Sustainable packaging provider DS Smith said it has reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emissions by 19% compared to 2019/20.
According to its latest sustainability report, DS Smith replaced over one billion pieces of plastic ahead of schedule and achieved an “A” rating on climate change from the global environmental non-profit, CDP.
The progress is detailed in DS Smith’s latest Sustainability Report, which sets out the business’ commitments across its key focus areas of Circularity, Carbon, Nature and People & Communities.
DS Smith’s report said it replaced over one billion pieces of plastic across its international markets a year ahead of schedule.
The report also found DS Smith reduced total Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 5% compared to last year and 19% compared to 2019/20.
DS Smith said it also invested €90 million to install a new biomass boiler at their Rouen paper mill, which is expected to save 99,000 tonnes of CO2 a year. All fourteen of its paper mills also completed biodiversity activities, according to the sustainability report.
DS Smith’s report said it reduced the amount of waste sent to landfill by 19% compared to last year and ensured 90% of new packaging specifications were optimised for individual customer supply chains.
I am immensely proud of our team for exceeding our plastic replacement target more than a year early.
A commitment to circularity has been fundamental to the business’ progress on Sustainability, DS Smith said.
DS Smith’s 800 designers have been trained in Circular Design Principles and Circular Design Metrics created in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
The metrics help to assess performance against areas such as recycled content and recyclability, indicative estimated CO2 emissions, levels of excess waste and supply chain parameters in partnership with customers.
Since their launch, DS Smith said over 100,000 packaging design decisions have been influenced by the company’s Circular Design Metrics.
Miles Roberts, Group Chief Executive of DS Smith, commented: “I am delighted with the progress we have made on our Now & Next Sustainability Strategy as detailed in our latest Sustainability Report.
“I am immensely proud of our team for exceeding our plastic replacement target more than a year early, continuing to reduce our greenhouse gas emission year-on-year, and securing recognition as a sustainability leader by CDP.
“We believe that our Now & Next Sustainability Strategy is leading our industry, so while it is right to celebrate our colleagues’ achievements, we also know we need to keep moving forward and are working with our customers to ensure that together we can lead the transition to a low carbon, circular economy.”
