The DS Smith Zarnesti paper mill celebrated the inauguration of its new Waste Water Treatment Plant yesterday, a pivotal component of its 11 million Euros investment plan launched in 2021, reaffirming its steadfast commitment to sustainable paper production in the region. In conjunction with this milestone, the Zarnesti mill marked an impressive 170-year tradition in papermaking, a momentous occasion for both the company and the paper industry.

The newly established Waste Water Treatment Plant, whose construction commenced in 2021, is poised to bolster the mill's paper production capacity while concurrently diminishing its environmental footprint. This includes a substantial reduction in fresh water consumption by up to 20% and a 60% decrease in technical waste quantity. The comprehensive investment package will also contribute to curbing gas consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, with anticipated CO2 savings of up to 4,500 tons per year.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of notable dignitaries such as Lucian Patrascu, Subprefect of Brasov County, Zoltan Szenner, Vice-President of the Brasov County Council, and Alexandru Lucian Igrisan, Mayor of Zarnesti. Representing the DS Smith Group were key figures including Niels Flierman, Head of Paper and Recycling; Greg Dawson, Director of Corporate Affairs; Rogier Gerritsen, MD Paper Europe; and James Walker, Cluster Director Paper East. Environmental authorities and members of the local community also participated in the event.

Mr. Flierman, Head of Paper and Recycling, remarked, "The paper mill in Zarnesti is more than a symbol of the city - it is the largest production unit of its kind in Romania, a respected employer, and a trusted partner of the local community. Since DS Smith took over the factory 5 years ago, we set these ambitious goals, which have now become a reality. We are proud of the results and motivated to continue realizing our ambitions."

He further emphasized the significance of their sustainable infrastructure investments, ensuring the ability to meet evolving customer demands while reducing environmental impact and positively contributing to the local economy and community. Over the past five years, DS Smith has diligently modernized the paper mill since acquiring it in 2018.

Distinguished for exclusively utilizing recycled paper, the DS Smith paper mill in Zarnesti stands as the largest production facility of its kind in Romania, effectively serving nearly half of the local demand for packaging paper.

In Romania, DS Smith's presence extends to a recycling coordination center in Bucharest, two recycling depots in Stefanesti and Cluj-Napoca, a paper mill in Zarnesti, two packaging production units in Ghimbav and Timisoara, and three service centers in Pitesti, Timisoara, and Otopeni, Ilfov county, providing employment to a total of 650 dedicated individuals.

 

Source: dssmith.com

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