Smurfit Westrock’s Três Barras mill celebrates 50 years of sustainable innovation

Smurfit Westrock’s Três Barras paper mill in Brazil, which is Latin America’s largest producer of kraftliner paper, is celebrating 50 years in the community.

The mill, which is located in the northern plateau of Santa Catarina, has played an important part in the socioeconomic development of the area and currently employs 600 people. Over US$345 million has been invested in the site in the last five years to strengthen both the mill’s production capabilities and sustainability credentials.

Powered by an innovative biomass-based boiler, the mill has a significant self-sufficiency energy rate. During its rich 50-year history, the mill has established itself as an integral part of the local community and demonstrated its deep commitment to ESG.

In 2022, the Smurfit Westrock Tres Barras mill was proud to launch its DesEnvolve initiative which provides support and opportunities for socially vulnerable people through education in technical competencies. The success of DesEnvolve has led to the expansion of the program throughout the company in Brazil. This is one of several transformative initiatives promoting education, health and social wellbeing that Smurfit Westrock develops in the region.

The high HyPerform kraft paper produced at the mill supplies a wide customer base across Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and South Africa.

 “Smurfit Westrock celebrates its historic trajectory and is committed to continue being a leader in innovation and sustainability while strengthening our connection with the community even more,” said Manuel Alcalá, CEO of Smurfit Westrock in Brazil. “We offer our customers the best solutions in paper and corrugated packaging. Our desire is for the people of the Três Barras mill and of the region to know that they belong to a greater history that is built with paper and with the participation and talent of each one of them.”

Ali Abdul Ayoub, Industrial Director of Virgin Paper at Smurfit Westrock Tres Barras, added “Over these five decades, we have faced challenges, achieved victories and built a culture of safety, collaboration and excellence. We look to the next 50 years with enthusiasm, certain that the next generations will continue to write this success story.”