Corrugated's Green Revolution

The technologies involved in the design, manufacture and printing of corrugated packaging have progressed dynamically in recent years. In a changing world, the material can provide new answers for companies seeking stronger business and environmental performance.

Corrugated has built on its traditional strengths in product protection to take on new roles in the supply chain. This has been demonstrated by the emergence of retail ready packaging which is designed to work in store, interface with consumers and, increasingly, reach new levels of visual attractiveness.

In addition, the recycling infrastructure for used corrugated is particularly effective. The material is 100% recyclable and made in large part from recycled boxes. Fibres go round and round in a continuous loop until they can no longer be used. It is estimated that about 84% of all corrugated boxes are recycled in the UK and this figure can be expected to rise.

Pack design can play a major role in improving environmental performance. For example, specifying corrugated packaging can help prevent landfill because the recycling infrastructure is so effective. However, design can have a much wider impact by creating packs which use the right amount of material, whilst making the best use of space, whether on pallets, lorries or the retail shelf. Good design can save money and reduce environmental impact at many points in the supply chain, from faster packing, less waste through damage or spoilage, less lorries, lower fuel costs, reduced storage space, better stock rotation in store, and so on.

To help achieve the best possible results, DS Smith Packaging is developing a process of structured thinking about packaging and the environment called RecycleRight. In conjunction with its DesignRight tools, which target optimum pack performance in the supply chain and in store, the aim is to reconcile the many variables involved in developing the greenest box possible whilst, at the same time, creating supply chain efficiencies and customer satisfaction.

As the UK's leading supplier of corrugated products, DS Smith Packaging tackles environmental challenges wholeheartedly. Innovation and structured thinking can deliver results and help users to improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase profit. In other words, you can be green and grow.