Smurfit WestRock collects, manufactures and sells recycled cardboard packaging. The company is listed in the US and operates throughout Europe and the Americas. Smurfit Westrock is a global leader in sustainable packaging with clients in food, beverages, household consumables and industrial markets.
Topic: Biodiversity and nature loss; indigenous communities
WHEB’s Objective: Limiting material negative social or environmental impacts
Company Objective: For Smurfit WestRock to improve its Nature Action 100 Benchmark Assessment score by resolving discrepancies with the secretariat, strengthen engagement with indigenous communities and improve related disclosures.
Desired outcome: More accurate recognition of the company’s existing efforts to address biodiversity and nature loss strengthening the company's position as a sustainability leader in the sector; and improved stakeholder relationships and social license to operate.
Background: Smurfit WestRock is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of paper-based packaging products. With operations across forestry, paper, and packaging, the company has significant exposure to nature-related risks, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and water use. In 2023, it was named as one of the 100 companies targeted under Nature Action 100 (NA100)—a global investor initiative focused on driving corporate action on nature and biodiversity loss.
Activity: WHEB acted as lead investor in this collaborative engagement. In this role, we coordinated and lead a group call with the company and later wrote a letter formalising our expectations and objectives for the company under the initiative.
Outcomes: M3 – company develops or commits to developing an appropriate policy or strategy to manage the issue
There is no progress yet on the formal objectives outlined in the letter sent in Q1 2025.
However, Smurfit WestRock remains highly engaged and motivated to work with investors on sustainability issues. In our recent call with the company, executives reaffirmed the company's strong commitment to tackling key challenges such as biodiversity and nature loss.
For example, it plans to adopt the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) for FY 2026. Preparations for CSRD reporting will feed into this. The company is also currently solidifying the post-merger strategy for managing biodiversity and water impacts.
It is worth reiterating that Smurfit’s biodiversity reporting has already improved in recent years. For instance, it now discloses species data in its Colombia timberlands.
We look forward to continuing this dialogue with Smurfit in the coming months and are optimistic about it’s commitment and ability to make progress against objectives.