"This is an important expansion of our global activities, which focus on identifying and implementing new and improved ways to support our customers´ international businesses," said Mike Oswald, senior vice president and general manager of the company´s recycling division.

The new office will find recovered paper in Europe for sale through the company´s Shanghai office. Recycled paper also will be sold to customers in other parts of Asia, Europe, Central America and South America, Smurfit-Stone said.

"Having an ´on-the-ground´ presence in Europe will help us to better anticipate and respond to global market conditions and support increased material recovery efforts in Europe," Oswald said

Smurfit-Stone, based in Creve Coeur, Mo., operates 30 materials recovery facilities. The company also has sales and procurement offices in North America, Asia and Europe.

Contact Waste & Recycling News senior reporter Jim Johnson at 937-964-1289 or jpjohnson@crain.com