DS Smith strengthens research and development with new center in Birmingham

UK – British packaging company DS Smith has announced the launch of its global Research & Development (R&D) and Innovation Centre, ‘R8′.

The new facility is an industry-first, allowing DS Smith, its customers, and partners to accelerate research and development of innovative packaging fulfillment solutions.

Located near Birmingham, the R8 facility includes a 4,000m2 pilot hall, four laboratories, conditioning chambers, an ideation and design studio, prototyping areas, and collaboration spaces.

As the home of DS Smith’s Group Innovation and R&D teams, this facility is intended to spearhead research in manufacturing. Its primary focus is on maximizing the growing demand for sustainable packaging and the innovation required to deliver it.

Stefano Rossi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Packaging Division at DS Smith, stated, “Our clientele consists of renowned FMCG brands, online retailers, and industrial players, making innovation and sustainability top priorities for them.

“Our global R&D and Innovation Centre will facilitate the collaboration that we know is needed to solve some of the industry’s biggest challenges.”

With R8, DS Smith has created a collaborative space that enables them to encompass the entire innovation spectrum in one location. This includes early technology and material development, ideation, concept development, testing, product development, prototyping, and customer pilots.

Rossi added, “We will be partnering with customers to assist them in transitioning to the circular economy by emphasizing innovative packaging solutions that utilize new materials and technologies.

“Nothing is off the table – we have designed the hub to encourage scrutiny of existing ways of working and explore all the possibilities, particularly for service-based offerings in the packaging supply chain.”

The opening of this facility follows DS Smith’s investment of US$13.68 million in its Ghimbav production site in Romania.

DS Smith says that this investment will support the ongoing replacement of plastic with alternative materials for customers, increase capacity by over 20%, and significantly enhance productivity.

With a continued focus on innovation, the investment will further differentiate DS Smith in the market by supporting customers in achieving their environmental goals.

The investment is part of DS Smith Packaging’s ambitious growth strategy in Eastern Europe, aimed at establishing leadership in sustainable packaging solutions throughout the region while creating value for its customers and partners.

In line with the company’s commitment to sustainability, this strategic investment will support the company’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.