Smurfit Westrock expands its presence in Ecuador

The move represents a further step in Smurfit Westrock’s plan to grow in the region 

Smurfit Westrock, the world’s largest integrated paper-based packaging company, with operations in 40 countries across Latin America, North America, EMEA & APAC, has completed an asset purchase agreement of Cartomanabí, one of the main corrugated packaging companies in Ecuador. This acquisition represents a further strategic step in the company’s plan to grow in the region, reinforces its position as the #1 corrugated supplier in Latin America and, with the paper supplied from its North American mill system, increases its integration.

Cartomanabí was founded in 2020, is located in Montecristi, Ecuador, and has an annual production capacity of more than 50,000 tons primarily serving the agriculture, protein, FMCG and industrial sectors. The acquisition enables Smurfit Westrock to capitalize on corrugated packaging growth opportunities in both Ecuador and the broader Latin American region.

 Alvaro Henao, President and CEO of Smurfit Westrock Latin America, said: The transaction in Ecuador is our first as Smurfit Westrock. It is an important milestone for us in Latin America, where we are the only pan-regional supplier with a fully integrated supply chain and the broadest range of sustainable and innovative paper-based solutions.

Smurfit Westrock is delivering sustainable packaging solutions across Latin America. Its Três Barras paper mill in Brazil operates with a biomass-based boiler. The mill produces HyPerform kraft paper, which serves customers based in Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Ecuador.