DS Smith achieves sustainability targets
(London, UK, Nov. 16, 2016) Ninety per cent of DS Smith’s packaging materials now come from recovered sources – a phenomenal achievement for Europe’s leading supplier of consumer and secondary packaging. 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 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.”
Mark 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.” (Source: press release)
