DS Smith has unveiled its new ten-year sustainability vision and strategy, Now and Next, which sets out the firm’s commitments and goals.
The business explained it will continue to focus on the transition to a circular economy by partnering with customers, communities, governments and influencers to ‘keep materials in use, design out waste and regenerate natural systems’.
DS Smith added that it will target CO₂ reduction, protecting biodiversity and reducing water consumption.
Miles Roberts, group CEO of DS Smith, said, “As we respond to the changing world in which we live and operate, it is critical that our drive to redefine packaging continues to place circularity at the heart of our business. Our new strategy allows us to move beyond just having a strong circular business model ourselves to delivering more circular solutions for our customers and wider society – replacing problem plastics, taking carbon out of supply chains and providing innovative recycling solutions.”
The strategy sets out four key pillars, alongside a continued commitment to reduce CO₂ emissions by 30% against a 2015 baseline and care for its forests and biodiversity wherever it operates. The key areas are: closing the loop through better design; protecting natural resources by making the most of every fibre; reducing waste and pollution through circular solutions; and equipping people to lead the transition to a circular economy.
Wouter van Tol, head of sustainability, community and government affairs, added, “Now and Next positions DS Smith at the forefront of the packaging industry and sets a clear roadmap to address immediate challenges, while also working to meet the needs of the next generation by creating solutions that are aligned with the principles of the circular economy. By taking a whole systems approach, we have a huge opportunity to make significant progress against our environmental, social and governance responsibilities.”
