UK – DS Smith is introducing an industry-first service to help businesses assess and improve the recyclability of their fiber-based packaging.
The new Recyclability Evaluation Service (RES) responds to the growing sustainability demands of consumers, organizations, and regulations.
The service involves specialized testing to evaluate the recyclability of packaging in standard paper mills across Europe.
These tests are conducted in DS Smith’s state-of-the-art Fibre Development Laboratory at the Kemsley Paper Mill, UK, following industry standards set by CEPI and 4evergreen.
Each customer will receive a detailed report, including a recyclability score ranging from -100 to +100, along with an assessment of their packaging’s suitability for recycling in standard paper mills.
Jonathan Edmunds, Head of Recyclability, Sustainability, and Government Affairs at DS Smith Recycling, explains, “While 100% of our packaging is recyclable, we are now shifting our focus to enhancing the recyclability of our customers’ fiber-based packaging.
“In a constantly evolving landscape, RES enables us to ensure our customers stay ahead by improving the recyclability of their packaging.”
Understanding packaging composition is increasingly important. As the first integrated paper, packaging, and recycling business to offer this service, DS Smith is uniquely positioned to provide both advice and solutions.
In addition to testing, RES offers consultation with DS Smith’s Design and Innovation Team to enhance packaging recyclability further.
This team was instrumental in DS Smith achieving its goal of replacing over one billion pieces of plastic ahead of schedule.
Trained in the company’s Circular Design Principles and Circular Design Metrics—developed in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation—DS Smith’s designers assess packaging performance in areas like recycled content, recyclability, CO2 emissions, waste reduction, and supply chain efficiency.
Since their launch, these metrics have influenced over 100,000 packaging design decisions.
The launch of RES to all businesses follows a £750,000 (US$954,000) investment in 2022 to enhance the Fibre Development Laboratory’s capabilities, driving innovations in fiber-based packaging performance and sustainability.
Last month, DS Smith invested over €50 million (US$54.23 million) in its packaging facilities in Portugal to meet the growing demand for sustainable fibre-based packaging solutions.
This investment aims to upgrade technology and incorporate renewable energy solutions across its facilities.
Key upgrades include acquiring two top-of-the-range fluting machines for the packaging facilities in Oporto and Leiria.
Additionally, the corrugator unit at the Lisbon facility has been enhanced by installing a 2,800mm (approximately 9.19 ft) wide Dry End.
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