Planet | Sustainability | Smurfit Kappa

Planet

Recycling 

A greener, bluer planet

For many years, our operations have been designed around a circular business model. This means seeking closed loop solutions, maximising resource efficiency and minimising waste, including CO2 emissions. It also means supplying packaging that protects our customers’ products and avoids packaging waste and litter. In 2021, we increased our contribution by targeting at least net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

We operate a circular business model using mostly recycled fibre raw material. The virgin fibre raw material we use is renewable and from a sustainable origin. We reuse or recycle side streams and we use renewable energy and strive for energy efficiency where we can. This circular approach increases resource productivity, adding to our competitiveness.

Our circular business model starts with sustainable primary raw materials. Our integrated approach to producer responsibility and paper recycling means that 77% of our raw material is recycled fibre. We use organic by-products as biofuel, circulate our process waters as many times as we can and we collaborate with local organisations to find alternative uses for the rejects we receive with our recovered paper deliveries, that we cannot use in our processes.

Reduction of relative CO2 emissions (since 2005)
43.7%
Reduction of relative waste sent to landfill (since 2013)
35.8%
Packaging solutions sold as Chain of Custody certified
95.5%

 

In our product development phase, we work towards synergies within the whole value chain. For example, by designing mono-material packaging solutions, we create efficiencies in our customers’ packaging lines, and we improve the recyclability of the packaging after use.

Forests themselves are a closed loop system, fundamental for local climate and water systems. When managed sustainably, they also provide a renewable source of raw materials for industry, function as a carbon and provide employment.

Our four areas of focus for the planet