DS Smith acquires Serbian packager Bosis doo, targeting FMCG sustainability in Eastern Europe

02 Aug 2023 --- DS Smith is expanding regional packaging activity in Eastern Europe by acquiring Serbian packaging company Bosis doo, with focus on FMCG customers. After the completion of the acquisition, DS Smith’s total packaging operations in the region will comprise 29 box plants and additional facilities, employing more than 7,000 people.

Situated south of Belgrade, Serbia, the family-owned business Bosis doo was founded in 1982 and employs 140 employees working on the company site in Valjevo. It is “well suited” to complement DS Smith’s strategy in Eastern Europe, targeting higher growth and margin opportunities through its sustainable performance packaging customer proposition.

“We are seeing significant growth in demand for sustainable packaging and for plastic replacement in East Europe, especially in Serbia, and are delighted to announce our agreement to acquire Bosis doo,” shares Miles Roberts, group chief executive at DS Smith.

“This acquisition will develop our ability to support customers, enhancing our regional capabilities and accelerating growth by offering world-class, sustainable and innovative products to many more customers.”

Bosis doo, situated south of Belgrade, Serbia, is a strategic acquisition by DS Smith.Sustainability in Eastern Europe
DS Smith highlights that plastic replacement is a key focus area for the company and seeks to accelerate this in the East region. “This new investment will support our medium and long-term strategy and growth ambitions across the DS Smith East Region,” comments Reinier Schlatmann, regional managing director of East Europe at DS Smith.

“[The investment] will expand our footprint and portfolio with advanced technology and capabilities that allow us to support our customers better in achieving their ambitious environmental goals and offering new plastic replacement innovations.”

Meanwhile, Bosis Doo founder and owner Bogoljub Pantelić states that the acquisition is the right decision for the new phase in the development of the family-owned business. “Our shared philosophy and values will ensure the future and sustainable growth of Bosis doo.”

Serbian spotlight
Recently, Jokey gained its first customer in Serbia – one of Europe’s top ten industrial paints and coatings manufacturers – Kansai Helios. Intending to advance the European circular economy, the local teams of Jokey and Kansai Helios worked on a six-month project exploring the possibilities of an environmentally sustainable packaging solution for the Serbian market.

Jokey will manufacture recyclate packaging for interior wall paints under Zorka Color’s Primera and Linea brands, with plans to extend to the rest of the range. The company will also manufacture its Jeto 185 in Serbia for the first time with post-consumer recyclates.

Last November, Smurfit Kappa officially reopened its manufacturing plants in Central and Eastern Europe after investing over €20 million (~US$21 million). The money was used to upgrade the packaging solutions providers’ facilities in Olomouc in the Czech Republic and Obaly Štúrovo in Slovakia and strengthen Smurfit Kappa’s position in the regions.

Moreover, Greiner Packaging acquired Serbia-based producer of PET flakes Alwag, broadening its business portfolio by adding the first recycling company to the group. Greiner Packaging said the acquisition represents a “direct reflection” of the company’s efforts to boost environmental sustainability. With the Alwag takeover, Greiner Packaging established three locations in Serbia – one recycling company and two manufacturing bases.

Edited by Radhika Sikaria

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