British Ambassador to Romania visits DS Smith operations at Zărnești and Ghimbav

DS Smith, a leading sustainable packaging company, this week welcomed the British Ambassador to Romania, Andrew Noble, to its paper mill and packaging production sites in Romania.

The visit showcased the latest innovations in papermaking, as well as sustainable packaging design and production at Zarnesti and Ghimbav, respectively. Accompanied by the local Mayors, the delegation was also given an overview of the importance of the two sites, which employ over 390 people, to the communities and local economies in which they operate.

I am extremely proud of DS Smith – the country’s largest recycled paper and packaging manufacturer. The company has been actively engaged in supporting local economies and communities, but also in promoting sustainability. It is a much-needed contribution, given that environment protection is a key topic on today’s international agenda. Based on the discussions we have had, I am confident that the activity carried here will play a significant role in achieving Romania’s recycling targets

— Ambassador Andrew Noble

The paper mill in Zărnești is the largest mill for recycled paper in Romania, with capacity to produce 200,000 tonnes, accounting for almost half of the domestic paper demand. As part of DS Smith’s closed loop business model in the region, used paper and card collected by the companies recycling operations is turned into recycled packaging papers at the mill. From there these papers are sent to DS Smith packaging operations in Romania, including Ghimbav, to be manufactured into new packaging products.

The visit of The Ambassador confirms the importance of our activities within Romania and we were honoured to present him with the innovations, technology and our commitment to sustainable economic growth within Romania.

— Marius Juncanariu, Director, DS Smith Zărnești

Meanwhile, the Ghimbav packaging site produces corrugated cardboard products, essential to ensure the adequate shipment, storage and sale of critical goods such as food or pharmaceuticals. The plant also provides innovative packaging solutions to the growing e-commerce industry in Romania.

It was a tremendous opportunity to have Ambassador Andrew Noble on-site and discuss about the local approach to the global challenge of creating sustainable packaging solutions.

— Remus Crăciun, General Manager, DS Smith Ghimbav

DS Smith’s operations in Romania comprises of a recycling head office in Bucharest, two recycling depots in Otopeni and Cluj Napoca, a paper mill in Zărnești, two packaging production units in Ghimbav and Timișoara and three service centers in Pitești, Timișoara and Otopeni, employing in total over 650 people.