Smurfit Westrock commits US$19.3M to upgrade Mississippi packaging plant

USA – Smurfit Westrock has announced a US$19.3 million investment in its corrugated operations at the Saltillo, Mississippi, facility. 

This move aims to sharpen efficiency across the site while expanding capabilities to meet rising demand for durable packaging solutions. 

The company, a major player in fiber-based products, sees this as a key step in maintaining a competitive edge in the sustainable materials sector.

The investment targets core improvements in production processes. Workers will handle upgraded equipment that lifts output by 50%, allowing the plant to craft bigger corrugated boxes for shipping and storage needs. 

Local teams have already begun preparations, with full rollout expected to wrap up within the next year. 

Such enhancements come at a time when e-commerce volumes continue to surge, pushing manufacturers toward scalable, eco-friendly options.

“Smurfit Westrock is committed to optimizing the performance and value of its manufacturing operations,” stated Laurent Sellier, President and CEO of Smurfit Westrock North America. 

He noted that the Saltillo expansion highlights close ties with Mississippi development groups, adding system-wide capacity and aiding nearby residents through job stability.

Saltillo’s leadership welcomed the news warmly. Mayor Copey Grantham voiced support for the project, emphasizing how it fortifies the area’s economic base and opens doors for skilled labor.

City officials plan to coordinate with the company on training programs to ensure smooth integration of new tech.

This Mississippi push fits into Smurfit Westrock’s broader push for responsible growth.

In June 2025, the firm released its inaugural sustainability report after the 2024 merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock. 

The document details progress in fiber recovery and reduced emissions, with the company recycling over 80% of its materials last year. 

It also outlines goals to cut water use by 20% across North American sites by 2030.

Earlier this month, Smurfit Westrock earned a spot among the Top 250 World’s Most Sustainable Companies for 2025, as ranked by Sustainability Magazine. 

Evaluators pointed to the firm’s strong performance in governance and environmental metrics, including a 15% drop in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2022. 

This accolade arrives amid heightened scrutiny on packaging giants to prioritize renewable resources.

On the innovation front, the company marked a milestone in September 2025 by finishing its 150th Design2Market initiative. 

Launched in 2022, the program helps clients develop custom, low-impact designs that minimize waste. 

One recent project cut plastic use in a food shipment line by 30%, showcasing practical advances in corrugated tech.

The packaging industry as a whole shows promise for green shifts.

Analysts project the global eco-friendly food packaging market to double in value by 2032, driven by consumer preferences for recyclable alternatives. 

Smurfit Westrock’s Saltillo upgrades position it to capture more of this expansion, particularly in sectors like retail and logistics where larger, tougher boxes prove essential. 

With these steps, the company eyes steady contributions to circular supply chains in the years ahead.

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