Regulations are constantly evolving to provide increased focus on establishing more sustainable packaging solutions. With so many demands on packaging, from recyclability through to performance and aesthetics, meeting all these demands does not come without its challenges.
To help businesses solve these challenges, DS Smith's Recyclability Evaluation Service (RES) performs specific tests to determine the recyclability of fibre-based packaging in standard paper mills across Europe. Tests will be undertaken in a state-of-the-art Fibre Development Laboratory at their Kemsley Paper Mill with each test performed in line with industry standards from both CEPI and 4evergreen. Customers will receive detailed data, and a report summarizing the findings, along with a recyclability score from –100 to +100 and conclusion on suitability for recycling in standard paper mills.
Beyond the testing service, RES will offer businesses the opportunity to consult with DS Smith's Design and Innovation Team overall recyclability of their packaging. It was the work of this team that played a significant role in DS Smith recently hitting their target of replacing more than one billion pieces of plastic over a year ahead of schedule.
Each one of DS Smith's designers have been trained in the company's Circular Design Principles and Circular Design Metrics, created in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. These help to assess performance against areas such as recycled content and recyclability, indicative estimated CO2 emissions, levels of excess waste and supply chain parameters in partnership with customers. Since their launch, over 100,000 packaging design decisions have been influenced by the company's Circular Design Metrics.
Jonathan Edmunds, Head of Recyclability, Sustainability and Government Affairs at DS Smith Recycling, commented: “I'm thrilled to announce the rollout of RES to packaging producers of all sizes. We have ensured that 100% of our own packaging is recyclable but now we are shifting our focus beyond the packaging we produce. With a constantly evolving landscape, RES allows us to examine and improve the recyclability our customer's fibre-based packaging, ensuring they remain one step ahead.
Understanding the makeup of packaging is becoming increasingly valuable and, as the first integrated paper, packaging, and recycling business to offer this service to businesses, we are in the prime position to offer them advice. We don't just point out the problems, we can solve for them as well. For everyone interested in this service, simply follow this link to our website: www.dssmith.com/recyclability.”
Marius Juncanariu, General Manager at DS Smith Zărnești Paper Mill added: "Against the backdrop of a constantly evolving market, where sustainability is a key priority for consumers and regulators, the launch of the Recyclability Assessment Service by DS Smith is a crucial step for helping companies develop more sustainable packaging alternatives in Romania as well. The tests conducted at our Kemsley paper mill in the UK offer a high level of accuracy and a clear picture of both strengths and areas that require additional attention, allowing our local partners to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions, stay competitive, and always comply with new regulations."
The launch of RES to all businesses follows a £750,000 investment made in the Fibre Development Laboratory in 2022 to research technologies that enhance the performance and sustainability qualities of fibre-based packaging, supporting DS Smith's company-wide purpose of Redefining Packaging for a Changing World.
