Multinational packaging business DS Smith’s Atlanta division in the US is supporting a mission to educate, advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River in the state of Georgia, in partnership with the environmental organisation Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK).

DS Smith will be a gold sponsor of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s 30th Anniversary Patron Celebration on 4 October in the city of Atlanta. The event raises funds to cover a significant portion of CRK’s annual operating budget.

Its programmes include in-stream trash removal, water quality monitoring, a floating classroom, water planning and conservation, legislative work and enforcement.

The Atlanta area DS Smith team will also participate in a river clean-up with CRK in October 2024.

Through its Now & Next sustainability strategy, DS Smith focuses on four areas: circularity, carbon, communities and nature. It works to replace problem plastics, take carbon out of supply chains and provide innovative recycling solutions.

DS Smith corporate affairs director for North America Ryan Rogers commented: “This partnership reflects our commitment to sustainability and community. We will create opportunities for our employees to learn more about how important it is to ensure there is enough clean water now and for future generations.”

The company continues to make progress on its planned merger with International Paper which is expected to be finalised in the fourth quarter of 2024.