Challenge 22. “Additive for producing recyclable paper with wet strength”
About Smurfit Westrock
Smurfit Westrock Sangüesa is an industrial plant located in Navarre that specializes in the manufacture of high-performance MG paper for packaging, containers, and industrial processes. It is part of Smurfit Westrock, a leading global group in sustainable paper-based packaging, and combines industrial expertise, production capacity, and innovation to serve customers across various sectors and international markets. Its operations are centered on developing renewable, recyclable solutions aligned with the circular economy, in a context where sustainable packaging is becoming increasingly important.
Learn about Challenge 22, which Smurfit Westrock has submitted to the Open Innovation program.
Challenge 22. “Additive for producing recyclable paper with wet strength”
The Sangüesa plant manufactures MG Kraft paper for applications where mechanical strength and wet strength are critical properties, particularly in sectors such as food, packaging, and industrial uses.
Currently, the solutions available to provide wet strength meet the product’s functional requirements but have limitations in terms of recyclability under the criteria set forth in the new European Packaging and Waste Regulation (PPWR). Although some of these solutions may be compostable, they do not meet conventional recyclability standards, which poses a future regulatory and commercial barrier.
The challenge is to identify and/or develop an additive that preserves the paper’s wet strength properties while ensuring its recyclability under the new European standards, and that is industrially viable in terms of process, cost, and production stability.
This is a strategic challenge given the growing regulatory pressure, end-customer demands, and the emergence of alternative solutions from competitors.
Expected benefits
The ability to develop additives that produce recyclable paper with wet strength will enable Smurfit to make an impact in several key areas:
Regulatory Compliance: Proactive Approach to PPWR Recyclability Requirements.
Competitive advantage: A range of wet-strength and recyclable papers compared to conventional solutions.
Sustainability: Reducing environmental impact and improving our position in the circular economy.
Access to new markets: Opportunity to expand applications in sectors with stricter regulatory requirements.
What are they looking for in a collaborator?
We are looking for technology centers, startups, chemical suppliers, or R&D teams with experience in:
Polymer Chemistry and Paper Additives.
Fiber functionalization and wet strength.
Solutions aligned with recyclability and the circular economy.
We value the ability to work collaboratively with the plant’s technical team to validate and scale solutions in a real-world industrial environment.
Do you have any questions?
Write to us and we'll get back to you
The Open Innovation program is funded by
