Smurfit Kappa celebrates 50 years of innovative paper solutions in Mengibar

Smurfit Kappa’s Mengíbar Paper Mill in Spain is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The mill first opened its doors in 1968 and quickly established itself as a strategic partner for innovative paper solutions.

The Mengíbar Paper Mill uses recycled fibres to make high-quality containerboard for corrugated packaging. The mill’s location in Southern Spain puts it in a prime position to serve Smurfit Kappa’s extensive network of corrugated plants. The close integration between the Mengibar Paper Mill and the corrugated plants enables Smurfit Kappa to facilitate customers’ needs at a moment’s notice.

The growing trend for many brand owners and manufacturers to switch to paper-based packaging solutions due to their renewable nature is significantly increasing the demand for corrugated packaging. Smurfit Kappa produces a range of packaging for fresh produce including its award-winning SoFru box which protects berries through the supply chain and promotes the brand identity in store.

With 121 employees, the mill is a key local employer with many families having two and sometimes even three generations working there since the mill opened 50 years ago.

The CEO of Smurfit Kappa Recycled Paper West, Jelte Bouma, said: “The Mengíbar Mill has achieved a significant amount in its fifty-year history. This has been done by constantly evolving and paying close attention to our customers’ needs.

“This mill is a wonderful example of how a talented team and cutting-edge technology can work to achieve something remarkable.”

The Mengíbar Paper Mill is part of Smurfit Kappa’s global network of paper mills that are all connected through a single, optimised supply chain system. Smurfit Kappa is the No. 1 producer of containerboard in Europe.