Camino de Santiago wellbeing challenge | A People Story | Smurfit Westrock
Camino group photo

A PEOPLE STORY

730 employees participate in the Camino de Santiago walking challenge

People2025-10-09T00:00:00

Camino de Santiago wellbeing challenge

Within the Wellbeing for Life motto, the Recycled Paper Cluster once again proved that distance is no barrier to achieving great things together and taking a meaningful step forward in prioritizing health and wellbeing.

In the virtual challenge in May, 146 teams with 730 participants walked an incredible 268,742,246 steps in just four weeks. This collective achievement reflects the commitment, energy and team spirit of everyone involved, but also the importance placed on staying active and supporting each other’s wellbeing. As recognition of this effort, each mill organized a lottery among participants and selected a representative to travel to Spain and walk the famed Camino de Santiago. The Camino, or Way of St. James, is a centuries-old network of European routes leading pilgrims to the shrine of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela. A total of fifteen representatives from different countries across Europe — Spain, France, the U.K., the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and Serbia — walked the last three stages of the Saint James’ Way.

Camino Walk 

The adventure in Galicia was much more than just a walk. It was an opportunity for the team to connect with colleagues across the cluster, share stories, support each other and celebrate teamwork in an inspiring setting. They also learned from other cultures, appreciating the richness that diversity brings to the team. The Camino was a unique experience that focused on health and wellbeing and allowed participants to see how physical activity can boost not only their bodies, but also their minds and spirits. Apart from the walk, they also had the opportunity to get to know Galician gastronomy and visit the cathedral at the endpoint of their journey.

This experience will stay with the team for a long time and motivate them to maintain a healthier lifestyle, the benefits of which will help them overcome everyday difficulties.

Let’s continue to walk together — toward better health, stronger connections and a brighter future.

Camino walking group