DS Smith has partnered with BSH Nazarje, part of the BSH Home Appliances Group in Slovenia, to eliminate expanded polystyrene (EPS) from the packaging of household blenders.
The collaboration led to the development of DS Smith Universal Protection for Household Blenders, a corrugated cardboard solution designed to replace EPS inserts previously used for product protection. The new design, called Safe Shell, provides cushioning for three different hand mixer models while improving efficiency on BSH’s production lines.
Each year, BSH Nazarje manufactures up to 170,000 blenders, each traditionally requiring two EPS inserts. The fibre-based solution is expected to remove up to 340,000 EPS pieces annually, significantly reducing plastic use and improving recyclability.
According to BSH Nazarje, the innovation combines sustainability with operational efficiency, enabling faster packing, easier recycling, and better integration into existing logistics systems. “We have proven with Safe Shell that it is possible to combine efficiency and sustainability,” said Rok Štifter, Director of Shared Development Services for Small Household Appliances at BSH.
Jožica Hojnik, Director of Sales and Innovation at DS Smith Slovenia, added that the collaboration demonstrates how innovation and partnership can advance the shift away from fossil-based materials in consumer goods packaging.
The Safe Shell solution was also shortlisted for a Packaging Oscar in Slovenia in 2024, underscoring its design and environmental impact.
DS Smith is a leading provider of sustainable fibre-based packaging solutions, operating in over 30 countries. The company designs circular packaging systems that reduce waste and environmental impact while supporting efficiency across manufacturing and logistics.
