DS Smith is strengthening its packaging footprint in Romania with a EUR 14 million investment programme aimed at modernising production, increasing capacity and accelerating innovation in corrugated packaging. The move comes after the company recorded significant volume growth in 2025, continuing the positive trend already seen in 2024.

The largest part of the investment, worth EUR 10.5 million, will be directed to the company’s plant in Timișoara. The project, expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027, includes automation, a redesigned production flow and the expansion of the finished goods warehouse. These upgrades are intended to support more efficient logistics and prepare the site for the next generation of packaging supply chain requirements.

A new production line will also be added in the conversion area, reinforcing the plant’s ability to respond to changing customer needs. For packaging buyers, this type of investment is increasingly important as brands demand shorter lead times, more customised formats and greater reliability from suppliers operating in regional markets.

Romania is becoming a strategic production and innovation base for DS Smith, combining capacity expansion with advanced packaging development.

The company has also introduced an advanced cooling system at the Timișoara facility, reducing temperatures in the production hall by up to 5°C. While this may appear to be a secondary infrastructure improvement, it reflects a broader industry focus on working conditions, operational stability and energy-conscious industrial environments.

DS Smith’s Ghimbav plant, located near Brașov, will also benefit from new capital expenditure. In 2026, the company plans to invest EUR 3.6 million in infrastructure modernisation and corrugated board production equipment. The objective is to improve operational performance and expand production capacity at a site that has already received major investment in recent years.

This latest programme builds on the EUR 13 million investment launched at Ghimbav in 2023. Together, the projects show a long-term commitment to the Romanian market and to the development of more advanced corrugated packaging capabilities in Central and Eastern Europe.

According to the company, Romania was designated as an Innovation Hub by DS Smith at the beginning of 2026. This gives the country a broader role than standard production. Local multidisciplinary teams are now involved in creating packaging concepts, testing feasibility at scale and rapidly implementing validated projects for global brands.

Innovation at the Romanian sites includes the use of digital tools for packaging design, the introduction of 7-colour HD Flexo technology at Ghimbav, the launch of Ondula R on the Romanian market and the development of packaging made from specialty papers. These initiatives are aligned with wider industry demand for packaging that is efficient, visually stronger, recyclable and suitable for complex retail and ecommerce channels.

• Automation will improve productivity and consistency in production flows.
• Warehouse expansion will support more advanced logistics requirements.
• Corrugated board upgrades will increase capacity at Ghimbav.
• Digital design tools will accelerate packaging development for brand owners.
• HD Flexo printing will enhance shelf impact and graphic quality.

For the wider packaging industry, the investment reflects several important trends. Corrugated packaging remains a core material for transport, retail-ready formats and ecommerce, but customers are now asking for more than basic protection. They expect packaging to contribute to sustainability goals, reduce waste, improve handling efficiency and create stronger brand experiences.

DS Smith’s Romanian investment also demonstrates how regional plants are evolving into more flexible and technology-driven production platforms. Instead of simply supplying standard corrugated boxes, facilities are expected to support design, testing, printing innovation and material optimisation. This shift is particularly relevant for global brands that need scalable packaging solutions adapted to local markets.

With EUR 14 million committed to Romania, DS Smith is positioning its local operations for stronger performance, higher capacity and deeper integration into its international innovation network. The investment reinforces the country’s role in the European packaging value chain and confirms that modern corrugated production is increasingly defined by automation, design intelligence and sustainable material development.