MOROCCO (News release) -- The inauguration of the new integrated corrugated plant in Rabat, Morocco, marks Smurfit Kappa's first operation in North Africa.

Morocco offers an exciting opportunity, with the OECD forecasting a 3.5% growth rate in 2023 and 3.7% in 2024. The country's location enables Smurfit Kappa to serve not only the local market but wider regions in Africa.

The Group has invested over Euro 35 million in the 25,000 m2 facility, which was completed from ground-break to operation in seven months and will support 400 direct and indirect jobs. It will serve domestic Moroccan businesses and global companies across different sectors: industrial, agricultural, FMCG, automotive, pharma and ceramics. It also features the newest Experience Centres, part of a network of over 30 centres worldwide, which showcase the latest innovations in packaging solutions.

Nearly 1,500 solar panels will power the new plant making it Morocco's first packaging facility which is supplied by green energy ensuring the process is as sustainable as the product. This will save 55% of electricity and 900 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The innovative packaging plant also has a purification and water treatment system that reduces consumption by 50%.

Smurfit Kappa Group plc is one of the world's largest manufacturers of paper-based packaging products.