British Ambassador to Croatia visits DS Smith operations at Belišće

DS Smith recently welcomed His Excellency Simon Thomas OBE, British Ambassador to Republic of Croatia at the production unit in Belišće, Osijek-Baranja County. The visit showcased the latest innovations in paper making at Belišće Paper Mill.

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Ambitious science-based targets

As part of the official visit, the Ambassador attended a guided tour of Belišće Paper Mill, where our management team presented an overview of the paper industry, the company, and its operations. A key discussion point was the mill's energy usage plan, and the part it will play as DS Smith works towards our ambitious science-based targets within our Now and Next Strategy to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Ambassador was also offered a more in-depth insight into the latest innovations at the mill, as well as the site's importance for the sustainable development of the local community and economy. 

We were delighted to welcome the British Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia to our mill, confirming the importance of DS Smith’s operations locally

Toni Bilić
General Manager, Belišće Paper Mill

Commitment to sustainability

At the end of the visit, Ambassador Simon Thomas expressed his appreciation towards the activity carried out by DS Smith in Croatia and its positive, transformative and sustainable impact for the community.

It was a pleasure to visit DS Smith’s production facility in Belišće today. It’s great to see British companies investing and succeeding in Croatia - their recycling, paper and packaging operations employ more than 750 people across the country.

Simon Thomas OBE
British Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia

Simon added ''It was also good to hear how important environmental sustainability is to their business: maximising recycling, reducing their carbon footprint and looking for cleaner sources of energy. Advocating and supporting business to ‘go green’ was one of the aims of the climate conference COP26 in Glasgow last month.''

The visit reinforces the importance of DS Smith's operations in Croatia and highlights our commitment toward sustainability and innovations.

Part of our DS Smith portfolio since 2015, the Belišće Paper Mill is currently the leading paper producer in Croatia.