Smart packaging with a global perspective

Paper-based solutions and digital innovations in packaging

The Smurfit Westrock portfolio includes corrugated boxes, cardboard packaging, premium packaging, paper bags, Bag-in-Box systems developed for liquids, self-adhesive and booklet labels and in-store displays. All of their packaging designs are made from recyclable paper; through their own paper mills and recycling network, they operate according to the principles of the circular economy. Smurfit Westrock has developed digital decision support systems that make it possible for companies to optimise their entire supply chain, from primary packaging to warehousing. The diversity of packaging requirements is a challenge for all market players today. Different retail channels require different solutions, so Smurfit Westrock has developed a digital toolkit that provides comprehensive support from product design to supply chain simulation. “Packaging today isn’t only about protecting the product, but also a business decision”, emphasised Gyula Mazan, innovation manager of Smurfit Westrock.

Revolutionary innovations

The European Union’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is transforming the packaging industry from 2025. It stipulates that all packaging put on the market must be recyclable and that the proportion of empty space within the packaging mustn’t exceed 50%. Smurfit Westrock’s PPWReview tool is specifically designed to help meet these requirements. The company’s philosophy is that packaging isn’t just a practical element, but part of the customer experience. With the help of the Store Visualizer digital tool, manufacturers can see in a realistic simulation how their product will appear on store shelves and what visual impact it will have on shoppers. Effective packaging is also key in logistics and the PackExpert Benchmarker simulation system measures the load-bearing capacity and stability of packaging throughout the entire supply chain. The SupplySmart Analyser system provides an integrated view of packaging and logistics processes.

New factory in Veszprém: self-adhesive and booklet labels

Zoltán Mikó, business development manager at Smurfit Westrock tells us that the company’s new production plant in Veszprém – it is the European manufacturing centre for self-adhesive and booklet (multilayer) labels – is a facility that stands alone in Europe. The factory primarily serves the specific needs of the pesticide and pharmaceutical industries, but is also expanding into the beauty, food and automotive industries. The Veszprém factory has three digital and one traditional Flexo printing machines, as well as two processing lines for cutting, folding, stapling and gluing labels, explained Zoltán Mikó. (x)