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 eight times and up to 25 times (according to a 2021 study by the Technische Universität Graz, Austria), therefore we also need fresh virgin wood fibres to sustain a healthy fibre-recycling system. By practicing and promoting sustainable forestry, we support the future supply of sustainable virgin fiber which delivers a host of environmental and social benefits. The virgin fiber we source must be 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 Code of Conduct and the Sustainable Forestry and Fiber Sourcing Policy.

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.