Smurfit Kappa, the world’s largest paper-based packaging company, has opened a new plant in Morocco and plans to expand further in North Africa. The €50 million plant is located in the Kénitra region and is the company’s first in Morocco and 13th in Africa. It has the capacity to produce 100 million corrugated cardboard boxes annually.
The expansion into Morocco will enable Smurfit Kappa to meet the increasing packaging demand in the country, which is a significant agricultural and industrial exporter. The company also recognizes the potential for further expansion in North Africa, acknowledging the region’s “significant potential.”
This expansion aligns with a broader trend of global packaging companies investing more in North Africa. Factors driving this trend include the growing middle class, urbanization, and rising demand for imported goods.
Other packaging companies, such as Mondi, DS Smith, and Huhtamaki, have also recently expanded in North Africa. These companies are investing in new facilities and upgrading existing ones to meet the growing demand for packaging in the region.
The growth of the packaging industry in North Africa is expected to have several positive effects. It will create job opportunities, boost economic growth, enhance supply chain efficiency, and reduce food waste.
Smurfit Kappa’s decision to expand in North Africa is driven by multiple reasons:
- Increasing packaging demand in Morocco and the wider region.
- Potential for further economic growth in North Africa.
- Availability of skilled labor in Morocco.
- Government support for foreign investment.
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