In response to the rising demand for sustainable packaging, DS Smith has introduced a cutting-edge service aimed at helping businesses assess and enhance the recyclability of their packaging solutions. Named the Recyclability Evaluation Service (RES), this initiative offers businesses a way to test their fiber-based packaging materials according to industry standards like CEPI (Confederation of European Paper Industries) and 4evergreen. The tests, conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories located in Kemsley, United Kingdom, yield detailed reports and assign a recyclability score ranging from -100 to +100.

The creation of RES was driven by the growing urgency for more environmentally friendly packaging, spurred by new regulatory frameworks and the evolving expectations of consumers. The retail, food and beverage, consumer goods, and pharmaceutical sectors, which are heavily reliant on packaging, stand to benefit the most from this service. By undergoing recyclability assessments, companies in these industries can optimize the recyclability of their packaging materials while still maintaining performance, brand identity, and aesthetic appeal.

Beyond its core offering, the RES service is supplemented by DS Smith's specialized consultancy services. Through close collaboration with the Design and Innovation team, businesses can address complex sustainability challenges. This team, which has already contributed to numerous projects such as the replacement of over one billion plastic components with more sustainable alternatives, plays a pivotal role in helping companies achieve their sustainability targets. The design team leverages Circular Design Metrics, developed in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, to shape more than 100,000 packaging decisions. These metrics prioritize aspects such as the percentage of recycled content, CO2 emissions, and waste reduction, ensuring that the packaging solutions align with the principles of the circular economy.

Jonathan Edmunds, Head of Recyclability, Sustainability, and Government Affairs at DS Smith, emphasizes the broader impact of the RES. He explains that the service is not only designed to identify weaknesses in a company’s packaging strategy but also to offer practical, scalable solutions that address these challenges. Edmunds highlights the fact that DS Smith’s innovations come at a critical time, as businesses worldwide seek to stay ahead of tightening regulations and shifting consumer preferences for sustainable solutions.

The RES is an essential part of DS Smith's broader strategy to create closed-loop packaging systems and reduce overall waste. The company has been actively reducing the environmental impact of packaging for years, most notably by advocating for the use of 100% recycled materials in certain applications. Their holistic approach considers the entire lifecycle of packaging, from design to disposal, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing the utility and recyclability of packaging materials.

DS Smith is already well-known for its expertise in the field of fiber-based packaging, and the launch of the Recyclability Evaluation Service further strengthens its position as a leader in sustainable packaging innovation. As industries across the globe continue to grapple with the challenges of sustainability, services like RES offer businesses an opportunity to stay ahead of the curve by not only meeting regulatory requirements but also enhancing their corporate social responsibility efforts.

This comprehensive evaluation of packaging materials offers businesses a way to proactively address sustainability concerns while improving their brand image. In a market increasingly driven by eco-conscious consumers, the ability to demonstrate that packaging is both functional and environmentally friendly can serve as a significant competitive advantage. With services like RES, DS Smith continues to pave the way for a future where packaging is not only a necessity but a key component of global sustainability efforts.