Proud sponsor of the Canal Swim in Hyltebruk
Supporting employee well-being and family-friendly activities is a priority at Smurfit Westrock. On June 14, the Brännögård plant in Sweden proudly sponsored the local swimming race, Kanalsimmet, held in Hyltebruk.
The event was organized by Simon Jansson, a dedicated Brännögård employee and active member of the Hyltebruk Swimming Association. Now in its second year, the competition featured a 2,000-meter course—1,000 meters upstream and 1,000 meters downstream to the finish line.
Open to both elite and recreational swimmers, the event drew about 30 participants this year. In a municipality of just 11,000 residents, the Canal Swim once again proved to be a community highlight, with enthusiastic spectators lining the banks to cheer on the swimmers.
Smurfit Westrock contributed to the day’s success by offering hot dogs and gift bags to participants and guests. A special congratulations goes to Joachim Vesterlund, who proudly represented the Brännögård plant with an impressive third-place finish.
The race was truly a family affair, with several employee family members joining the swim. Others followed the race on foot along the canal banks, making it an inclusive event for all.
As part of its commitment to health-promoting initiatives, the Brännögård plant also rented the Hyltebruk swimming pool one morning each week during fall 2024, giving employees the opportunity to train. Inspired by the initiative, Vesterlund returned to the sport after a break, and several colleagues have continued swimming regularly through the winter and spring.
The 2025 Canal Swim was a resounding success—for Smurfit Westrock, the Hylte Swimming Association, and the local community. We're already looking forward to the next edition in 2026!
Smurfit Westrock has a deep commitment to supporting the communities in which we live and work and championing the vulnerable. Each year our employees continue to generously give their time, energy, and expertise, to empower communities, encourage wellbeing and inspire future generations.
