Best community project
People and Communities forms one of the key focus areas of our Now & Next Sustainability Strategy.
Growing awareness, skills and commitment to take action are key to driving the necessary change we all want to see. By acting responsibly and engaging with our communities, we can support our operations, give back to society and continue to look after the environment we operate in.
Through leading by example and empowering our communities to help drive our transition to a low carbon, circular economy, this award recognises those who have demonstrated the real meaning of our purpose of Redefining Packaging for a Changing World.
Jo Bennett
Commercial Pricing Specialist
Hinkley, UK, Packaging North
Jo is a key member of the charity committee at our Hinkley site in the UK. After being nominated by Jo due to her personal experience and passion for the cause, this year’s chosen charity was GEMS – a group of volunteers who raise money and offer support to patients receiving cancer treatment at a local hospital that many of our colleagues have a strong connection to.
Jo has been instrumental in organising volunteering activities and raising funds for a full refurbishment of the patient facilities at the Leicester Royal Chemotherapy suite, including a fashion show, golf tournament, a supermarket tombola, bake off, football competition, Christmas raffle and much more.
She is exceptional at promoting the fund-raising initiatives and never misses an opportunity to advocate for the charity. Despite her personal challenges this year, she has done this with a smile on her face, a positive attitude and constant drive to improve the facilities for her community and colleagues.
As a result of her hard work and dedication, the site contributed £5,300 to the cause, meaning the hospital surpassed their target and can now also refurbish their gardens.
Zărnești Volunteers
Marius Juncanariu, Diana Ciuraru- HR Manager, Iustina Mihaila, Paul Muntean, Carmen Folea, Iana Constantin, Marian Burcoman, Cristina Vulpe, Ioana Benga, Ioan Stroie, Monica Motiu, Ioana Lupasc, Antonela Chirac, Lucian Secarea, Simona Poasca, Cristina Spulber, Camelia Corocea, Ionela Ungur, Anca Clinciu, Ioan Scurtu, Ionela Macovei, Ion Dobre
Zărnești, Romania, Paper
Zărnești Mill is deeply committed to being an active member of the local community. The mill has a long-standing partnership with local schools, through with our dedicated volunteers have already educated more than 1,000 children on sustainability and the circular economy through engaging sessions. But their efforts also go far beyond the classroom.
Volunteers at the mill take great pride in regularly organising community initiatives that protect biodiversity, raise environmental awareness, and support vulnerable groups. In 2023/24, the team completed an array of impactful projects - from hosting litter clean-ups with 80 volunteers from the mill and community to enhancing biodiversity by planting 250 acacia trees at a local bear sanctuary. They hosted hundreds of children on site during ‘Green Week’ and donated to local hospitals and NGOs.
The mill team has built a relationship of trust, respect and cooperation with the community. They are truly making a positive impact and creating a better future together by not only caring for the environment around them, but inspiring future generations to do the same.
Ángel Mata
Site Manager
Lucena, Spain, Packaging South
Lucena’s Site Manager, Ángel Mata, launched the ‘Cardboard Women Operators’ initiative which provided employment and training opportunities for ten women from the local community.
In collaboration with the Red Cross and employment management company Manpower, the programme provided skills and experience in key areas of the plant such as corrugator, converting and logistics.
In an area where unemployment rate for women is 75% higher than for men, this programme is a reflection of their commitment to gender equality and the promotion of female employment in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
At DS Smith, we recognise that our social responsibility extends beyond our day-to-day operations and we are committed to continuing to be agents of change in our local communities.
Equal opportunity forms a fundamental part of our Now & Next sustainability strategy and through this initiative, Ángel has highlighted the importance of partnerships between business and social partners in creating positive and lasting social impact.
Ian Brown
Lorry Driver
Tuxford, UK, Paper
Our Tuxford Depot team developed a superb sensory garden for the children at the local Tuxford Primary School, helping the youngsters learn about plants and biodiversity on a deeper level, in a fun and engaging way.
Ian played an instrumental role in the projects, designing and building wooden bird houses for the garden.
They represent a focal point of the site, for both children and birds!
