Smurfit Westrock Plc, an Irish-American leader in paper-based packaging, has signed its first renewable energy power purchase agreement (PPA) in Argentina. The deal will supply its manufacturing facility with 22 GWh of solar energy annually from the 122 MW 360Energy La Rioja Solar Complex.
Smurfit Westrock Signs Agreement to Reduce Emissions
This agreement with 360Energy supports Smurfit Westrock’s strategic goal to reduce its CO2 emissions. The energy will be sourced from the La Rioja Solar Complex, one of Argentina’s largest solar parks serving the MATER market.
The PPA will power the Smurfit Westrock plant in Bernal, Buenos Aires, part of its Argentina-Chile cluster. The facility uses post-consumer fibres to manufacture paper for corrugated cardboard packaging.
By replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy, this initiative will eliminate 10,000 tons of CO2e emissions annually—the equivalent of planting 165,000 trees—and marks a significant step toward Smurfit Westrock’s emissions reduction goals.
Agreement Includes IREC Certification
The agreement between 360Energy and Smurfit Westrock also includes IRECs—international certificates that confirm the energy’s renewable origin and underscore the company’s commitment to sustainability.
A Shared Commitment to Sustainability
Finalized in just one day at 360Energy’s Buenos Aires offices, the contract marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration, reinforcing both companies’ shared commitment to a more sustainable future.
In attendance were 360Energy’s CEO Federico Sbarbi Osuna and commercial team lead Ricardo Bernengo, along with Rodrigo Longarte, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Argentina & Chile, and Mario Virili, Director of Paper and Fibers.
“This alliance marks a milestone in the company’s history in the country. As leaders in sustainability, we base our sustainable growth goals on three pillars: People, Planet and Impact Business. This means that we continually seek to minimise our environmental impact and practice responsible governance; treat our stakeholders with respect; and create an impact business through our products and their production,” said Rodrigo Longarte, CEO of Smurfit Westrock Argentina & Chile.
“This is the first agreement, but our vision is to continue advancing by incorporating our other plants in the country under this model, to achieve the objectives established at a global level,” said Mario Virili, Director of Paper and Fibers at Smurfit Westrock.
