GREECE – DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable packaging, has finalized a €17.6 million (US$19.7m) investment to upgrade its box plant in Korinthos, Greece.

This development is part of a broader €33.9 million (US$37.95M) plan aimed at boosting production capacity, improving energy efficiency, and driving innovation in Greece’s packaging market.

The Korinthos plant upgrade includes state-of-the-art equipment, such as a new corrugator and high-speed printing machine, which have increased production capacity by 30%.

These enhancements have improved productivity and elevated the quality of DS Smith’s packaging solutions.

“This investment will significantly expand our capacity, quality, and innovative packaging solutions portfolio,” said Reinier Schlatmann, regional managing director of DS Smith East Europe.

“It will also enable plastic replacement alternatives, strengthening our position in this vital market.”

In addition to production upgrades, the company constructed a 3,300m² raw materials warehouse and expanded its product storage space. These improvements have streamlined logistics and boosted overall efficiency at the Korinthos site.

This investment aligns with DS Smith’s sustainability strategy, which emphasizes reducing carbon emissions, supporting a circular economy, and replacing single-use plastics.

The company has already eliminated over one billion single-use plastic items globally, including seven million in Greece alone.

“Our Korinthos upgrade is a critical step towards adopting circular economy practices,” said George Filippoglou, managing director of DS Smith Hellas.

“We prioritize helping customers achieve their environmental goals by offering high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions, integrating growth and sustainability into our business strategy.”

By investing in its Greek operations, DS Smith strengthens its market position and supports Greece’s economic growth and sustainability goals.

This investment follows DS Smith’s recent €50 million (US$54.23M) investment in Portugal to meet the growing demand for sustainable fibre-based packaging.

Key facility upgrades include advanced fluting machines and enhanced corrugator units, further advancing DS Smith’s technological and environmental commitments.

Additionally, the corrugator unit at the Lisbon facility has been enhanced by installing a 2,800mm (approximately 9.19 ft) wide Dry End.

The company has also invested in a large processing machine tailored for the heavy-duty market. This machine is designed to transport heavy, large, or bulky products in the industrial and agricultural sectors.

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