DUBLIN, Ireland,
Jan. 23, 2012
(Press Release) -
Leading paper-based packaging manufacturer, Smurfit Kappa UK has achieved one of the UK's highest recorded scores in its first independently audited Workplace Conditions Assessment, scoring 99% against the Workplace Performance Index.
Smurfit Kappa's commitment to ethical and social standards is ingrained at all levels of the business, and it is through the strong moral values underpinning the organisation that such outstanding results are consistently achieved.
The two-day assessment was carried out at Smurfit Kappa Stalybridge during November 2011, by independent auditors reporting to Smurfit Kappa's customer Astra Zeneca, as part of its Responsible Procurement Programme. The 99% score was the highest the auditor had given in his 40-year history.
Part of a global programme by Astra Zeneca, featuring a unique scorecard that produces measured results, the assessment compares a facility's performance against industry sectors, country and global benchmarks. This allows better understanding of compliance risks and progress tracking, and encourages continuous improvement.
The two-day, in-depth appraisal covered statutory and social responsibility Labour Relations; Working Conditions, including wages and hours; Health and Safety; Quality; Management Systems; Environmental Impact and Business Practices.
Smurfit Kappa's Workplace Performance Index of 99%, exceeded the UK's average performance by 13% and the Global average for its sector by 22%.
John Taylor, Health, Safety and Environmental Manager based at Smurfit Kappa Stalybridge, Tameside explains; "This high level of compliance reflects the importance that Smurfit Kappa places on Ethical and Social standards, ensuring our Pan-European customers can be confident their procurement processes do not undermine the strong social and ethical positions required of today's leading brands."
He continues "Our progress in workplace ethics has been identified and measured as one of the strongest recorded in the UK, reflecting the high level of moral responsibility that runs through our workforce from the shop floor to executive management. Ensuring our customers' workforces are happy, safe and secure is just another way that Smurfit Kappa continues to support its customers' brands."
Smurfit Kappa has always been a leader in environmental responsibility, being the first integrated packaging manufacturer to be awarded Carbon Trust Standard across all of its Packaging, Paper and Recycling facilities in the UK, along with achieving FSC and PEFC certification for its paper and packaging production.
