7:["$","$L18",null,{"data":{"project_id":null,"showcase_id":292,"assistant_id":null,"enable_curation_ai":false,"agent_id":null,"intent":null,"title":"Smurfit Westrock","description":"sustainable packaging solutions","type":"text","private_showcase":false,"logo":"https://curation-api-production-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/5/1741185342.jpeg","x_link":"https://www.linkedin.com/company/smurfit-westrock/","showcase_heading":"Packaging a Sustainable Future, Together","executive_summary_title":"Global leader in sustainable paper-based packaging solutions serving customers across diverse industries","executive_summary":"

Following the merger of Smurfit Kappa and Westrock, the combined company is now the largest packaging company in the world. Smurfit WestRock operates in over 40 countries and has approximately 100,000 employees. The company specialises in corrugated (cardboard) and paper packaging solutions for a variety of industries.

The corrugated packaging market is an essential part of the global economy with very few substitutes. Future growth is a function of GDP, e-commerce, and higher-priced sustainable packaging. Following the merger, the combined company Smurfit Westrock, will have a primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) which could serve as a catalyst for re-rating.

","investor_relations_link":"https://investors.smurfitwestrock.com/overview/default.aspx","investor_relations_label":"Investor Relations","graph_link":"https://jika.io/embed/area-chart?symbol=SW&selection=one_year&closeKey=close&boxShadow=true&graphColor=1652f0&textColor=161c2d&backgroundColor=FFFFFF&fontFamily=Nunito","contact_email":"nirav.karia@curationcorp.com","slug":"72d93096-ec63-41b1-bee1-0ec955093186","status":"in-progress","usp_cta":null,"usp_cta_link":null,"catalyst_cta":null,"catalyst_cta_link":null,"teaser_video":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdiiBFljnTg&ab_channel=SmurfitKappa","teaser_video_iframe_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/PdiiBFljnTg?start=0","teaser_video_label":"Watch Video","teaser_video_title":null,"teaser_video_caption":null,"x_link_label":"Follow The Stock","hero_caption":"Updated October 2024","hero_cta_label":"Follow","hero_cta_link":"https://twitter.com/smurfitkappa?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor","hubspot_enabled":false,"disclaimer":null,"discovery_cover_image":"https://curation-api-production-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/5/1741185202.jpeg","discovery_caption":"Paper-based packaging solutions company.","updated_at":"2025-05-02 12:33:10","usps":[{"title":"Merger Synergies","description":"

The merger will create the largest player in the industry with unrivalled scale. Management is targeting $400 million in synergies through leveraging corporate overheads, rationalising their portfolio, and generating greater efficiency on capital spending. Smurfit demonstrated industry-leading margins and operations and there is hope that their operating prowess can improve margins at Westrock over time. The combined company with greater scale and more diverse geographical reach should warrant a lower cost of capital. The culmination of these factors should drive higher long-term profitability.

","video":null,"video_iframe_url":null},{"title":"Stable Demand Produces Stable Free-cash-flow","description":"

Most industries rely on some form of packaging, it is an essential good, and corrugated fiberboard has emerged as the top choice across major sectors such as food, beverage, retail, and consumer electronics. Its durability and protective qualities make it ideal for safeguarding products during transport and storage and very hard to substitute.

Demand is very broad and tied to essential goods we use every day. This makes for very stable revenue and cash flows, even in recessions.

","video":null,"video_iframe_url":null},{"title":"A Sustainable Future","description":"

As a leader in sustainable packaging, the company focuses on using renewable, recyclable, and recycled materials to create environmentally friendly solutions. Corrugated packaging, their core product, exemplifies this approach. Made from paper-based corrugated board sourced from sustainable forestry and recycled paper.

Demand is being driven by societal and regulatory pressures which will continue to ramp over the coming decade. For investors this generates higher profits as renewable packaging comes at a price premium.

