DS Smith Hellas has confirmed a strategic investment plan to be implemented in the next two years across all of its three sites in the country.
The investment totalling an amount of €33.9m is focused on equipment upgrades including purchasing state-of-the art machinery for innovative packaging solutions and capacity enhancements. This investment will support ongoing plastic replacement, increase capacity, and significantly boost productivity. Furthering its focus on innovation, the business will continue to differentiate itself in the market by supporting customers in reaching environmental targets.
The investment is part of DS Smith Packaging’s ambitious growth strategy in East Europe, driving leadership in sustainable packaging solutions across the region while creating value for its customers and partners.
Reinier Schlatmann, Regional Managing Director, DS Smith East Europe, said, “Fifty-six per cent of consumers aim to reduce their plastic use and they are choosing companies who share this commitment. As a leading sustainable packaging supplier, we are proud of our investment in state-of-the-art technology to drive innovation and expand options for reducing problematic plastics with our customers.
“It will significantly increase our capacity and provide the highest quality and innovative packaging solutions in the Greek market and shows the importance of Greece in our growth strategy for the region. We are dedicated to working with customers who share our vision and continue to deliver innovative packaging solutions for a more sustainable future.”
Starting with upgrades at Ierapetra’s box plant this summer, DS Smith Hellas is set to transform the industry with latest technology, innovative solutions, improved efficiencies, and the highest quality offerings. These investments will not only reshape the market but also create a safer working environment for all stakeholders involved.
At Ierapetra, a site with significant importance for the primary food sector of Crete Island, the installation of a new Göpfert rotary die-cutter, accompanied by required building extensions, will further enhance operational efficiencies and packaging quality. The addition of this six colour machine will enable the site to excel in modern equipment setup.
Additionally, an Eteran flatbed die-cutter will be installed in the coming months, strengthening the innovative and sustainable packaging designs for the vegetables produced in the area of Ierapetra to travel across Europe. With these additions, the site will enter a new era, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and increasing production capacity by 25%.
DS Smith Hellas is also planning similar investments in its other two sites located in Corinth and Thessaloniki, aiming to increase capacity, modernise equipment, and minimise raw material wastage. These investments will offer DS Smith’s customers wider opportunities to experiment with different designs and branding activations to create unique packaging that stands out in the market. The high-quality packaging ensures safe transport of goods, minimizing waste in the production process and contributing to the market’s sustainability goals.
Antonis Kantzelis, Managing Director South-East Europe (Romania, Bulgaria, Greece), added, “At a time when Greece needs to win the best of innovation and investment, our vision is to highlight the importance of integrating sustainable packaging solutions as part of an environmental strategy for our customers, irrespective of the segment they serve. Our people, continuous innovation, and top technology in our three production facilities are the keys to providing the highest quality and circular ready packaging solutions.”
The investment will have a significant impact on DS Smith Hellas’ footprint in Greece, where the company currently employs 423 people and actively supports the local community through various CSR activities.
DS Smith Hellas remains dedicated to driving innovation and growth in sustainable packaging solutions, meeting the evolving demands of customers and partners. These investments expedite the transition towards a circular economy, aligning with the company’s ongoing commitment to the Now and Next sustainability strategy and customers’ growing demand for sustainable packaging innovations.
