DS Smith and Carlsberg Poland introduce rounded corners and reduce up to 224 tons of CO2 annually with DS Smith round wrap packaging solution

DS Smith, a leading global provider of sustainable fibre-based packaging solutions, has partnered with Carlsberg in Poland to introduce DS Smith Round Wrap to selected product lines.

DS Smith Round Wrap is a pioneering multi-pack packaging solution that rounds corners, and it is designed to reduce CO2 emissions when compared to standard corrugated multi-packs. The product solution is fully recyclable, and the curved corners work to reduce the use of shrink film on the pallet.

The solution is anticipated to save up to 224* tons of CO2 annually for Carlsberg in Poland. This simple, but innovative new shape helps to protect the corners of the packaging solution and keep them intact during transportation.

The rounded shape of DS Smith Round Wrap packaging solutions also has notable additional benefits for Carlsberg Poland in relation to branding and design. There are increased opportunities to place brand identity and illustration on the rounded corners, and across the entire 360-degree side surface of the packs.

From a retail perspective, a survey conducted by research firm Toluna in December 2023 highlighted that consumers do prefer Round Wrap with 77% of respondents answering that they are more likely to ‘purchase Enhanced Wrap Around design compared to other solutions.

Reinier Schlatmann, Regional Managing Director, Packaging Division, East Europe, DS Smith: “We are proud to partner with Carlsberg Poland for a trial launch of the DS Smith Round Wrap. This sustainable packaging innovation was developed using our Circular Design Metrics, offering durability, supply chain advantages and branding opportunities. This is aligned with our company wide commitment to Redefining Packaging for a Changing World and our Now & Next Sustainability strategy and mission as we help our customers to design out waste and move towards a circular economy.”

The DS Smith design team used DS Smith's unique Circular Design Metrics (CDM) tools to measure the impact of the new packaging solution for Carlsberg Poland. The process involves the use of eight key indicators including carbon footprint, design for reuse, supply chain optimization and materials utilization. The indicators reveal the performance of a packaging design and allow designers to measure its sustainability performance with enhanced accuracy.

DS Smith Round Wrap utilizes Arcwise® technology and Carlsberg Poland are currently trialling the packaging solution for its Carlsberg, Garage and Somersby beer product ranges.