LONDON (News release) - DS Smith, a leading global provider of sustainable fiber-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, commented:

"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 toward 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 is currently trialing the packaging solution for its Carlsberg, Garage and Somersby beer product ranges.

* Up to 224 tons of CO2 annually when introducing the solution on brands the Carlsberg, Somersby and Garage brands

**The results of a survey commissioned by DS Smith and implemented by Toluna in December 2023, conducted in the UK and France on a sample of 1,000 respondents to understand customer perceptions of DS Smith Round Wrap