DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable fibre-based packaging solutions, is strategically expanding its innovation presence in Poland with a robust investment exceeding €25 million in production lines and machinery located in Kielce, Bełchatów, and Sosnowiec. These investments align with DS Smith’s ambitious growth strategy in Central and Eastern Europe, reflecting the company’s commitment to leading a transformative shift toward sustainable packaging solutions for customers across the region.
Of the total investment, €22 million is earmarked for the expansion of the packaging facility in Kielce, which has been outfitted with cutting-edge machinery. The installation of a new die-cutter, the Bobst Masterline 2.1, will enhance automation and precision in the flexographic printing process, thereby improving the overall production capabilities.
Additionally, DS Smith has launched a new production line for its DS Smith Easy Bowl solution, specifically designed for fresh food, at the Bełchatów facility. Furthermore, the company has invested in new machinery aimed at producing sustainable fibre-based paper bags for the ecommerce sector at its Sosnowiec facility.
Reinier Schlatmann, Regional Managing Director, Packaging Division, Eastern Europe, DS Smith:
“We are continuing a series of investments in DS Smith’s operations in Poland and reinforcing our market position in the region. By enhancing our production capabilities, we are able to provide our customers, leading fast-moving consumer goods brands, major retailers, ecommerce entities, and industrial companies, with increased options for recyclable and circular solutions that will help them to achieve their sustainability targets and support consumer demand for sustainable change. In line with this, at DS Smith, we have recently reached a key sustainability milestone by replacing more than one billion pieces of plastic in partnership with our customers in advance of our Now & Next sustainability strategy target that was set for 2025.”
DS Smith Easy Bowl – Innovative Fresh Food Tray
As consumers increasingly prioritize sustainable packaging, DS Smith’s clients are aligning their offerings with these expectations. The DS Smith Easy Bowl packaging solution, produced at the state-of-the-art Bełchatów facility, exemplifies the company’s commitment to fulfilling this demand. This innovative design serves as a fibre-based alternative to plastic trays, ideal for packaging fresh products such as meat, fish, meat substitutes, and ready meals.
Notably, this solution can reduce plastic usage by up to 85% compared to conventional plastic trays. Moreover, the new machinery is projected to enhance production efficiency, enabling the production of an additional twenty-four million pieces annually.
Paper Bags – Sustainable Innovation for E-commerce
Research indicates a growing consumer interest in brands’ environmental practices, especially regarding packaging and transportation. Approximately 40% of consumers utilizing ecommerce report receiving shipments that are disproportionately large for the product ordered. Additionally, 43% of shoppers perceive excessive use of plastic adhesive tape in packaging.
In response, DS Smith offers innovative paper bags manufactured at the Bełchatów facility. These bags strike an ideal balance between recyclability, durability, and practicality. Opened in 2022, this facility is dedicated to providing sustainable packaging solutions tailored for the FMCG, industrial, and ecommerce sectors, allowing customers to order fiber-based paper bags in high volumes.
New Machinery and Investment in Kielce Packaging Facility
The recently installed machinery at DS Smith’s Kielce facility focuses on producing solid laminated cardboard packaging solutions for industrial and FMCG customers. This advanced equipment enables the execution of complex projects, boasting high-quality printing and finishing processes customized for each unique packaging requirement.
Katarzyna Kala-Kowalska, Sales Director, Board Member, DS Smith Poland:
“We are thrilled about these investments which are enhancing our machinery capabilities and production capacity. They are empowering our team to deliver innovative packaging solutions and improve quality control that minimizes waste. The advanced technologies combined with our unique Circular Design Metrics (CDM) capabilities and innovation-led approach to design, make it possible for us to meet a wider range of requirements, and reinforce DS Smith’s position as a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions in the region.”
These investments are expected to allow DS Smith to amplify its annual packaging production capacity in Poland by approximately 25 million square meters, with an increase of 7.5 million square meters for glued boxes. The company remains dedicated to innovating sustainable and circular packaging solutions, prioritizing plastic reduction and CO2 emissions minimization in its strategic planning.
