Smurfit Westrock has partnered with SLR and RIZM to accelerate decarbonization across its European recycled paper mills.
The collaboration focuses on developing detailed, site-specific transition plans to support Smurfit Westrock’s Net Zero objectives. Recycled paper mills are energy-intensive operations, making practical decarbonization pathways critical to the group’s broader Net Zero Transition Plan, while also helping mitigate rising EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) costs as free allowances are phased out.
Under the partnership, SLR leads the studies, stakeholder engagement, and scenario analysis, providing insights on technologies, markets, and regulation. RIZM contributes advanced software that creates digital twins of site energy systems, using AI-driven optimization to support investment decisions, operations, and long-term energy planning.
The resulting transition plans identify technically and economically viable projects tailored to each site, defining key technologies, investment needs, energy sourcing strategies, cost trajectories, and emissions pathways. Together, they will guide execution of Smurfit Westrock’s European Net Zero roadmap while strengthening resilience amid shifting energy markets and policies.
“Our recycled paper mills are at the heart of Smurfit Westrock’s sustainability journey,” said Pim Wareman, Chief Executive Officer Recycled Paper Europe, noting that site-level roadmaps turn ambition into actionable, economically sound decisions.
Smurfit Westrock is a leading global provider of paper-based packaging solutions, employing around 100,000 people across 40 countries and serving customers worldwide.
SLR is a global environmental and advisory consultancy with more than 4,500 professionals operating across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. It supports clients with evidence-based, practical solutions across energy, industry, infrastructure, and sustainability transitions.
RIZM develops AI-driven software that helps industrial companies optimise energy systems by shifting consumption to periods of lower cost and lower carbon intensity. Its solutions support energy planning, operations, and energy trading, and are used by major industrial groups across Europe, including companies in the paper, automotive, chemical, and steel sectors.
Source: SLR
