In a significant milestone, DS Smith proudly announces the replacement of over one billion pieces of plastic, surpassing its 2025 target by 16 months. This achievement, achieved through collaborative efforts with global FMCG brands in supply chains, underscores DS Smith's commitment to sustainability and innovation.

As of May 2024, DS Smith has successfully substituted more than 1.2 billion plastic pieces across its international markets. This remarkable feat is a direct outcome of DS Smith's plastic replacement and reduction program, initiated in 2020 as part of its Now & Next Sustainability Strategy. This strategy, aligned with the company's overarching purpose to "Redefine Packaging for a Changing World," aims to drive environmental change both within and beyond DS Smith's operations.

Spanning 27 countries across Europe and North America, DS Smith's plastic replacement target encompasses primary and secondary plastic packaging eliminated or reduced from customers' packaging. Leading the charge is the UK, where over 274 million pieces of plastic have been replaced. France follows closely, with more than 260 million pieces substituted, while Germany secures the third position, having replaced over 153 million pieces.

DS Smith's initiative extends beyond mere numbers, impacting everyday plastic items commonly found on supermarket shelves. From fruit and vegetable punnets to plastic carriers and shrink-wrap adorning soft drink bottles, DS Smith's innovative solutions pave the way for a more sustainable packaging landscape.

Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive of DS Smith, emphasizes the strategic significance of this achievement, stating, "By innovating to help our customers replace or reduce plastics, we are responding to societal demands to reduce plastic pollution, as well as growing our partnerships with customers." Roberts further highlights the crucial role of regulatory frameworks, advocating for stronger, harmonized global regulations to facilitate the transition away from plastic.

DS Smith's remarkable feat not only underscores its commitment to environmental stewardship but also serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving meaningful change on a global scale.