","video":null,"video_iframe_url":null}],"company_contents":[{"theme":"Key Documents","contents":[{"title":"XR is changing the way we operate.","content":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI7bnSNgs4Y&ab_channel=WestRockCompany","type":"video","description":"Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.","content_iframe_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/mI7bnSNgs4Y?start=0","showcase_company_content_theme_id":744},{"title":"Smurfit Westrock Q2 FY24 Results","content":"https://s203.q4cdn.com/463220948/files/doc_financials/2024/q2/SW-Q2-24-Results-VF4.pdf","type":"article","description":null,"content_iframe_url":null,"showcase_company_content_theme_id":744},{"title":"Smurfit Kappa Annual Report 2023","content":"https://s203.q4cdn.com/463220948/files/doc_financials/2023/ar/Smurfit_Kappa_AR2023-Interactive.pdf","type":"pdf","description":null,"content_iframe_url":null,"showcase_company_content_theme_id":744},{"title":"WestRock Annual Report 2023","content":"https://s203.q4cdn.com/463220948/files/doc_financials/2024/ar/2023-Annual-Report-and-2024-Proxy-Statement.pdf","type":"pdf","description":null,"content_iframe_url":null,"showcase_company_content_theme_id":744}]}],"external_insights":[{"theme":"Merger","contents":[{"title":"Anthony Smurfit, CEO + President, Smurfit Westrock Joins Us LIVE on NYSE TV","content":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwEqOz57vmA&ab_channel=NewYorkStockExchange","type":"video","description":"Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.","content_iframe_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/iwEqOz57vmA?start=0","showcase_external_insight_theme_id":967},{"title":"Smurfit Westrock CEO and CFO on its recent merger with Westrock and role of innovation + technology","content":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s70WOyg9Hyo&ab_channel=NewYorkStockExchange","type":"video","description":"Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.","content_iframe_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/s70WOyg9Hyo?start=0","showcase_external_insight_theme_id":967},{"title":"An exclusive insight into the next steps for Smurfit Westrock","content":"https://packagingeurope.com/an-exclusive-insight-into-the-next-steps-for-smurfit-westrock/11666.article","type":"article","description":"Smurfit Kappa and WestRock's combination to form Smurfit Westrock has been the talk of the packaging industry since it was announced last September - but what can we expect from its future? Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Europe MEA and APAC, walks us through his vision of the new ...","content_iframe_url":null,"showcase_external_insight_theme_id":967},{"title":"I never get bored with Smurfit Kappa. 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Easing of Macro Pressures

Over the past 2 years, margins have been hit by rising material costs and weakening consumer demand.

The inventory glut that arose during COVID has depressed industry volumes and pricing in recent years. This industry should now be poised to enjoy better volumes in a recovering economy.
Higher material prices were a function of excess COVID demand and supply chain bottlenecks, these too are starting to normalise.

A gradual improvement in both of the factors mentioned above should be a net benefit for margins at the combined company.

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Post-Merger Integration

With the recent closure of the deal between Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, Smurfit WestRock can now establish new targets aimed at unlocking synergies, optimising operations, and enhancing cost efficiencies.

While Smurfit Kappa is already a well-established leader in the industry, WestRock is at the beginning of its transformative journey. As the company accelerates its integration and operational alignment over the next year, it is poised to create significant value for Smurfit WestRock, with an expected €400 million of cost synergies from the combination positioning it for sustained growth and innovation in the packaging market.

","cta_name":null,"cta_link":null,"video":null,"video_iframe_url":null},{"id":1548,"showcase_id":292,"type":"long","description":"

Global Sustainability Trends

The increasing global focus on sustainability and the circular economy will continue to create demand for renewable and recyclable packaging, solidifying Smurfit WestRock’s leadership in sustainable packaging over the long term. Consumer expectations will drive demand for specific types of packaging products, particularly as governments push toward carbon neutrality by 2050.

This will only be enhanced by continued innovation, driving pricing power in a low-growth industry. As the undisputed leader, Smurfit Westrock will generate greater economies of scale on its R&D. A key competitive advantage vs smaller competitors.

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Smurfit WestRock faces several significant challenges as it moves forward post-merger. The company reported mixed results in Q2 FY24, largely due to lower average box pricing in Europe, which points to competitive pressures and potential overcapacity in the corrugated packaging market. These factors complicate cost recovery efforts and highlight the need for strategic adjustments. Despite these challenges, Smurfit WestRock is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the projected growth in the packaging industry. The merger has significantly expanded its global reach and market presence, allowing the company to leverage synergies and enhance operational efficiencies. By focusing on innovative, sustainable packaging solutions and optimizing its supply chain, Smurfit WestRock aims to navigate current market dynamics effectively and capture emerging opportunities

","video":null,"video_iframe_url":null},{"id":2015,"showcase_id":292,"question":"What is Smurfit Westrock’s product offering?","answer":"

Smurfit Westrock offers a diverse range of products designed to meet the needs of various industries while emphasising sustainability. Corrugated packaging, the company’s core offering, is made up of a few layers of material rather than just a single sheet like cardboard. These containers remain intact even when exposed to shocks, moisture, and sudden temperature changes. Made predominantly from trees, corrugated packaging is the most recovered packaging material on the planet. The company’s portfolio also includes paper and board, consumer packaging, speciality packaging, bag-in-box products, machinery and automation, and displays. Smurfit WestRock operates 62 paper mills worldwide, where they manufacture a substantial amount of their paper-based raw materials internally.

","video":null,"video_iframe_url":null},{"id":2016,"showcase_id":292,"question":"How is Smurfit Westrock performing compared to its competitors?","answer":"

Smurfit WestRock is an industry leader in corrugated packaging, leveraging cutting-edge innovation, supported by a global network of 1,500 interconnected designers, which enables them to create tailored solutions that meet diverse customer needs across various sectors. Operating in 40 countries, Smurfit WestRock occupies the number one or number two market position in most of these regions, reinforcing its competitive edge. As the company continues to fully integrate and realise synergies from its merger, it is well-positioned to dominate the corrugated packaging industry going forward.

