DS Smith creates eco-friendly, reusable packaging solutions for customer returns of Minerva products
In a move aimed at promoting circularity in the packaging industry, DS Smith has partnered with Minerva S.A., a leading retail company in Greece, Cyprus, and Serbia. The partnership will see DS Smith's innovative Tape Back packaging solution introduced to the Greek market.
The Tape Back boxes, designed for e-commerce deliveries, boast a unique locking mechanism in their crush lock or auto-lock bottom design. This feature eliminates the need for filler paper, air cushions, or other protective materials, making them a more sustainable choice.
Minerva S.A., known for its luxury and ready-to-wear apparel, homewares, and commitment to innovation and sustainability, will be using these recyclable, resealable boxes for their online deliveries. The boxes feature two integrated, easy-to-peel adhesive strips for easy opening and secure resealing, making them ideal for returns as well.
The partnership reflects Minerva's ongoing commitment to sustainability. Ioannis Filippou, managing director at Minerva S.A., Greece, expressed his excitement, stating, "This partnership is a testament to our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainability."
DS Smith's Tape Back packaging solution is part of its Now and Next sustainability strategy, which aims to redefine packaging for a changing world. The company's commitment to sustainability is further reflected in its previous partnership with Matas Group, where it provided Wavebag envelopes to replace plastic bubble wrap bags.
The Wavebag envelopes, lined with corrugated cardboard padding, are designed to protect a variety of products in transit, from beauty products and sunglasses to pharmaceuticals.
Meanwhile, the second-hand fashion marketplace Vinted has joined forces with parcel delivery company Evri. This collaboration will see free reusable packaging provided at various Evri ParcelShop locations for buyers and sellers on Vinted. The reusable packaging features two adhesive strips for reuse in further shipments.
The shift towards sustainable packaging solutions is increasingly important as returning online orders generates almost five times more packaging waste than in-person shopping, emits up to 24 million metric tonnes of CO2 annually, and often ends up in landfill.
By introducing the Tape Back solution, DS Smith and Minerva S.A. are taking a significant step towards the circular economy, contributing to the industry's transition into more sustainable practices. This partnership is a promising example of how businesses can collaborate to make a positive impact on the environment.
