Smurfit Westrock has introduced an innovative Bag-in-Box packaging solution called Powergrip, designed to help companies meet upcoming European packaging regulations under the PPWR framework.
Developed at Smurfit Westrock’s Turnhout plant in Belgium, Powergrip is intended to replace traditional High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) bottles and jerrycans ranging from two to five litres. The new design features a cardboard casing and an integrated handle for one-handed pouring, with a vacuum bag that minimizes sloshing and prevents spillage.
Containing up to 75% less plastic than conventional HDPE containers, Powergrip combines functionality and sustainability, offering improved product protection and easier handling. It can be used for a wide range of liquid products, including cleaning agents, oils, and agrochemical solutions.
“With the 2030 deadline for European packaging legislation on the horizon, companies must rethink their packaging strategies,” said Matthias Hoskens, General Manager at Smurfit Westrock Van Mierlo. “Powergrip shows how innovation can turn regulatory challenges into opportunities, delivering sustainable and competitive solutions.”
The Turnhout plant, operating for more than a century, employs about 160 people and specializes in offset-printed packaging for electronics, beverages, and confectionery. Smurfit Westrock remains a European leader in Bag-in-Box systems, providing expertise across films, accessories, boxes, taps, and filling lines.
Smurfit WestRock is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions, formed from the merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock in 2024. The company operates across more than 40 countries, providing packaging products for a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, e-commerce, and consumer goods. Its activities span containerboard, corrugated, paperboard, and specialty packaging, with a focus on circular design and responsible production.
