber we source is at a minimum from non-controversial sources.

To further report on our commitment to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, we have committed to adopting the TNFD recommendations as an early adopter and plan to report for the financial year 2026.

Our commitment to sustainable fiber

Products delivered to our customers must meet the commitments we make in our Smurfit Westrock and legacy policy statements: Forestry Policy, Code of Conduct (‘the Code’), and Social Citizenship and Respect. The Code can be found at: smurfitwestrock.com and the other policies are available at our legacy websites smurfitkappa.com and westrock.com.

We source virgin fiber from well-managed forests and we do not accept virgin fiber sourced from a controversial origin. All materials are delivered through third-party-verified, CoC-certified supply chains. We accept ATFS, FSC, PEFC, and SFI-certified wood and recycled fiber according to the CoC requirements implemented at our mills and plants. We have created one of the industry’s largest independently audited systems for tracking and confirming that the wood used in our operations is harvested in ways that comply with laws, respect human rights, and are consistent with the protection and conservation of natural resources.