Turning Leftovers into Insect Hotels

In our mission to support biodiversity, our teammates in Smurfit Westrock Zedek, partnered with the community to construct new homes for the smallest of creatures—insects. Two new “insect hotels” will house bees and other insects on the grounds of our facility in Deventer, Netherlands.

To fund the project, we hosted a leftover sale of items and materials at the facility that were no longer in use but could have a purposeful second life. Family members of plant employees got to walk through our warehouse, browse the leftovers, and purchase items for just five euros, raising over €1600.

All the money made in sale was donated to the Apeldoorn Lions Club, which used the proceeds to purchase natural materials and build the wooden insect hotels, which officially opened for visitors in April. The hotels, located near the main entrance for all to see, were designed to be an attractive part of the greenery as well as support for biodiversity.

Additional proceeds went to Stichting de Stadsakkers in Apeldoorn, an organization dedicated to sustainable urban farming and social projects. Proceeds are also supporting other local initiatives, including the local food bank and Stichting Kinderfeest.

Thank you to our employees, community partners and everyone who contributed!