","video":null,"video_iframe_url":null},{"id":2017,"showcase_id":292,"question":"How is Smurfit Westrock doing on the ESG front?","answer":"

Smurfit WestRock’s business model and product offering are deeply rooted in its commitment to sustainability and responsible corporate practices. By delivering sustainable packaging solutions at scale, Smurfit WestRock not only strengthens its own ESG performance but also actively helps its clients meet their environmental and social goals. Their product range, which includes corrugated packaging, is made largely from paper-based materials, incorporating both recycled fibres and responsibly sourced virgin wood fibres. For virgin fibres, the company adheres to strict forest stewardship principles, ensuring that its sourcing aligns with certifications from leading programs like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), guaranteeing the sustainable management of forests.

","video":null,"video_iframe_url":null},{"id":2018,"showcase_id":292,"question":"How is Smurfit Westrock incorporating AI into its business model?","answer":"

The packaging industry needs to constantly innovate and develop new products and solutions that not only meet consumer preferences but also address environmental concerns. Smurfit Westrock are integrating augmented reality (AR) tools and investing in enhanced operational efficiency and safety. These technologies help team members to perform repairs more quickly and reduce machinery downtime, demonstrating our commitment to leveraging innovation for practical benefits. In 2023, the company made significant strides in materials science, packaging design and automation. One notable achievement was the development of PETCollar® Shield Plus, a paperboard bottle carrier that replaces plastic rings. This solution, implemented in collaboration with Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, aims to help Liberty remove approximately 200,000 pounds of plastic packaging from its footprint annually.

","video":null,"video_iframe_url":null}],"researches":[],"articles":[],"team_members":[{"id":1586,"showcase_id":292,"name":"Anthony Smurfit","role":"President & Group Chief Executive Officer","image":"https://curation-api-production-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/5/1729155231.jpeg","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonysmurfit/?originalSubdomain=ie","x_link":null,"description":"

Anthony Smurfit has served as a Director of the Group since 1989 and was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer in September 2015. He has worked in various parts of the Smurfit Group both in Europe and the United States since he joined the Group. He was Group Chief Operations Officer from November 2002 to September 2015 and Chief Executive of Smurfit Europe from October 1999 to 2002 prior to which he was Deputy Chief Executive of Smurfit Europe and previously Chief Executive Officer of Smurfit France. He is a Board member of CEPI (Confederation of European Paper Industries), and is also a member of the European Round Table of Industrialists. (Born 1963)

"},{"id":1587,"showcase_id":292,"name":"Ken Bowles","role":"Executive Vice President & Group Chief Financial Officer","image":"https://curation-api-production-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/5/1729155267.jpeg","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-bowles-83b4b54/?originalSubdomain=ie","x_link":null,"description":"

Ken Bowles was appointed Group Chief Financial Officer in April 2016 and was appointed a Director in December 2016. He joined the Group in 1994 and has occupied a number of finance roles in various parts of the Group. In 2004 he was appointed as the Group’s first Head of Compliance, in 2007 he became the Group’s Head of Tax and in 2010 he was appointed Group Financial Controller. Mr Bowles is an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants and holds a first class MBA from the UCD Graduate School of Business. (Born 1971)

"},{"id":1588,"showcase_id":292,"name":"Laurent Sellier","role":"President & Chief Executive Officer North America","image":"https://curation-api-production-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/5/1729155376.jpeg","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurent-sellier-6844348/","x_link":null,"description":"

Appointed CEO of Smurfit Kappa The Americas on 1st Jan 2022. He joined the Company in 1994 as an Internal Auditor and since then has worked in several positions across Smurfit Kappa in France, the UK, Spain and the Netherlands. Previous to his current position, Laurent was COO of the Smurfit Kappa Europe Paper and Board Division. Laurent graduated from the Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Paris in 1990 and also served in the French Navy. (Born 1968)

"},{"id":1589,"showcase_id":292,"name":"Saverio Mayer","role":"President & Chief Executive Officer Europe, MEA & APAC","image":"https://curation-api-production-assets.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/5/1729155454.jpeg","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/saverio-mayer-ab4b3b1b9/?originalSubdomain=nl","x_link":null,"description":"

Since joining the Company in 1986, Saverio has held a number of commercial and operational roles. In 1996 he became Head of Pan European Sales before taking up the position of CEO of Italy in 2001. In conjunction with his role in Italy, Saverio has also been CEO of SK Russia 2007-2009, CEO of SK Poland from 2007-2011 and since 2011 was responsible for the Bag-in-Box (‘BIB’) Division. In September 2015, he was appointed Chief Operations Officer of Corrugated and Converting Europe and was responsible for the operational, sales, and financial performance of the corrugated plants and BIB.

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