DS Smith’s Blunham site helps Eden Project recycle food

DS Smith’s Sheetfeeding site in Blunham and the Eden Project have joined together to ensure a manufacturing by-product can be diverted from landfill to have a positive impact on the environment.

Since 2009, DS Smith’s Launceston and Plymouth sites have collected and sent more than 20 tonnes of cardboard dust to the Eden Project to help turn its food waste into compost. The dust is produced during the conversion process as the corrugated board is cut.

Keen to recycle their own by-product, DS Smith’s Sheetfeeding business in Blunham is set to join the green initiative to help fulfil the dust demand from the Eden Project. It will be transported from Blunham to Plymouth on a DS Smith lorry that already travels that route every day.

DS Smith filters out the by-product during its conversion process and collects it in giant bags. It is then stored on-site ready for the Eden Project to collect when they need it.

The dust is then mixed with the Eden Project’s food waste (which is normally acidic) to create an alkali environment, where composting works best. The waste also soaks up excess water, helping bacteria to thrive.

The nitrogen-rich compost is then mixed with garden waste to make great soil that the Eden Project’s gardeners use on the plants.

“This partnership is a great example of how DS Smith can help in its local community and help the environment. With a growing awareness among consumers around sustainability, and due to the highly visible nature of packaging in a world of scarce resources, retailers and manufacturers have to scrutinise the whole supply chain.

“We are committed to running our business in the most sustainable way. Helping the Eden Project is just one way in which DS Smith is demonstrating that,” added Tony Foster, Sales & Marketing Director, DS Smith, UK Packaging.