DS Smith is expanding its innovation footprint in Hungary with a significant €34.4m investment, supported by the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency. This investment will enhance the company’s operations across its three key locations in Füzesabony, Nagykáta, and Győr, with the projects’ completion anticipated by April 2026.
The investment is part of DS Smith Packaging’s ambitious growth strategy in East Europe, driving sustainable packaging solutions across the region and creating value for its customers and partners.
Reinier Schlatmann, Managing Director, DS Smith Packaging East Europe, said, “With nearly thirty years of market presence, our €34.4m investment in Hungary marks a pivotal step in strengthening our footprint in Eastern Europe, enhancing our manufacturing capacity and advancing our commitment to sustainable packaging solutions. By creating local job opportunities, driving innovation, and supporting community sustainability initiatives, we are reinforcing our role as a leader in the circular economy. We are also proud to support long-term growth and environmental responsibility in the country.”
This strategic expansion aims to boost manufacturing capacity by over 40%, introducing advanced capabilities, and setting new quality benchmarks to meet the highest customer standards. It is anticipated that the investment will contribute to local economic growth, create new jobs, and help to further DS Smith’s sustainability goals through innovative, circular packaging solutions and plastic alternatives.
An overview of the strategic investment across DS Smith’s Hungarian sites includes:
- Füzesabony – a new hub for innovative packaging solutions. This brownfield investment is aimed at establishing a highly efficient, state-of-the-art facility in Füzesabony with a strong focus on automation. The facility will produce innovative, sustainable packaging solutions that align with DS Smith’s commitment to the circular economy. Equipped with advanced technology, the site will prioritise reducing environmental impact through operational efficiency and energy-saving processes. The investment will be completed by the end of 2024.
- Győr – driving innovation in plastic replacement. The investment includes plans to install the new converting equipment at the Győr site to expand capacity, enhance efficiency, and improve product quality. As a key contributor to DS Smith’s strategic focus on plastic replacement and packaging innovations, Győr’s product range plays a crucial role in supporting the company’s sustainability ambitions. The next phase of investment is set to start in 2025.
- Nagykáta – raising quality and energy efficiency standards. At the Nagykáta site, the investment will prioritise the modernisation of the corrugator to improve board quality while meeting the high expectations of DS Smith’s customers. Additional upgrades will enhance the plant’s energy efficiency, further aligning with the company’s sustainability goals. This investment will commence in 2025.
Engaging young minds
DS Smith is establishing eco-classrooms to promote sustainability. In addition to the equipment upgrades and installations, this investment also includes the establishment of three eco-classrooms in Hungary, highlighting DS Smith’s commitment to enhancing environmental education. The most recent classroom, built in Füzesabony, is a flexible space created by architecture students to encourage hands-on learning and foster ecological awareness among children.
These initiatives follow the successful launches of the first eco-classroom in Budapest and the second in Nagykáta, both of which mobilised over one hundred volunteers each. They emphasise the vital role of community engagement in cultivating a sustainable mindset in young learners.
