> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://packaging-europe.ghost.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Smurfit Westrock acquires Cartomanabí to secure corrugated growth in Ecuador
- URL: https://packaging-europe.ghost.io/smurfit-westrock-acquires-cartomanabi-to-secure-corrugated-growth-in-ecuador/
- Published: 2026-03-09T11:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T07:31:26.000Z
- Author: Packaging Europe staff writers
- Tags: Business, Rigid Packaging, Smurfit Kappa, Collaboration, #layout-s, #type-article, #packaging-europe, #Import 2026-09-08 15:54

**In an effort to expand its presence in Ecuador,** [**Smurfit Westrock**](https://www.smurfitwestrock.com/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **has completed an asset purchase of Cartomanabí – including its annual corrugated production capacity of over 50,000 tons.**

Founded in 2020, Cartomanabí is based in Montecristi and primarily serves the FMCG, agriculture, protein, and industrial sectors. Smurfit Westrock describes the company as one of the main corrugated packaging companies in Ecuador.

By acquiring Cartomanabí, Smurfit Westrock plans to capitalize on corrugated packaging growth opportunities within Ecuador and across Latin America, and to support its customers operating in the region.

It also aspires to be the top supplier of corrugated board in Latin America, increasing its integration with paper supplied from its North American mill system.

“The transaction in Ecuador is our first as Smurfit Westrock,” said Alvaro Henao, president and CEO of Smurfit Westrock Latin America. “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.

“We look forward to working together with customers in this country and sharing all our knowledge, expertise and value-driven innovation.”

In other news, [Saica Group](https://www.saica.com/en/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) has [acquired](https://packagingeurope.com/news/saica-group-expands-recovery-network-in-spain-with-new-acquisition/13775.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) the paper and corrugated board recovery business [FCC Ámbito](https://www.fccambito.com/en/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io), taking over activities at its plants in Madrid, Cáceres, Valladolid, Asturias, Vizcaya, León, and Toledo. The move is set to consolidate Saica’s presence in Iberia and strengthen its value proposition for customers in the Iberian Peninsula.

[Mercadona](https://www.mercadona.es/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) has also [acquired](https://packagingeurope.com/news/mercadona-acquires-logifruit-in-bid-to-boost-its-circular-logistics/13773.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) the reusable packaging supplier [Logifruit](https://logifruit.es/en/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) in hopes of bringing together its logistics processes and contributing to a new circular strategy. The acquisition is hoped to achieve ‘significant’ synergies, optimize resources, and strengthen Mercadona’s distribution network. 

**If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:**

[***The ultimate guide to packaging innovation in 2026***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/the-ultimate-guide-to-packaging-innovation-in-2026/13821.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)

[***The ‘complex reality’ of reusable packaging in Europe***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/the-complex-reality-of-reusable-packaging-in-europe/13706.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)

[***Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/report-the-ultimate-guide-to-global-packaging-sustainability-regulation-in-2025/12733.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)

[***Strategic learnings from the Sustainable Packaging Summit***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/strategic-learnings-from-the-2025-sustainable-packaging-summit/13750.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)