28 Jul 2020 15:15 (London Time)

Our commitment to sourcing paper from responsible sources

Our commitment to sourcing paper from responsible sources.

As with any manufacturing process, the quality of materials used has a significant bearing on the quality of the finished product. The same is true of the manufacture of quality paper and packaging. Both the quality and the sustainability of our core raw material, fibre, are key to our operations.

We are delighted to announce that we have reached our target to use 100% recycled or chain of custody papers.

Whilst our focus is on making the best use of recycled material, timber fibres can’t be recycled forever. The circular corrugated system relies on regular injections of new, virgin fibres which come from trees.

So, at DS Smith, we’re committed to supporting initiatives that promote forest management and chain of custody. We ensure that any new fibres in our products come from responsibly managed sources.

Forests are recognised as one of a few global carbon sinks, absorbing over 2.4 billion tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere per year. As such, the protection, restoration and growth of forests is crucial in combatting climate change. Buying chain of custody certified paper or packaging significantly reduces the risk of deforestation occurring in the supply chain.

Many of DS Smith’s customers have publicly committed to zero deforestation and we support them in delivering this goal. DS Smith remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote forest management and chain of custody, and ensuring, through traceable and transparent supply chains, that any virgin fibres in our products originate from well managed forests and other controlled sources.