DS Smith launches recyclability assessment service

DS Smith has launched a service for businesses to evaluate the recyclability levels of their packaging. The service is designed to meet the growing sustainability demands of consumers and organizations while, crucially, addressing the ongoing changes in packaging legislation.

According to the company, regulations are constantly evolving to focus on establishing sustainable packaging. With so many demands on packaging, from recyclability to performance and aesthetics, meeting all these demands does not come without its challenges.

To help businesses solve these challenges, DS Smith’s Recyclability Evaluation Service (RES) performs specific tests to determine the recyclability of fiber-based packaging in standard paper mills across Europe.

Tests will be undertaken in a Fiber Development Laboratory at Kemsley Paper Mill with each test performed in line with industry standards from CEPI and 4evergreen. Customers will receive detailed data, and a report summarizing the findings, along with a recyclability score from –100 to +100 and conclusion on suitability for recycling in standard paper mills.

RES will also allow businesses to consult with its design and innovation team on packaging's overall recyclability.  Each of DS Smith’s designers has 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.

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 percent 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 our customer’s fiber-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 for them as well. For everyone interested in this service, simply follow this link to our website.’