Smurfit Westrock's Três Barras Mill: 50 Years of Innovation

Três Barras Mill

Source: Smurfit Westrock

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Smurfit Westrock's Três Barras paper mill, Latin America's largest kraftliner producer, celebrated its 50th anniversary this December, marking half a century of sustainable innovation and community impact in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

The mill, employing 600 people, has been a cornerstone of socioeconomic development in the region. Over the past five years, Smurfit Westrock invested $345 million to enhance the mill's production capabilities and sustainability credentials.

Powered by an innovative biomass-based boiler, the facility boasts significant energy self-sufficiency. Its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles is evident in initiatives like DesEnvolve, launched in 2022, which provides education and opportunities for socially vulnerable individuals.

Manuel Alcalá, CEO of Smurfit Westrock in Brazil, emphasized the company's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. "We offer our customers the best solutions in paper and corrugated packaging," he stated, highlighting the mill's role in creating a legacy built on paper and local talent.

The Três Barras mill's high HyPerform kraft paper serves a wide customer base across South America and South Africa. As it enters its next half-century, the facility remains committed to excellence, safety, and collaboration, according to Ali Abdul Ayoub, Industrial Director of Virgin Paper at the mill.

This milestone underscores Smurfit Westrock's position as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, demonstrating how industry can drive innovation while fostering community development and environmental stewardship.

Smurfit Westrock is a global leader in paper-based packaging solutions, formed from the merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock. The company employs approximately 100,000 people across 40 countries and is known for its commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices. Smurfit Westrock produces various types of packaging, including corrugated boxes, and plays a significant role in recycling and reintroducing used materials into the production cycle to minimize environmental impact.