Smurfit Kappa's strength in sustainability leads to success at Nestlé supplier awards

Smurfit Kappa has been recognised as a valued sustainable solutions partner at this year’s Nestlé Supplier awards. 

The packaging leader, which has a strong track record in creating innovative and sustainable solutions, won a total of five awards including the prestigious ‘Best Sustainable Supplier’ award, an ‘Outstanding Individual’ award and three other individual awards for stand-out service.

Smurfit Kappa UK’s collaboration with Nestlé has focused on creating innovative packaging solutions which reduce carbon footprint when integrated into the supply chain. 

The award acknowledges improvements such as removing the need for plastic wrapping on Nestlé UK’s Azera Nitro Col Brew Coffee product. Smurfit Kappa designed a 100% recyclable shelf-ready pack which protects the product while also increasing the available print area to showcase the brand. The new solution will remove an estimated 26,000m2 of plastic shrink wrap from the supply chain in the first year, an area almost as big as four football pitches. 

Since the launch of its Better Planet Packaging initiative in 2018, Smurfit Kappa has committed to using its expertise in recycling, paper, design and packaging to develop sustainable solutions which reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.  

On receiving the award for Outstanding Individual, Michelle McClements, UK National Accounts Director at Smurfit Kappa UK, said: “I’m delighted to get this award after what has been a very successful collaborative process with Nestlé. Through this partnership we have overcome many complex packaging challenges.

“Packaging plays an invaluable role in guarding against waste alongside bringing a range of other customer benefits like brand identity and supply chain optimisation.”

The Nestlé supplier awards highlight the role of customer account managers in creating successful partnerships by presenting Individual Supplier Awards for excellent customer service. 

Nestlé and Smurfit Kappa have built a strong strategic partnership over the years with nine sites in the UK providing packaging solutions for Nestlé. 

• Smurfit Kappa Winners at Nestlé Supplier Award
• Best sustainable supplier - Smurfit Kappa UK
• Outstanding Individual Michelle McClements - UK National Accounts Director, SK UK
• Individual Award Richard Moorcraft - Smurfit Kappa Yate
• Individual Award Amanda Griffiths - Smurfit Kappa Mold
• Individual Award Barry Munton - Smurfit Kappa CRP Litho