Smurfit Westrock has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, outlining new environmental targets and highlighting progress across climate, water, waste, and circular packaging operations.
The Ireland packaging group said the new Better Planet targets include a 28% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, alongside lower water intake and landfill waste across its mill network.
The company also plans to invest more than $40 million in social, environmental, and community initiatives by 2030.
The report shows how Smurfit Westrock is continuing to expand its paper-based packaging strategy as retailers and FMCG companies increase pressure on suppliers to support lower-carbon and circular supply chains.
Among the new targets announced, the company aims to:
- cut water intake at mills by 22% by 2030
- reduce waste sent to landfill by 24%
- continue investing in circular packaging systems
- strengthen environmental projects across global operations
Smurfit Westrock said its Better Planet Packaging initiative is helping customers improve packaging sustainability while supporting operational efficiency and recycling performance.
The report also highlighted several operational projects already underway.
Four box plants in France achieved net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions, while the company invested $30 million into wastewater pre-treatment and recycling upgrades at its Solvay mill in United States.
Additional projects included biodiversity and forestry initiatives developed with FSC and environmental education programmes in Colombia.
The update comes as packaging producers across the wider Ireland packaging and European supermarket supply chain continue increasing investment in recyclable fibre-based materials, water efficiency, and emissions reduction systems.
Paper packaging demand has remained strong as retailers push to reduce plastic exposure and improve sustainability reporting across grocery operations.
Smurfit Westrock said sustainability remains closely tied to long-term business operations, customer requirements, and investment planning across the markets where it operates.
The full sustainability report is available through the company’s investor and sustainability platforms.
Editor’s Note: Information in this article is based on the official 2025 Sustainability Report announcement published by Smurfit Westrock.
