DS Smith names James Lomax as new MD for UK, Ireland packaging unit

UK – DS Smith, the sustainable packaging solutions provider now under International Paper ownership, has named James Lomax as managing director for its UK and Ireland packaging division. 

Lomax took over the role on December 1, 2025, replacing Paul Clarke, who stepped down after contributing to the company’s regional growth.

With eight years at DS Smith, Lomax held key positions in sales, marketing, innovation, and operations. 

Before his promotion, he directed supply chain and operations across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa packaging division. 

His 20-year career spans the fast-moving consumer goods and packaging sectors, where he managed business transformations and expanded sustainable practices.

The appointment arrives amid DS Smith’s ongoing integration with International Paper, a process that began earlier in 2025. 

This merger aims to streamline operations and enhance efficiency in delivering eco-friendly packaging to clients. 

Lomax, in his first comments on the role, highlighted the progress made so far. He noted that the company has simplified its structure to operate with greater agility, focusing on improved customer service. 

“We thank Paul for his significant contribution to DS Smith and wish him every success in the future,” Lomax said. 

He added that the firm stands on a solid base, ready to pursue its growth plans and generate lasting value for stakeholders.

Under Clarke’s leadership, the UK and Ireland division expanded its portfolio of recyclable solutions, serving industries from food and beverage to e-commerce. 

DS Smith’s commitment to fibre-based materials has driven recent product launches, reducing reliance on single-use plastics. 

In November 2025, the company developed a fully recyclable fibre packaging system for Austria’s Privatbrauerei Hirt. 

This design supports the brewer’s expanding online sales by safeguarding 0.5-litre and 0.75-litre glass bottles during shipping.

The solution features secure cap and base holders, shock-absorbing edges, and internal tabs for stability, all without any plastic elements. 

It weighs under 100 grams per unit and costs around US$0.15 to produce at scale, making it viable for high-volume e-commerce fulfillment. 

Privatbrauerei Hirt reported a 25% drop in breakage rates during tests, allowing the brewer to ship over 10,000 units monthly without added protective wraps.

This innovation fits DS Smith’s broader push into protective packaging for online retail, where global e-commerce volumes hit US$6.5 trillion in 2025. 

The company now supplies similar fibre-based carriers to more than 50 European clients, emphasizing designs that fit standard courier boxes and recycle through existing paper streams.

Lomax’s experience in operations positions the UK and Ireland team to adapt these models locally, targeting a 15% increase in sustainable product adoption by mid-2026.

As consumer demand for plastic-free options grows, DS Smith’s moves signal a shift toward integrated supply chains that prioritize durability and circularity. 

The division, which generated US$1.2 billion in regional revenue last fiscal year, plans to invest US$50 million in fibre sourcing and automation over the next two years.

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