DS Smith Hellas injects €33M in new packaging machinery to boost productivity in Greece

24 Jul 2023 --- Greece-based DS Smith Hellas is investing €33.9 million (US$37.5 million) to purchase new machinery for innovative packaging solutions and capacity enhancements.

The investment plan will be implemented over the next two years across the packaging giant’s three sites in the country.  

The move supports plastic replacement, increases capacity and boosts productivity. The business aims to differentiate itself in the market by supporting customers in reaching their environmental targets.

“Fifty-six percent of consumers aim to reduce their plastic use, and they are choosing companies who share this commitment,” says Reinier Schlatmann, regional managing director at DS Smith East Europe.

“[The investment] 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”. 

Furthermore, the investment is said to significantly impact DS Smith Hellas’ footprint in Greece, where the company currently employs 423 people and supports the local community through corporate social responsibility activities.

The investment is said to support plastic replacement, increase capacity and boost productivity.Boosting food sector tech
Starting with upgrades at Ierapetra’s Box Plant this summer, DS Smith Hellas says it is set to transform the industry with the latest technology, innovative solutions, improved efficiencies and the highest quality offerings.

At Ierapetra Box Plant, a reportedly important site for the primary food sector of Crete, the installation of a new Rotary Die Cutter converting machine, accompanied by required building extensions, is said to enhance operational efficiencies and packaging quality. 

Furthermore, a Flatbed Die Cutter converting machine will be installed, strengthening environmentally sustainable packaging designs for vegetables produced in the area of Ierapetra to be transported across Europe. With these additions, the company will increase production capacity by 25%.

DS Smith Hellas is also planning similar investments in its other two sites in Corinth and Thessaloniki, aiming to increase capacity, modernize equipment and minimize raw material wastage. 

DS Smith says these investments would offer its customers opportunities to experiment with different designs and branding activations to create packaging that stands out in the market. 

Antonis Kantzelis, DS Smith’s managing director of South-East Europe (Romania, Bulgaria, Greece), says: “At a time when Greece needs to win the bet 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, innovation and technology in our three production facilities are the key to providing the highest quality and circular ready packaging solutions.”

By Natalie Schwertheim