DS Smith in Iberia has chosen Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid (Spain) as the latest city for the launch of a Customer Innovation Hub, and it is intended to further facilitate both virtual and physical collaboration between DS Smith packaging experts, and their existing and potential new customers.
The synergies established in the centre will provide the opportunity for customers and visitors to explore and share sustainable packaging solutions in an interactive environment. The learning experience will allow for flexible exploration around opportunities for sustainable and circular ready packaging for brands and manufacturers in the Iberian region.
DS Smith says its Customer Innovation Hubs are dedicated to sector related businesses and challenges. They also highlight sustainable packaging solutions for a variety of sectors including e-commerce, FMCG, and industrials such as automotive. In addition, customers and visitors are provided with access to state-of-the-art digital elements such as 360º cameras and LED screens, and virtual and augmented reality experiences. DS Smith has also installed 3D technology to reveal market-ready solutions to customers in real time and demonstrate the developmental processes behind innovative new customized prototypes.
The Customer Innovation Hub is equipped with state-of-the-art technology so that users can participate in face-to-face, virtual and hybrid sessions, and they are set up to host webinars and seminars on sustainable packaging and dominant or emerging market trends. Interactive ‘unboxing’ experiences are available to demonstrate the impacts of each packaging on the consumer, and the options to design for re-use from inception.
João Gordilho, Customer Engagement Manager Iberia, DS Smith, commented, “The purpose of the DS Smith Customer Innovation Hubs is to foster and support collaboration with our existing and to inspire our potential new customers with regards to what is possible for their products and supply chains. We seek to develop innovative solutions that are bespoke and to work closely together towards a more circular ready future. These tailor-made solutions are also designed to significantly reduce CO2 footprint.”
The hub in Madrid represents the second in Iberia. The company opened its first Customer Innovation Centre in Lisbon in Portugal in 2021, and invested in another innovation Centre in Belchatów, Poland, in 2022.
