DS Smith revolutionizes packaging with steam recycling technology

USA – DS Smith, a packaging company, has completed the installation of state-of-the-art steam recycling technology at its corrugated packaging facility in Columbia, South Carolina.

This technology is anticipated to slash energy consumption by 20%, aligning with the company’s sustainability commitment to its clientele in North America.

At the specialty coated box manufacturing facility, the advanced Baviera Steam Systems solution aims to efficiently recover condensate, typically wasted during the corrugation process.

The installation at the Columbia box plant also integrates Baviera Steam Systems’ Condensate Recovery Unit and Digital Steam Pumps. These pumps are lauded for effectively managing the requisite pressure for corrugation, accommodating both lightweight and heavyweight papers.

Additionally, the incorporation of continuous heat transfer control solutions within the steam system bolsters consistency, streamlines control room operations, and eliminates the need for operator adjustments that might impact long-term performance.

Steven Rose, Managing Director of DS Smith North America Packaging and Paper Packaging, highlighted the significance of this investment. He stated, “Our South Carolina facility produces water-resistant, fully recyclable Greencoat boxes for fresh poultry and produce providers—agribusinesses recognizing decarbonization as pivotal for their sustained success.

“With this investment, we’re reducing natural gas consumption at the facility by 20%, significantly curbing CO₂ emissions, and enhancing throughput.”

In a recent move, DS Smith unveiled a €90 million (US$98.25 million) investment to support the sustainable energy transformation at its Rouen paper mill in Normandy, France.

The initiative involves replacing the coal-fired boiler with a biomass boiler, slated to fulfill at least 80% of the site’s heat demand.

As part of the effort, the coal-fired boiler at the paper mill will be replaced with a biomass boiler that will help Smith in meeting at least 80% of the site’s heat demand.

The move is expected to minimize the Rouen site’s overall carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by up to 99,000 tonnes (t) every year, compared with the financial year 2022/2023.

This new 56MW biomass boiler, which will be provided by Valmet, is planned to commence operations in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.

Since 2020, DS Smith has aided customers in replacing 762 million problematic plastics with fiber-based alternatives, with an ambitious target of replacing 1 billion plastics by 2025.

Leveraging its unique design process and industry-leading Circular Design Metrics, DS Smith has developed over 30,000 circular-ready projects, empowering customers to drive sustainability performance and contribute to a more environmentally conscious future.

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