Suche
Mein Konto
Neuburg in focus: Smurfit Westrock focuses on sustainability and growth!
District Administrator von der Grün visits Smurfit Westrock in Neuburg: insights into sustainable production and regional importance.
Neuburg in focus: Smurfit Westrock focuses on sustainability and growth!
District Administrator Peter von der Grün recently visited Smurfit Westrock in Neuburg. He was accompanied by economic development officers Andrea Haslauer and Najlaa Soniadis as well as Mayor Bernhard Gmehling. Smurfit Westrock is a global company that specializes in paper-based packaging. With a merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock in July 2024, the group has developed into one of the leading providers in the industry. The Neuburg site, which has been part of the group for 62 years, currently employs around 190 people and produces an impressive 115 million square meters of corrugated cardboard annually.
Smurfit Westrock's annual sales are approximately $32 billion and the company now operates in 40 countries, employs approximately 100,000 people, and operates 63 paper mills and over 500 processing sites. “Every fifth corrugated cardboard packaging in Germany comes from one of our group’s plants,” said District Administrator von der Grün, who emphasized the high quality and sustainability for which the company is known. He was particularly impressed by the low staff turnover and the high occupational safety standards.
Sustainability as a guide
Smurfit Westrock has published its 2024 sustainability report, documenting the company's sustainable approach post-merger. “Sustainability is at the heart of our business,” explains Garrett Quinn, Chief Sustainability Officer of Smurfit Westrock. The report contains verified performance data from the two predecessor companies and shows that sustainable packaging solutions already meet important targets. For example, the company supplied 16,000 recyclable bed frames for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Additionally, Smurfit Westrock has received over 100 awards for innovative and sustainable packaging solutions and has raised $2 billion in green financing. These successes are not least the result of a consistent focus on recycling capabilities and resource conservation, which is becoming increasingly important in the packaging industry. Focusing on recyclable materials and developing environmentally friendly processes are essential to minimize the environmental footprint.
The future of the packaging industry
In the packaging industry it is becoming increasingly important to find a balance between functional packaging and environmental protection. Consumers and companies are looking for solutions to reduce environmental impact. The role of recyclable materials, bio-based raw materials and innovative concepts is becoming increasingly important. Recyclability is crucial for this - the packaging must be made from recycled material and should be recyclable in order to reduce waste and strengthen the circular economy.
The German Packaging Institute emphasizes that recycling is one of the central measures for sustainability. By reusing packaging, resources can be conserved and single-use packaging can be reduced. In collaboration with research institutions such as Fraunhofer IVV, new concepts are being developed that are based on the use of bio-based materials and reduce dependence on fossil raw materials.
Overall, it is clear that companies and consumers must work together to reduce their ecological footprint. Innovative approaches and recyclable packaging are the key to a more sustainable future in the packaging industry. After all, any major change in the industry can only be achieved through a shared commitment to environmentally friendly development.
For further information you can view the reports from Donaukurier, Smurfit Kappa and IBP Magazin: