Smurfit Kappa builds on water sustainability achievements by joining UN CEO Water Mandate

Smurfit Kappa has demonstrated its commitment to water sustainability by joining the UN Global Compact’s CEO Water Mandate.
The mandate has been designed to address the growing crisis in water and sanitation in many parts of the world by implementing a range of strategies and policies. Through the initiative, Smurfit Kappa will be collaborating with global brands including ABInBev, Danone, Heineken and Unilever to identify, explore and solve water challenges.

Smurfit Kappa has long been committed to sustainable water practices and recently reached an ambitious water quality target three years early when it reduced the chemical oxygen demand in its water discharge. The packaging leader has also invested over €60 million in sustainable water treatment technology implementing processes that use less energy. One such treatment transforms water pollutants into biogas which is then reused as fuel in the company’s combined heat and power plants.

Speaking about joining the initiative, Steven Stoffer, Group VP Development at Smurfit Kappa said: “Joining the CEO Water Mandate was the next logical step for us after reaching our latest water target at the end of last year.

“Water is one of Smurfit Kappa’s five key sustainability areas and we have conducted extensive research and development into returning it to nature as clean as before. Our goals are underpinned by the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

The UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative and is based on 10 principles in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment and anti-corruption.

Smurfit Kappa is included on the FTSE4Good, Euronext Vigeo Europe 120, Ethibel and STOXX ESG Leaders Indices rating systems for sustainability achievements.