DS Smith Invests 10 Million Euros in Sustainable Packaging Technology at Kunheim Facility

DS Smith, a global leader in sustainable, fibre-based packaging solutions, has made a significant 10 million euro investment at its packaging facility in Kunheim, France. The investment focuses on the installation of an advanced Bahmuller and Goepfert Maschinen (BGM) combination machine, alongside the upgrading of existing production lines. This move highlights DS Smith’s commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions to meet the diverse needs of customers in the region, particularly those requiring packaging for heavy-duty and bulky products.

The newly installed BGM machine is a state-of-the-art piece of equipment, measuring 65 metres in length and 11 metres in width, covering a vast area of 515 square metres. It is capable of printing, die-cutting, folding, and gluing large-format sheets of corrugated board in a single pass. Notably, it can handle a wide range of formats, including those up to 2,000 and 5,500mm, and can produce up to 7,000 sheets per hour. The machine also features two-colour printing capabilities and flexible assembly techniques, including gluing and stapling, with the option to combine both methods. These features are designed to enhance the production of large-format, triple-flute packaging solutions, ideal for heavy and bulky products such as household appliances, chemicals, and construction materials.

This investment is expected to significantly boost production speeds at the Kunheim facility, enabling DS Smith to meet customer demands more swiftly and efficiently. The upgraded machinery will play a crucial role in supporting the growing need for sustainable, fibre-based packaging in industries that require robust packaging solutions for their products.

In addition to the BGM machine, the Kunheim facility has seen the installation of an Automated Flow Management system, which includes a transfer shuttle and a double in-line centre. This new system will improve the handling of cardboard sheets, ensuring quicker and more precise stacking on pallets. Together with the other updates, the facility now has an annual production capacity of approximately 60,000 tonnes (97 million square metres) of packaging solutions.

Thibault Laumonier, President of DS Smith Packaging France, commented, “The introduction of the BGM unit is a key milestone in our sustainability strategy, ‘Now & Next,’ and strengthens our position as a leader in fibre-based packaging solutions. This investment aligns with our commitment to the circular economy, reducing waste and pollution, and promoting sustainability across industries.”

The Kunheim facility’s upgrades underscore DS Smith’s dedication to innovation and its mission to redefine packaging in a changing world, combining industrial performance with a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.