Two brave and determined Smurfit Kappa employees just completed a gruelling 8,500-kilometre cycle in aid of Ukraine. The cycle set off from Gibraltar, Spain and went on to cross ten different countries before finishing in Nordkapp, which is the most northerly point of Norway.

The challenge, which lasted approximately 100 days and ran from May to August, was completed by Philippe Rechoulet (from France) and José Luis Tani Stanghellini (from Italy) who visited 36 Smurfit Kappa sites along the way.

The purpose of the cycle was not only to provide further support to Ukrainian communities impacted by the war, but also to raise awareness of climate change and the benefits of an active lifestyle, which is a pillar of Smurfit Kappa's Wellbeing for Life initiative.

The Nordkapp charity cycle is one of the many projects that Smurfit Kappa has committed to as part of its ongoing work to positively impact the lives of vulnerable and underprivileged people through health and nutrition, basic care and early education.

Commenting on the achievement, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe, Saverio Mayer, said: "This ambitious fundraiser, that was devised by the guys themselves, is testament to the good-hearted and caring nature of our employees here at Smurfit Kappa.

"Giving back to the community is something that we care about deeply, and the Nordkapp Objective Project is one of many initiatives we have in place across the globe to provide support where it is needed. I am so proud of Philippe and José's awe-inspiring achievement."

Philippe Rechoulet said: "To have been part of the Nordkapp Objective Project has been one of the best moments of my professional career. There were so many special moments including receiving such great support and motivation from the Smurfit Kappa plants that we passed along the way."

José Luis Tani Stanghellini added: "I think that it is important to give back where you can. A project like this is at the core of what Smurfit Kappa does and it was great to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause and memorable experience."

Smurfit Kappa matched the €52,500 raised by the cyclists bringing the total sum to €105,000 which will be donated to Médicins Sans Frontiéres in Poland.