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Innovating for our customers and their customers

WestRock innovating for our customers WestRock innovating for our customers

Activating Our Purpose Through Innovation 

WestRock is creating a fiber-based future by stretching the limits of paper. Through packaging innovation, we’re working to create fiber-based alternatives that are stronger, last longer and do more.
 
We drive innovation through a disciplined approach that includes discovery, research, development and new product introduction. WestRock’s innovation professionals work with our businesses throughout the world to develop products that meet our customers’ sustainability needs and performance requirements.

 

Download the 2023 Report
Our Commitment to Innovation

Thanks to our team of scientists and innovators, we are on target with making 100% of WestRock’s packaging product recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2025.

Our Progress

As of 2023, ~96% of our packaging is recyclable, compostable or reusable with a goal to reach 100% by 2025.

Cornerstones of Innovation

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Materials science
materials science

Materials Science

Materials Science

Innovations in how fiber-based substrates are woven, strengthened, coated and adhered lead to new processes for producing packaging and new products that are designed to withstand liquid, moisture, grease and weight.

Innovative packaging design
packaging design innovation

Packaging Design

Packaging Design

Innovations in design change the look, feel and/or performance of packaging, creating new types capable of replacing plastic or housing new products just brought to market.

Digitization of Packaging
digitization of packaging

Digital

Digital

The evolution of artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and digital automation is pushing rapid innovation, leading to improved processes within WestRock operations and new products that enhance the customer experience.

Machinery and Automation
machinery automation

Machinery & Automation

Machinery & Automation

Whether we are creating new machines or adaptations for the machines customers are already using, machine innovation is designed to make it easier for businesses to adopt sustainable packaging, make their packaging lines efficient and scale operations.

The Impact of Innovation

Our commitment to innovation and sustainability produces groundbreaking solutions that make real impacts, reduce emissions and create a more circular economy.

Helping Customers Meet Their Sustainability Goals

As a leading provider of fiber-based packaging, we’re uniquely positioned to help our customers make progress toward their packaging-related sustainability goals while winning in the marketplace. Our partnerships replace plastic with fiber-based packaging solutions, drive more efficient use of materials through automation and design, help reduce the carbon footprint of customers’ packaging and increase the recyclability of common packaging formats.


Explore our 2023 Innovation highlights
WestRock Innovation stories

Liberty Coca-Cola: PETCollar™ Shield Plus

PETCollar™ Shield Plus is a paperboard bottle carrier that replaces plastic rings. WestRock is partnering with bottler, Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, to implement the system for its multipacks, with operation scheduled to begin by summer 2024. Liberty Coca-Cola installed a paperboard packaging system for mini-cans in 2022; together, the two systems are expected to replace 200,000 pounds of plastic packaging a year.

WestRock Innovation stories

Costco and Certified Origins: ClusterClip™ and EnduraGrip™

Packaging designers at Costco wanted to replace plastic packaging for bottles and jars in a range of sizes, shapes, weights and multipack configurations. The company worked with WestRock to implement two fiber-based solutions, Cluster-Clip™ and EnduraGrip™, which enable brands to transition from rigid plastic and shrink film to renewable paperboard. WestRock also partnered with Certified Origins, a leading private-label olive oil and food company, to implement sustainable EnduraGrip™ handles and the Cluster-Clip™ bundling solution, reducing plastic packaging and eliminating the need for plastic clips and shrink film.