Smurfit Westrock will invest around 600 million euros in its French sites over the next three to five years. The packaging group announced the investments in the run-up to the „Choose France“ initiative, underscoring its long-term commitment to the French industrial location.
The company states that it plans to use the funds to modernise and decarbonise its plants. The aim is to make production more efficient, expand innovation capacity in the area of sustainable packaging, and strengthen the competitiveness of its French sites.
Focus on modernisation and decarbonisation
Smurfit Westrock has been operating in France for over 40 years, employing around 6,000 staff at 50 sites. According to the company, more than €500 million has already been invested in modernising its French operations over the past five years.
Saverio Mayer, CEO Europe, MEA and APAC at Smurfit Westrock, explained: „With this continuous investment programme in France, our commitment to innovation, quality, and decarbonisation will be clearly demonstrated.“
He continued: „France continues to offer a strong environment for such projects – through long-term industrial investments, skilled workers, innovative strength, and a clear commitment to sustainability.“
According to the company, Smurfit Westrock now operates four climate-neutral plants in France, as well as a paper mill that is almost entirely decarbonised.
Investments in Épernay, Vernon and Facture
Among the announced projects is an expansion and modernisation of the Épernay site, with an investment volume of 40 million Euros. A further 20 million Euros are to be invested in the corrugated board factory in Vernon. Investments of more than 100 million Euros are planned for the paper mill in Facture, including the installation of an evaporation plant.
Andrew Coffey, CEO of Smurfit Westrock France, said: „It is only right that sites producing sustainable packaging operate sustainably themselves. Achieving net-zero emissions at these sites was a significant milestone and has provided us with an excellent foundation to go even further.“
Source: Smurfit Westrock
