Smurfit Kappa’s Van Mierlo Plant Celebrates Centenary

Smurfit Kappa’s Van Mierlo plant in Belgium is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The plant, which was founded by entrepreneur Jan Van Mierlo back in 1918, quickly established itself as a leading supplier of corrugated board in Belgium and then extended its reach throughout Europe.

The Van Mierlo plant produces corrugated board and folding carton used for consumer and gift packaging. The products are printed in offset to a high specification using specialised finishing effects like UV, metallic or soft touch to make the brands come alive on the shelf. 

Smurfit Kappa’s paper-based packaging is the packaging of choice for many brands that seek a more sustainable, high quality alternative to plastic and is used widely in both the eCommerce and retail sectors. 

CEO of Smurfit Kappa Corrugated Benelux, Erik Bunge, said: "The Van Mierlo plant has been an integral part of the local community for a century so we are delighted to celebrate this anniversary. With the combination of our experience, expertise and talented employees we look to the future with confidence.” 

The plant celebrated its 100th anniversary with all its employees in September and will have an event with local authorities, the former Van Mierlo family and many retired employees on November 15th - the date on which the plant was founded.

The Van Mierlo plant employs 160 employees and is part of Smurfit Kappa’s network of corrugated plants in the Benelux region.