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.
Cornerstones of Innovation
Materials Science
Packaging Design
Digital
Machinery & Automation
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.
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.
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.