Smurfit Kappa has been recognised as a valued sustainable solutions partner at this year’s Nestlé Supplier awards. The packaging producer, which has a strong track record in creating innovative and sustainable solutions, won a total of five awards including the ‘Best Sustainable Supplier’ award and an ‘Outstanding Individual’ award. Smurfit Kappa UK’s collaboration with Nestlé has focused on creating innovative packaging solutions which reduce carbon footprint when integrated into the supply chain.
The award acknowledges improvements such as removing the need for plastic wrapping on Nestlé UK’s Azera Nitro Col Brew Coffee product. Smurfit Kappa designed a 100% recyclable shelf-ready pack which protects the product while also increasing the available print area to showcase the brand. The new solution will remove an estimated 26,000 sqm of plastic shrink wrap from the supply chain in the first year, an area almost as big as four football pitches.
Since the launch of its ‘Better Planet Packaging‘ initiative in 2018, Smurfit Kappa has committed to using its expertise in recycling, paper, design and packaging to develop sustainable solutions which reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Michelle McClements, UK National Accounts Director at Smurfit Kappa UK, said, “I’m delighted to get this award after what has been a successful collaborative process with Nestlé. Through this partnership we have overcome many complex packaging challenges. Packaging plays an invaluable role in guarding against waste alongside bringing a range of other customer benefits like brand identity and supply chain optimisation.”
