Nature in a box: 100% optimized eCom packaging for cosmetics brand InaEssentials

InaEssentials is a family-owned business from Bulgaria. Their main distribution channel is e-commerce. The great unboxing experience is one of the key areas for them to increase their online sales. They reached out to DS Smith packaging experts to achieve that and at the same time reduce the usage of problem plastic bags and their transport damage rates.

Challenge: 100% optimized packaging

Our main goals were:

  • Switching from problem plastic bags to secure sustainable packaging
  • Reducing packaging waste
  • Finding a cost-efficient solution
  • Ensuring an enjoyable unboxing experience
  • Making an adaptable box with inserts suitable for up to 6 product combinations
  • Optimizing for peak season (Women’s Day)

DS Smith packaging experts took a proactive approach, considering all customer needs and challenges.

We aimed to find a partner with the ability to satisfy all of our needs. DS Smith experts were our first choice because of their reliability and high-quality products. We were impressed by DS Smith’s approach to our needs and the project.

Maria Ralcheva
Head of Product Development, InaEssentials

New 100% recyclable eCom packaging for cosmetics

The new 100% paper-based solution is a box with an adaptable corrugated board insert that ensures a 100% efficient packing process. Based on the quantity of the online order, the customer can easily pack up to 6 cosmetic products in the box, while safe package delivery and an enhanced unboxing experience are guaranteed.

*Data was calculated with the help of DS Smith Circular Design Metrics tool, DS Smith ValueTool & ArtiosCAD, based on the FEFCO scale and other sources (Plastics Europe, ADEME, ICE2019, EcoCost, Delft UoT, supplier data & DS Smith PPDB – Performance Packaging Data Base).

The results:

  • Optimized packaging and production efficiency resulted in lowering the costs for InaEssentials by 35%*
  • 43% less CO2: from 86g (plastic bags) to 37g (paper-based solution)*
  • Great unboxing experience
  • Stronger brand image
  • Reduced damage rates during complex e-commerce supply chain
  • Packaging made for different fulfilment centres across Europe
  • Sustainable, plastic-free and 100% paper-based packaging
  • Reduced waste & material use

" DS Smith helped us reduce our damage rates and made our packaging more sustainable. The new 100% optimized packaging delivers in all areas. It is user-friendly, sustainable, adaptable, personalized and affordable!", desribes Maria Ralcheva from InaEssentials.

Achieving great results with a more sustainable packaging solution

With DS Smith, we managed to lower our CO2 emissions, and significantly reduce our packaging material usage by shifting from plastic bags to an eco-friendly paper-based alternative that delivers an amazing customer experience.

Vasil Ralche
Founder & CEO, InaEssentials

Costumer requirements were cost savings, reducing packaging waste and adopting a special packaging insert for a 100% efficient packing process. A workshop at our Pack Right Centre helped us review the supply chain challenges and reduce waste from 25% to 12%.*

Nikolay Kochmalarski
Sales Manager, DS Smith Bulgaria

*Data was calculated with the help of DS Smith Circular Design Metrics tool, DS Smith ValueTool & ArtiosCAD, based on the FEFCO scale and other sources (Plastics Europe, ADEME, ICE2019, EcoCost, Delft UoT, supplier data & DS Smith PPDB – Performance Packaging Data Base).