DS Smith, an International Paper company, and leading provider of fibre-based and sustainable packaging solutions, and Absolut Vodka, the world’s number one premium vodka; an international spirit’s producer, and part of the Pernod Ricard group of companies, have introduced a brown box packaging solution to protect the iconic brand’s flavoured vodka and wider spirits product range.
The new packaging solution is comprised of 100% recyclable fibre-based corrugated cardboard material and is designed to provide robust protection for Absolut Vodka deliveries during their transit to customers in stores and outlets, or direct to consumers, worldwide.
Bold design ethos
Together, DS Smith and Absolut Vodka have introduced a range of brown boxes featuring multiple structural designs for a variety of Absolut Vodka products and flavours – from lime and citron to pear and watermelon.
The unique flavours are represented by colour coding and artwork on the external surface of the packaging with bold and easily recognisable on-brand Absolut Vodka typeface. By contrast, previously, the traditional packaging for the Absolut Vodka range was created with a white glossy coating – an original design that is currently still used for and applied to a variety of flavours in the Absolut flavoured vodka product range.
Anton Bengtsson, key account manager, DS Smith: “We changed the ink and branding on the exterior of the Absolut Vodka packaging to complement the aesthetic of the new brown boxes. The solution allows the packaging to withstand pressure and resist crushing, while simultaneously providing effective cushioning for the glass bottles during transit, shipping, and handling. We are delighted for the opportunity to collaborate with and support Absolut Vodka in their packaging requirements, and as one of the world’s most iconic and innovative brands in the spirits business.”
Absolut Vodka has been exporting its flavoured vodka product range in elegant, but simple brown corrugated cardboard boxes to its customers in Europe since 2025.
DS Smith has a target-led sustainability strategy and is committed to leading an industry-wide transition to the circular economy, while delivering sustainable circular solutions to customers across food and beverage, Fast-Moving-Consumer-Goods (FMCG), industrial and automotive, and e-commerce sectors, across thirty-four countries worldwide
