DS Smith, a leading global provider of sustainable, fiber-based corrugated packaging, is launching its DryPack seafood box in North America. A sustainable replacement for non-recyclable expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam boxes, DS Smith DryPack is a no-leak, 100% water-resistant, fully recyclable box that, when packed with ice, can keep fresh fish below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for over 40 hours in cold chain operations.

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DryPack is a sustainable seafood box that can replace non-recyclable expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam boxes. (Photo Courtesy: DS Smith)

Sustainability and cost savings advantages

DryPack is the only containerboard seafood box approved for air freight by the International Air Transport Association, giving seafood processors the ability to safely ship fresh fish for short and long distances. The boxes ship flat to seafood processors – requiring 81% less space than foam plastic EPS boxes – and are easy and quick to assemble manually or with the use of automation equipment.

“DS Smith is excited to provide the North American seafood industry with a proven, 100% recyclable, fiber-based box that meets uncompromising standards for transporting fresh fish,” said Steven Rose, Managing Director, Packaging, for DS Smith North America Packaging and Paper (NAPP). “By shipping empty DryPack seafood boxes flat at a lower price – and moving customers away from non-recyclable EPS boxes and the waste disposal fees those boxes generate – we can give seafood processors an opportunity to increase efficiency and reduce their supply chain costs along with their carbon footprint.”

DS Smith NAPP is now manufacturing DryPack boxes at its U.S. specialty packaging plants using its patented and proven Greencoat^® technology – a food-safe, moisture-resistant, recyclable coated box solution that has USDA, CFIA, FDA and FBA certifications. In addition to seafood packaging, the technology is used in the fresh poultry and produce industries to replace non-recyclable, wax-coated boxes.

Norwegian DS Smith customer Kvarøy Arctic – a family-owned salmon producer located on an island inside the Arctic Circle – depends on DryPack’s recyclability and reliability as a water-resistant and versatile packaging solution. According to the company’s CEO, Alf-Gøran Knutsen, “Our packaging in corrugated board is a win for both the environment and our brand.”

This patented, sustainable seafood box – a past design winner of the World Packaging Association’s WorldStar Award – is making its North American debut at the Seafood Processing North America tradeshow in Boston, March 10-12, where DS Smith is exhibiting in booth #1671.

Driving circularity and reducing waste

With DryPack, DS Smith is furthering its ambition to accelerate plastic replacement in the packaging space. Driven by its Now and Next sustainability strategy and working in partnership with customers, DS Smith has replaced 762 million problem plastics with fiber-based alternatives since 2020, and is on track to beat its goal of replacing 1 billion plastics by 2025.

The company is committed to supporting a transition to the Circular Economy, eliminating waste and pollution, and keeping materials in use for longer. DS Smith creates 100% recyclable or reusable packaging, helping customers design out hard to recycle plastics. DS Smith has also created more than 30,000 circular-ready projects through its industry-leading Circular Design Metrics, a design analysis tool that helps customers drive sustainability performance.

For more information about DryPack, visit www.dssmith.com/us.

About DS Smith

DS Smith is a leading provider of sustainable fiber-based packaging worldwide, which is supported by recycling and papermaking operations. It plays a central role in the value chain across sectors including e-commerce, fast moving consumer goods and industrials. Through its purpose of “Redefining Packaging for a Changing World” and its Now and Next sustainability strategy, DS Smith is committed to leading the transition to the circular economy, while delivering more circular solutions for its customers and wider society – replacing problem plastics, taking carbon out of supply chains and providing innovative recycling solutions. Its bespoke box-to-box in 14 days model, design capabilities and innovation strategy sit at the heart of this response.

Headquartered in London and a member of the FTSE 100, DS Smith operates in 34 countries employing around 30,000 people and is a Strategic Partner of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Its history can be traced back to the box-making businesses started in the 1940s by the Smith family. North American operations are based in Atlanta, with 15 manufacturing, paper and recycling facilities, totaling approximately 2,000 employees. DS Smith reports company progress across its climate targets in its Sustainability and Annual Reports.

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