British packaging company DS Smith has announced an investment of €13m ($13.72m) at its Ghimbav production facility in Transylvania, central Romania.

As part of this investment, the company will install new machinery at the Ghimbav site and will launch advanced technological capabilities, including seven-colour HD Flexo printing and precision die-cutting technology.

Smith stated that the investment will support its customers in the ongoing efforts for plastic replacement and boost the plant's existing capacity by more than 20%.

These technical advancements are also claimed to support the company in further strengthening its portfolio in the Romanian market.

Associated expansion work and upgrades at the facility are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

DS Smith Packaging Romania managing director Christian Schmidt said: “We are thrilled about the significant investment which is enhancing our machinery capabilities and production capacity.

“It empowers our team to deliver innovative packaging designs, improve quality, and deliver state-of-the-art graphics.”

Smith will equip the production facility with a new LED lighting system to contribute to its broader target to minimise carbon emissions by 46% by 2030, as outlined in its overarching Now & Next Sustainability Strategy.

Smith added that it has also launched advanced waste-management technologies to reduce the consumption of electricity by approximately 10% at the Ghimbav site.

All of these aforementioned upgrades align with British and European sustainability trends.

Earlier in July this year, Smith confirmed a €33m investment to upgrade its three packaging facilities in Greece.