Markets & Products Company Sustainability News Careers Investors Contact Us English (EXAMPLE: 'PACKAGING AUTOMATION') Home Company GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Jump to a section Contact Government Relations Government Relations Political Disclosure and Accountability Management Approach WestRock believes that it is a fundamental right and obligation of all citizens to engage in responsible dialogue about the laws, regulations and government policies that affect them. We strongly believe that active engagement in the political and regulatory processes is an important means of protecting our commercial, employee and stakeholder interests. Therefore, in the course of doing business around the world, we regularly interact with public officials. All forms of political engagement undertaken by or on behalf of WestRock, including, without limitation, lobbying, trade association participation and political contributions, must comply with all U.S. and international laws, this policy and our Code of Conduct. Global Activities WestRock is a global company with operations throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. We work cooperatively with local, regional and national governments in the countries where we operate. From time to time, legislative, regulatory and other political issues may arise in these jurisdictions that affect our operations. After careful consideration and approval of senior management, WestRock may engage in dialogue with government officials on issues that affect our business goals and objectives. We engage in political activity and spending outside of the United States as permitted by, and in strict compliance with, all applicable laws and regulations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Participation in Trade Associations and Coalitions WestRock is a member of several trade associations, coalitions and other organizations that provide information and assistance on public policy issues to our business. We participate in groups such as the American Forest & Paper Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Pulp and Paperworkers Resource Council, the American Benefits Council, and the US-China, US-India and US-Brazil Business Councils not only to influence policy decisions, but to gain information that will help us improve our global operations. We value the diversity of opinions found within these groups and sometimes take positions contrary to those of these organizations when we believe it is the right thing to do. Our membership in these organizations is intended to accomplish a wide range of objectives which support our initiatives where we believe engaging with other industry participants is beneficial to our business and compliant with our antitrust policies. The company makes payments to these organizations, including paying membership fees and dues. On a semi-annual basis, we track the portion of the company's payments to trade associations that were used for non-deductible lobbying expenditures, which does not include funds supporting election-related activities, per the rules and regulations of the Internal Revenue Service. To see a detailed list of payments made to trade associations that the recipient organization may use for political purposes, click here for 2018, click here for 2019 and click here for 2020. To see a list of the amounts and recipients of payments made by our trade associations please select from those below. American Forest & Paper Association American Benefits Council National Association of Manufacturers U.S. Political Contributions WestRock Employee Political Action Committee (PAC) The WestRock PAC is a voluntary, non-partisan political action committee that is registered with the U.S. Federal Election Commission. The PAC allows employees to combine personal, voluntary financial contributions to candidates seeking federal elective office who support issues important to our business, our employees and industry. The WestRock PAC makes political contributions to elected officials who demonstrate a commitment to ethical political conduct. We also consider the geographical area of their representation, their position on key issues affecting our industry and company, their legislative leadership position or potential to become a future legislative leader. We also may support the most pro-business elected official in any given state or district. The Advisory Board considers all of these factors in deciding to make a political contribution. WestRock PAC files monthly reports with the FEC, as well as pre-election and post-election FEC reports. Click here to see a comprehensive listing of these reports. Corporate Contributions WestRock uses corporate resources to support our position on important public policy issues. Click here to view the public policy issues that help form the basis for our election-related spending decisions. The objective is to help elect pro-business candidates who display high levels of integrity and character, and who recognize the contribution of our industry to the national economy and the communities in which we live, work and serve. Click here to see a detailed list of contributions. Oversight of Political Activity and Spending Practices The Government Relations department, with oversight from the Advisory Board, sets an annual budget and has a stringent process for the justification, approval and reporting of political contributions made in the U.S., where such contributions are permissible by law. The company’s political spending includes donations to candidates for elected office, as well as payments to trade associations. The company conducts regular trainings, compliance system reviews, and internal audits to ensure all PAC and corporate political contributions are made in accordance with the law and company policies. WestRock’s Audit Committee annually reviews and approves the company’s “Government Relations Department’s Political Disclosure and Accountability” policy as well as all PAC and corporate political expenditures to ensure alignment with the company policy and values. These contributions are also subject to comprehensive regulation by federal and state governments, including detailed disclosure requirements. Company political contributions reflect our interests as a company and not those of any individual director, officer or employee’s personal political preferences. They are made in accordance with our political contributions policy only as permitted under federal, state and local laws to help elect candidates who demonstrate integrity and character, support the forest and paper products industry and understand the contribution of our industry to the national economy and the communities in which we serve. No political spending is given in anticipation of, in recognition of or in return for any official act. The company does not make “independent expenditures” nor does it contribute to “Super PACs”, 527 groups, 501(c)4s, or for any election ballot measure. WestRock Global Tax Policy WestRock’s tax policy sets out the principles WestRock follows for tax compliance, risk management and governance, and tax strategy and how our Core Values are integrated into our overall approach to the Tax function. Access our tax policy here: WestRock Global Tax Policy MARKETS Beauty & Personal Care Beverage Commercial Printing E-Commerce Food Foodservice Healthcare Home & Garden Luxury Packaging Media & Electronics Retail Tobacco CONSUMER PACKAGING SOLUTIONS Folding Cartons Specialty Printing & Packaging Partitions & Protective Packaging MACHINERY SOLUTIONS Automation CORRUGATED SOLUTIONS Corrugated Containers Merchandising Displays PAPER SOLUTIONS Containerboard Kraft Paper Paperboard Pulp REGIONS Brazil China India COMPANY CAREERS INSIGHTS CUSTOMER RESOURCES SUPPLIER RESOURCES SUSTAINABILITY FOREST RESOURCES NEWS INVESTORS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CONTACT US English © 2021 WestRock Company. 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