ATLANTA (News release) -- DS Smith, a leading global provider of sustainable, fiber-based corrugated packaging, today announced it has partnered with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) to support its mission to educate, advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, as well as engage DS Smith Atlanta area employees in environmental stewardship.

As part of this partnership, DS Smith will be a gold sponsor of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper's 30^th Anniversary Patron Celebration on October 4 in Atlanta. The event raises funds to cover a significant portion of CRK's annual operating budget, which supports its program services. These programs include in-stream trash removal, water quality monitoring, an educational floating classroom, water planning and conservation, legislative work and enforcement. In addition, the Atlanta area DS Smith team will participate in a river cleanup activity with CRK in October.

"The partnership with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper reflects our commitment to sustainability and community," said Ryan Rogers, DS Smith Corporate Affairs Director for North America. "By partnering with CRK, we will create opportunities for our employees to make an impact in the community and learn more about how important it is to ensure there is enough clean water now and for future generations."

Since 1994, CRK has employed strategies including water quality testing, litter cleanups, research and education in the headwaters region as part of its mission to protect the Chattahoochee watershed for all the people and wildlife that depend on it.

"Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is grateful for the support of DS Smith," said Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and Executive Director Jason Ulseth. "This new partnership will propel CRK toward our vision of a Trash-Free Chattahoochee River by engaging DS Smith volunteers to help remove trash, tires and recyclables from the waterways. DS Smith backs its hands-on support with vital funding to help sustain CRK's water quality monitoring, education and advocacy programs. We look forward to a meaningful collaboration working toward a clean and sustainable river."

DS Smith, through its Now & Next Sustainability strategy, is taking action today to lead the transition to a low carbon, circular economy. This strategy focuses on four areas including circularity, carbon, communities and nature. DS Smith is proud of the progress made to date in partnership with customers, suppliers and communities. The company is well on track to meet ambitious targets and, in some cases, is ahead of schedule.

About Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

Our mission is to educate, advocate, and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, including its lakes, tributaries, and watershed, in order to restore and conserve their ecological health for the people and wildlife that depend on the river system and in recognition of the important ecosystem functions provided throughout the region and planet. For more information visit www.chatahoochee.org.