British corrugated packaging manufacturer DS Smith is to invest ?115 million in its new research and development (R&D) program, double the amount of previous programs.
This five-year innovation plan will focus on the circular economy. It includes the creation of a new technology center in the UK, the development of new materials and a pilot project to measure the impact resistance of e-commerce packaging.
The new materials will be used to replace single-use plastics. In particular, DS Smith will develop new fully recyclable translucent packaging to replace plastic films in food packaging and barrier technologies.
The manufacturer also wants to conduct further research on recycled paper and corrugated fibers to optimize their strength, resilience and recyclable properties.
DS Smith will also analyze real-world e-commerce delivery supply chains, such as measuring the impact of gravitational force on packages in transit, to avoid damaged packages and reduce waste.
A new R&D center, called Unit 17, will be set up in the UK. This prototyping and testing unit will develop new technologies by working in partnership with the group's 50 innovation centers and R&D partners.
The ?115 million investment is part of the group's sustainability strategy, which is committed to offering its customers 100% recyclable packaging by 2023 and to replacing one billion plastic items used in supermarkets and e-commerce by 2025.
