Smurfit Kappa Group PLC (LON:SKG) industry-leading commitment to sustainability has been recognised once again by the Euronext Vigeo Eiris index. The packaging leader was listed on the sustainability index for the sixth year in a row after distinguishing itself for its Environmental, Social and Governance (‘ESG’) performance.
The Euronext Vigeo Eiris index is composed of the 120 highest-ranking listed companies for corporate social responsibility performance. To qualify, companies are subject to examination of their sustainability programme by a team of analysts which reviews up to 330 indicators. Only companies that can produce hard evidence of their sustainability programmes and score highly against industry benchmarks make the final list.
Smurfit Kappa’s annual Sustainable Development Report provides a detailed and transparent update on its ESG performance in five strategic areas of focus: Climate Change, Forest, Water, Waste and People.
In the 2017 report, which was launched earlier this year, the company announced several key sustainability achievements including meeting three targets relating to water, climate change and health and safety ahead of time. The report also revealed that Smurfit Kappa has invested approximately €5 million in social and scientific projects to benefit the communities in which it operates.
Steven Stoffer, Group VP Development at Smurfit Kappa, said: “We are delighted to have been listed on this prestigious index again. For Smurfit Kappa, sustainability is not only about mitigating climate change and reducing inefficiency, it is also about taking a sustainable approach to every aspect of our business.
“With a growing number of investors and funds incorporating ESG criteria into their investment decisions, it’s vital for us to provide this assurance. Many of our customers also expect their business partners to have a genuine commitment to corporate social responsibility and this is something that Smurfit Kappa has won several supplier awards for.”
