DS Smith and SOMFY have developed a recyclable corrugated packaging solution designed to replace expanded polystyrene (EPS) inserts used to transport roller shutter motors.
The companies said the new packaging system marks a large-scale operational step toward more circular industrial packaging while maintaining product protection standards during storage and transportation.
Developed by DS Smith’s design teams in Kunheim, France, in collaboration with SOMFY, the project focused on eliminating plastic from the packaging while simplifying logistics and improving recyclability.
The inserts are produced using EE Kraft corrugated board and were designed to combine durability with modularity. According to the companies, the system can accommodate 34 motor lengths and adapt to four box formats, helping reduce logistical complexity across operations.
DS Smith and SOMFY also said the corrugated design reduces storage volumes compared with EPS packaging, creating additional space savings at logistics facilities. The packaging system has now entered its operational phase following successful industrial testing under real-world shipping conditions.
Benjamin Chedal, Sales, Marketing and Innovation Director at DS Smith Packaging France, said the project demonstrates the company’s objective of helping customers transition toward more sustainable packaging systems through adaptable and scalable fiber-based solutions.
Tony Faure, Project Manager at SOMFY, said the initiative supports the group’s broader decarbonization strategy and improves handling and recyclability for professional customers without compromising product protection requirements.
The project reflects growing interest across industrial packaging markets in replacing plastic protective materials with recyclable fiber-based alternatives that can support both sustainability targets and operational efficiency.
DS Smith, an International Paper company, is a provider of fiber-based packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services. The company develops corrugated packaging systems for industrial, consumer and eCommerce applications, with a focus on circular economy principles and reducing packaging waste.
