D. S. Smith has started a project to analyze the possibility of using seaweed fibers as raw material to manufacture paper and packaging products, which includes boxes, paper wrappers and cardboard trays.
This move could make DS Smith a pioneer in the sector in the use of algae as an alternative fiber to wood in its packaging. After carrying out the first tests, the company is studying the potential of algae to also contribute to the elimination of plastics, acting as a barrier coating, and replacing the packaging made of petroleum derivatives, used until now to protect many products from eating.
According to Thomas ferge, Paper and Board Development Director at DS Smith: «As leaders in sustainability, our research into raw materials and alternative fiber sources has real potential to change the current situation for our customers and consumers, who increasingly demand easy-to-recycle products and with minimal impact on the environment. Seaweed represents one of the many alternative natural materials that we are taking a closer look at, and while most people will associate it with the beach or a sushi ingredient, for us it could have interesting applications that can help us create the next generation of seaweed. sustainable paper and packaging solutions ».
Given its wide variety of uses, the market for algae for industrial applications is growing. It is estimated that the European seaweed sector alone will be valued at more than 9 billion euros in 2030, being able to create around 115.000 jobs.
This project is part of the R&D program of circular economy of DS Smith, valued at 116 million euros, announced this year. His work with natural fibers also includes other natural raw materials innovative, such as straw, hemp, miscanthus and cotton, as well as more unusual sources, such as the crown plant and agricultural residues, such as cocoa shells or sugarcane bagasse (the resulting pulp fiber after process sugar cane).
The circular economy is at the core of DS Smith's "Now and Next" sustainability strategy, focused on closing the loop through better design, protecting natural resources by making the most of every fiber, reducing waste and pollution through solutions. circular, and equip people to lead the transition to a circular economy. By 2023, DS Smith has proposed to manufacture 100% recyclable or reusable packaging, and its goal is that by 2030 all its packaging be recycled or reused.
