The new service is designed to meet the growing sustainability demands of consumers and organisations while addressing the ongoing changes in packaging legislation.
To help businesses solve their current challenges, DS Smith’s Recyclability Evaluation Service (RES) performs specific tests to determine the recyclability of fibre-based packaging in standard paper mills across Europe.
Tests will be undertaken in the Fibre Development Laboratory at DS Smith’s Kemsley Paper Mill, with each test performed in line with industry standards from both CEPI and 4evergreen.
Customers will receive detailed data and a report summarising the findings, along with a recyclability score from –100 to +100 and conclusion on suitability for recycling in standard paper mills.
Beyond the testing service, RES will offer businesses the opportunity to consult with DS Smith’s Design and Innovation Team on the overall recyclability of their packaging.
DS Smith’s designers have all been trained in the company’s Circular Design Principles and Circular Design Metrics, created in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
These help to assess performance against areas such as recycled content and recyclability, indicative estimated CO2 emissions, levels of excess waste and supply chain parameters in partnership with customers.
Since their launch, over 100,000 packaging design decisions have been influenced by the company’s Circular Design Metrics.
Jonathan Edmunds, head of recyclability, sustainability and government affairs at DS Smith Recycling, said: “I’m thrilled to announce the rollout of RES to packaging producers of all sizes. We have ensured that 100% of our own packaging is recyclable but now we are shifting our focus beyond the packaging we produce.
“With a constantly evolving landscape, RES allows us to examine and improve the recyclability of our customers’ fibre-based packaging, ensuring they remain one step ahead.
“Understanding the makeup of packaging is becoming increasingly valuable and, as the first integrated paper, packaging, and recycling business to offer this service to businesses, we are in the prime position to offer them advice. We don’t just point out the problems, we can solve them for them as well.”
The launch of RES to all businesses follows a £750,000 investment made in the Fibre Development Laboratory in 2022 to research technologies that enhance the performance and sustainability qualities of fibre-based packaging.
