DS Smith, an International Paper company and a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, celebrated today the inauguration of the Experience Room at the Recycling Depot in Ștefăneștii de Jos, Ilfov County.
Specially designed for pupils and students, the interactive space demonstrates the recycling process in a clear and engaging way. The Experience Room is part of an innovative project that integrates striking architectural elements made from recyclable cardboard alongside modern multimedia features.
Through this investment, DS Smith is delivering meaningful contributions to local communities in Romania through education. The initiative offers students of all ages the opportunity to learn about circularity and understand the impact of their actions, guided by DS Smith’s local experts. These specialists act as facilitators, sharing their knowledge in a practical, accessible, and age-appropriate manner.
The inauguration event followed an informal format, combining opening remarks with a live demonstration of the Experience Centre’s educational activities. The session was attended by students from the Cambridge School of Bucharest, selected in recognition of their active involvement in environmental initiatives.
The list of guests included H.E. Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Bucharest and Raul Pop, State Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests. Representing DS Smith, the speakers were Mike Harrison, Head of Recycling at DS Smith, Doru Păducel, General Manager of DS Smith Recycling Romania, and Marius Juncanariu, General Manager of DS Smith Paper Zărnești.
Mike Harrison – Head of Recycling, DS Smith: “At DS Smith, we truly believe in what we do and take every opportunity to speak about circularity. We now have the chance to share this with future generations in a safe and enjoyable environment. The Experience Centre inaugurated today is a first at Group level, and we are extremely proud of it. Romania also plays an important role in our regional strategy, and through investments such as this one we demonstrate how collaboration between the Recycling, Paper, and Packaging divisions can make a tangible contribution to building a circular economy.”
Doru Păducel – General Manager, DS Smith Recycling Romania: “Through the Experience Centre in Ștefănești, we are taking a step forward from a space dedicated exclusively to professionals towards the wider public. A visit here offers a clear perspective on how recycling works and how small actions, when combined, can have a significant impact. We see this initiative as an investment in education and awareness, and we are pleased to invite schools and universities to register for a guided tour led by one of our colleagues.”
H.E. Giles Portman – Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Bucharest: “When I received the invitation to this event, I already knew that DS Smith is a company for which sustainability and responsibility are core values. Today’s experience, however – the discussions, the concept of the centre, and the enthusiasm of the children – impressed me greatly. Change happens when we understand that important things begin with each of us, and I believe that success stories can be written here, in Ștefăneștii de Jos.”
