Smurfit Westrock was unveiled as the ‘Best Irish Company in France’ in the 2024 Ireland France awards last night. The awards recognise companies which have made an exceptional contribution to the development of trade and investment between Ireland and France.
The accolade comes on the back of a historic year for the packaging leader during which the newly formed Smurfit Westrock made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange.
The company’s sustainability credentials also came to the forefront this year when it was chosen by Airweave to supply over 16,000 100% recyclable bed frames for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Comprising 36 paper-based elements, the bed frames were manufactured locally to minimise the environmental impact of transportation to Paris alongside supporting the regional economy.
After the Games, they were collected, recycled and turned into the equivalent of 1.5 million wine boxes, a true example of circularity. Smurfit Westrock has established itself as the go-to partner of choice for innovative and sustainable packaging in France with almost 50 manufacturing sites servicing over 7,000 customers in the country.
Speaking at the awards ceremony in Paris, Andrew Coffey, CEO of Smurfit Westrock France, said: “I’m truly honoured to receive the ‘Best Irish Company in France’ award. I’m proud of the significant presence we have established in this country thanks to our talented and dedicated team of over 6,000 employees. We deliver value-adding solutions through the most innovative approach in the industry.
“2024 has been an exciting year for us both in becoming Smurfit Westrock and being a key supporter of the sustainability ambitions of Paris 2024. I’d like to thank the France Ireland Chamber of Commerce and NetworkIrlande for this prestigious award and look forward to continuing to play our part in the strong economic relationship between Ireland and France.”
Niall Burgess, Ambassador of Ireland to France and Honorary President of NetworkIrlande, said: “The business relationship between Ireland and France is flourishing as never before, producing significant results for both countries. The Ireland France Business Awards is an important occasion to both celebrate this and to build on it, generating new momentum in this thriving relationship.” Earlier this year Smurfit Westrock was also certified as a top employer in France by the Top Employers Institute, one of the world’s most prestigious human resources authorities.