DS Smith is stepping up its commitment to sustainability and has today announced a multi-million pound investment package. The packaging manufacturer plans to invest a £100 million package in its research and development work into the circular economy.
The announced investment fits in with the sustainability strategy introduced in autumn 2020 "Now. And in the future of the company."DS Smith wants to be able to offer all customers 100 per cent recyclable packaging within two years. The company also wants to replace one billion plastic items in supermarkets and e-commerce by 2025.
The investments are to be amortised over a Period of five years planned. They include the creation of a new centre for pioneering technologies in the UK, the development of new materials to replace plastics and a pilot project to determine the g-force of packaging in e-commerce. The projects in detail:
Investing in more sustainability
Accelerated investment in the Development of new materials are the focus, including new, fully recyclable, transparent packaging to replace plastic windows in sandwich and ready meal packaging, as well as new research into alternative natural fibres. The expansion of the Barrier technologies is planned, such as the recent piloting of Touchguarda packaging coating that prevents the transmission of viruses. At the same time, the aim is to conduct more scientific research into fibres, including the analysis of various fibres in recycled paper and corrugated cardboard in order to optimise their strength, elasticity and recycling properties.
(Image: DS Smith)
"Due to many factors, the way we live our lives is changing rapidly. How we all treat the environment is therefore a top priority. We are investing more now than in previous years to ensure that we can lead this change and offer our customers packaging that has less impact on the environment." Miles RobertsDS Smith Chief Executive
Another goal is to minimise waste by Clever design minimise the risk of damage. Realistic analyses of the supply chains of e-commerce deliveries, including the measurement of g-forces acting on parcels during transport, will help to reduce material and avoid damaged parcels. New attempts to Reinforcement of natural paper fibres are intended to optimise the materials used in the design and manufacture of packaging. A new technology makes it possible to remove excess fibres from the packaging and at the same time improve the overall strength and resistance of the packaging. In addition, 700 DS Smith designers in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation be trained in design for the circular economy.
New prototyping acceleration centre
The plan is to establish Unit 17a new prototyping and testing facility in the UK. The aim of this new facility is to develop ground-breaking innovations and accelerate next-generation technology. To this end DS Smith with around 50 innovation centres and partners for research and development within the Group.
