Smurfit Kappa North America recently won three international awards because of its innovative solutions that are sustainable and eco-friendly.
The company won a RISI Award in the Environmental Leadership category for its Waterborne Coatings. It also obtained two Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) Packaging Design Awards in the Sustainable Packaging category, thanks to its EPS endcaps replacement and in the CBD and Cannabis category for its sustainable solution, both were developed for its customers Rheem and Imperial Seeding in the United States.
The Waterborne Coatings produced in the Forney, TX, operation have replaced wax on papers and provide water shed properties. They are being used for live plants and frozen or refrigerated goods and by the major beef and pork processors in the United States. These solutions have been tested and are FDA compliant for food contact and confirmed to increase recyclability better than the materials they replaced.
GDUSA Packaging Design Awards recognized the reduction of 610 tons of CO2 emissions with the solution, developed to substitute EPS foam with a 100% recyclable paper-based solution. Due to its resistance, the solution is capable of cushioning and absorbing shocks, leading to secure transportation of the products.
In addition, Smurfit Kappa North America won a second GDUSA Packaging Design Award in the CBD and Cannabis category for its sustainable solution for Imperial Seedling. The solution developed by Smurfit Kappa North America supports two trays, protecting the plants and maintaining the humidity needed to withstand the 3,760-kilometer journey between Mexico and the US.
“We consider sustainability and innovation as two of our key business pillars. We are committed to supplying solutions that are responsible with the environment and respond to the needs of our customers and their markets in an innovative way. These awards prove that we are on the right path and that together we are contributing to a Better Planet for this and the next generations” said Juan G. Castaneda, CEO of Smurfit Kappa The Americas.
