Smurfit Kappa has completed a successful testing session of a fully electric truck, representing a further step in its sustainability journey.
The Interreg electric Green Last Mile (eGLM) project involves the roll-out of seven 100% electric trucks in the German-Dutch border area. It is noted that the trucks, which can be charged quickly, will significantly minimise carbon dioxide emissions.
Earlier this year, Smurfit Kappa reported a relative reduction in fossil carbon dioxide emissions by 29% compared to its baseline year, 2005. The packaging company has had a long-term commitment to making real and measurable progress against its five strategic sustainability priorities of forest, climate change, water, waste and people.
Jo Cox, CEO, Smurfit Kappa Recycled Paper East, said, ‘We are delighted to have completed a successful pilot of this exciting project. These trucks are clean, quiet and environmentally friendly and have performed impressively so far.
‘We believe that through taking a sustainable approach to every aspect of our company, products operations and logistics, we become more efficient and this certainly looks to be the case with the new trucks.’
The eGLM project is claimed as being, ‘set to accelerate innovation amongst vehicle manufacturers,’ and kick-start the electrical truck market. The first 100% electric truck will be delivered to Smurfit Kappa’s Zülpich Paper Mill in Germany.
