Mondelēz International has established a second five-year agreement with DS Smith for the exclusive supply of corrugated cardboard for its packaging across Europe.

The new exclusive alliance also represents an expansion of existing services with a commitment to undertake new projects, implying "continuing to build a relationship that has been solidified for over ten years between both companies," explains DS Smith in a statement.

For these new projects, the company emphasizes that "the value of collaboration and co-creation as a working practice is crucial for both Mondelēz and DS Smith." This will enable them to continue developing their R&D programs and providing tailor-made sustainable packaging solutions through joint innovation programs and roadmaps.

DS Smith highlights the implementation of new sustainable fiber-based packaging solutions in European markets, with joint efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The companies commit to developing more sustainable and economically viable packaging solutions over the next five years, leading to material reduction and increased recyclability in key product ranges.

One approach to achieving these goals is through DS Smith's Circular Design Metrics when co-creating new packaging innovations. The companies already used this system, ensuring each new solution is evaluated based on key sustainability indicators such as recyclability, raw material consumption, increased lifespan of materials and products, and improved supply chain efficiency. "DS Smith developed its exclusive Circular Design Metrics tool after the launch of its Circular Design Principles to assist companies in transitioning to a more circular economy. The tool is pioneering in the industry, providing a clear view of the strengths and weaknesses of a packaging design in terms of sustainability, as well as areas to focus on," explains.

The focus of the companies lies in quality, supply chain efficiency, and productivity initiatives, with one of the main goals being the resilience of supply chains and maintaining products on shelves, regardless of market conditions.

Stefano Rossi, CEO of the Packaging Division at DS Smith, states, "We are delighted to continue this incredible journey with our esteemed client, Mondelēz International. This longstanding partnership reflects the strength of a shared vision. We are focused on Redefining Packaging for a World in Constant Change and creating lasting innovations in all our clients' business areas. We are proud of what we have achieved in the last decade and look forward to working together successfully in the next decade to make an even more lasting impact."

On behalf of Mondelēz International, Cyril Goyet, VP Procurement Europe, emphasizes, "We are very excited to share our next adventure with DS Smith and grateful for the collaborative journey we've shared over the past ten years. The mutual trust we've built over time, along with the transparency and dedication of both teams, has been the secret recipe for our success, enabling a constant value contribution and making our partnership unique. Both companies have fantastic people who share the same values, passion, and commitment. Here's to another five years of success, growth, and achievements as we explore new opportunities."