Smurfit Westrock Plc, an Irish-American leader in paper-based packaging has signed its first renewable energy power purchase agreement (PPA) in Argentina. The agreement secures 22 GWh of solar energy annually for its manufacturing facility sourced from the 122 MW 360Energy La Rioja Solar Complex.
Smurfit Westrock Signs Agreement to Reduce Emissions
To support its goal of reducing CO2 emissions, Smurfit Westrock has signed its first renewable energy agreement in Argentina with 360Energy. The energy will be sourced from the La Rioja Solar Complex, one of Argentina's largest solar parks targeting the MATER market. This agreement will power one of Smurfit Westrock's plants in the Argentina-Chile cluster located in Bernal, Buenos Aires where post-consumer fibres manufacture paper for corrugated cardboard packaging.
By replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, this initiative will prevent the emission of 10,000 tons of CO2e (equivalent to planting 165,000 trees) annually, significantly advancing Smurfit Westrock's emissions reduction objectives.
Partnerships to Provide IRECs for Renewable Energy
The agreement between 360Energy and Smurfit Westrock also includes the provision of IRECs - international certificates - that confirm the renewable origin of the energy consumed by Smurfit Westrock, further underscoring the company’s dedication to sustainability.
Partnerships’ Commitment to Sustainability
The contract was finalised in a single day at 360Energy’s Buenos Aires offices where CEO Federico Sbarbi Osuna along with the commercial team led by Ricardo Bernengo were present. Joining them were Rodrigo Longarte, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Argentina & Chile and Mario Virili, Director of Paper and Fibers. This event marked the start of a strategic collaboration and underscored both companies' commitment to advancing a more sustainable future.
“This alliance marks a milestone in the company’s history in the country. As leaders in sustainability, we base our sustainable growth goals on three pillars: People, Planet and Impact Business. This means that we continually seek to minimise our environmental impact and practice responsible governance; treat our stakeholders with respect; and create an impact business through our products and their production.” said Rodrigo Longarte, CEO of Smurfit Westrock.
“This is the first agreement, but our vision is to continue to advance progressively with the incorporation of the rest of the plants that operate in the country under this modality, to achieve the objectives established at a global level,” said Mario Virili, Director of Paper and Fibers of the manufacturer.