New Circular Design Principles to Eliminate Waste, Drive Sustainability in Packaging
DS Smith, a sustainable packaging leader, today launched its Circular Design Principles, citing company research that shows better packaging design could save the industry $46 billion a year in logistics costs globally. New research reveals that consumers are carefully considering company sustainability practices before purchasing, especially when it comes to wasted space. Nearly all consumers (93%) reported they have received packages with wasted space, and 73% have received packages that were twice the size or more needed. All of this wasted space has left a bad taste in consumer’s minds and wallets, as 54% reported they would think twice before ordering again from a company that had excessive space in their packaging.
DS Smith developed the design principles in collaboration with the non-profit Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a global organization that promotes a circular economy to reduce consumption, waste and pollution by keeping products in use. The new program helps guide companies in designing reuse and recyclability into packaging. DS Smith recently marked its first successful year of collaboration with the Foundation, and in its second year will be working on a series of activities to further its ambitious circular economy agenda including innovation and circular design projects, training and development of its teams and engagement in its communities.