A historic milestone was marked as DS Smith celebrated the 50th anniversary of its kraft paper factory in Viana do Castelo (Portugal). In April 2023, the company unveiled a multi-year package equipping the facility with cutting-edge paper manufacturing technologies, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by 10,000 tons annually.

The construction of the Viana do Castelo factory began in 1971, with full-scale operations commencing in January 1974. Nationalized in 1976, it remained under state control until 2000, when it was privatized and acquired by Europac.

Following an ambitious modernization plan, diversifying products, entering the energy production market, and emphasizing recycled paper as a vital raw material, the factory strengthened its position as one of Europe's most efficient kraftliner paper mills. It is currently the nation's largest paper recycler.

In 2019, DS Smith, a leader in sustainable packaging, acquired the Europac group for €1.9 billion, subsequently including the Viana paper factory.

The factory is undergoing a modernization process, aiming to equip it with advanced paper manufacturing technologies, ensuring a more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation. A €145 million investment announced in 2023, the largest in DS Smith's history in Portugal, and also the factory's largest to date, drives this transformation.

Mário Amaral, Factory Director, states, "The factory is preparing for the future, facing the next fifty years with confidence." With the first phase completed in October of last year, the development program continues, focusing on the renovation of the paper machine presses, a key equipment upgrade to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. The second phase involves replacing the recovery boiler, currently in progress, with completion slated for May 2025. The new top-of-the-line boiler will contribute to increased efficiency in virgin pulp production.

Viana do Castelo's factory is a standout in Portugal's industrial sector, notably contributing to the trade balance by exporting approximately 90% of its capacity. It plays a significant role in the country's economic development and is a key asset for DS Smith's business.