DS Smith, an International Paper company, and leading global provider of sustainable fibre-based packaging solutions, has partnered with multi-beverage powerhouse Carlsberg Britvic to upgrade its OTOR4 packaging to a new OTOR8 ‘Bag-in- Box’ design. The updated design is the first stage of the partnership which is aiming to improve the efficiency and sustainability of Carlsberg Britvic’s supply chain strategy.
Featuring a revised 8-sided shape that enhances strength, the new ‘Bag in Box’ design enables an average of 25% more boxes to be loaded onto each pallet. This optimisation reduces the number of pallets and lorries required annually for the 115-mile journey between Carlsberg Britvic’s manufacturing site in Leeds and the national distribution centre in Lutterworth.
As well as contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions, the upgraded packaging provides further efficiency in the supply chain by optimising warehouse storage space, reducing the risk of leakage, and improving stability through its vertical design.
The launch of the new design is part of DS Smith’s wider partnership with Carlsberg Britvic to improve the efficiency and sustainability of its supply chain and packaging.
Carlsberg Britvic has long been committed to carbon reduction, with 75% of the grid electricity used to make its soft drinks in the UK coming from solar panels, and more than £9 million invested in carbon cutting technology at its soft drinks factories in the past three years.
Liz Manuvelpillai, sales, marketing, and innovation director, DS Smith: “At a time when efficiency and sustainability remain front of mind for our customers, we’re thrilled to have delivered an effective packaging solution in collaboration with Carlsberg Britvic. Our innovation will see fewer consignment vehicles on the road, lower transport emissions, and contribute to supply chain efficiency. Innovation, and sustainability are at the heart of what we do as a company and this is the first stage of the innovative ‘Bag in Box’ project as we support Carlsberg Britvic on their sustainability journey.”
Tom Fiennes, sustainability director at Carlsberg Britvic, said: “Every year Carlsberg Britvic produces more than 25 million litres of soft drinks to be served on dispense in pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants – and we couldn’t do this without high-quality, innovative packaging. The new OTOR8 bag in box from DS Smith means sturdier packaging for our customers, reduced storage space for everyone and, from Pepsi MAX™ and 7UP to Tango and R. White’s lemonade, reduced carbon emissions– another milestone in Carlsberg Britvic’s journey to net zero carbon emissions.”
In line with its Now and Next strategy and purpose to Redefine Packaging for a Changing World, DS Smith uses its unique Circular Design Metrics to rate and compare the circularity of packaging designs across eight different indicators.
DS Smith is committed to leading an industry-wide transition to a circular economy while delivering sustainable circular solutions for its customers in sectors ranging from beverage and food to e-commerce, FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods), and automotive and industrial, across thirty-four countries worldwide.
