Ninety per cent of DS Smith’s packaging materials now come from recovered sources. According to its newly-published Sustainability Report, it has also, this year, reduced its waste to landfill by 26.2 per cent*, saved 286,970 tonnes of CO2 and prevented 562,686 trees from being cut down. These impressive accomplishments demonstrate the company’s continued dedication to transforming the way it operates and setting the highest standards for the European packaging industry.
Mark Greenwood, Group Sustainability Director at DS Smith explains, “At DS Smith we take sustainability very seriously and are always looking at new eco-friendly practices and possibilities. This report is proof of our commitment to increase sustainability and we’re thrilled that we have had our best-ever year in terms of waste and CO2 reduction. Our vision is clear; to be the leading supplier of sustainable packaging solutions.”
He continues, “Interestingly, packaging reputation and fibre sourcing and availability were revealed as two of the highest priority issues for internal and external stakeholders in our recent materiality analysis. This highlights the increasing importance to our customers of not only the sustainability credentials of our packaging but of the whole supply chain. In addition, a number of pieces of legislation, including the EU Timber Regulations and the UK’s Modern Slavery Act, have increased consumer interest and we are committed to responding and ensuring our supply cycle is beyond reproach. As a result, we have rolled out our Global Supplier Standard, comprising our minimum requirements for quality and sustainability, and created a Modern Slavery Working Group which is planning a range of activities to respond to the new legislation.“
He concludes, “Driving sustainability throughout a business is an ongoing process and I’m confident that over the next few years, DS Smith will continue to lead the industry in its imaginative and effective approach to its business practice, people and the environment.”
Sustainability report highlights:
- 90 per cent of materials drawn from recovered sources;
- 8.1 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions per tonne of production;
- 94C CDP score in 2015;
- 119 sites with FSC certification;
- EcoVadis Gold award for sustainability;
- 2.4 million tonnes of paper collected by DS Smith Recycling;
- 30,000 LED bulbs installed in DS Smith sites, replacing inefficient high-bay lamps;
- 25 Impact & PackRight centres across Europe, helping to reduce supply chain emissions;
- 14 days – the time it takes for the ‘box-to-box’ programme to transform packaging into recycled paper fibre and back into new packaging.
The report – titled ‘Sustainable Values‘ – gives details of the company’s wide-ranging commitment to sustainability in all areas of its operations. In addition to the newly published report, DS Smith has further boosted transparency with the launch of an interactive online tool to show environmental savings. The infographic demonstrates the benefits of DS Smith’s recycled paper and packaging to the planet every day.
*Figures are based on data collected on Oct. 25th, 2016 and refer to the previous year up until this date. These figures are updated daily on the infographic.
