Romania’s largest paper mill, DS Smith Zarnesti, stays close to the young generation in Brasov County and continues to invest in educational initiatives aimed at encouraging professional and personal development.
Some recent projects stand out for the positive impact they have on students’ development, many of them being enrolled at Malaxa Technological High School Zarnesti.
“Award” – a globally recognized youth development programme – helps students gain valuable life skills, boost their self-confidence, and explore personal interests outside the classroom. The company’s involvement supports both the logistical needs and the mentoring framework, helping students set goals and work towards achievements in areas like volunteering, physical activity, skills development, and adventurous journeys.
Another 40 students from Malaxa Technological Highschool chose attend Job Shadow Day – a project facilitated by Junior Achievement, in partnership with the Ministry of National Education. The young participants had the chance to be on site, shadowing DS Smith employees, and learning more on the opportunities, requirements and responsibilities that are specific to certain roles.
Starting March, as part of the “Alternative Week” programme, 50 pupils from Nae A. Ghica Elementary School in Rucar visited the Zarnesti Mill to learn more about the longstanding papermaking tradition, sustainability, and future career opportunities. Shortly after, fourth-year students from the Transylvania University of Brașov, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Environmental Protection, also toured the site to gain insight into their potential working environment after graduation. Similar visits will follow in May, continuing a collaboration with the local academic environment which has become a tradition by now.
Diana Ciuraru, HR Manager, DS Smith Zarnesti: “Education is more than textbooks – it’s about inspiring curiosity, responsibility, and resilience in the younger generation. We are proud to support the ‘Award’ programme and welcome students on site during the Alternative Week, encouraging all, regardless of their age, to dream big and unlock their full potential.”
These initiatives are part of DS Smith’s broader ambition to promote education, environmental awareness, and professional development in the local community. By nurturing connections between school and industry, Zarnesti Paper Mill aims to equip young people with the knowledge, values, and practical insights needed for long-term success – both personally and professionally.
Since 2018, DS Smith operates Romania’s largest paper mill in Zărnești, meeting nearly half of the country’s internal demand for paper. The raw material used is entirely sourced from recyclable paper – a key factor for Romania to achieve European recycling targets for paper and cardboard packaging.
The Group also manages a recycling operations hub in Bucharest, two recycling depots in Ștefănești and Cluj-Napoca, two packaging production units in Ghimbav and Timișoara, and three service centres in Pitești, Timișoara, and Buftea, Ilfov County, employing a total of 650 people.
