Sustainable Easter packaging in Croatia
DS Smith, a leading global supplier of sustainable and fibre-based packaging solutions, has partnered with Filir d.o.o., the world's best-known confectionery distributor, to redesign the brand's Easter product portfolio.
DS Smith has replaced traditional plastic packaging for Easter candy gift packs with a fibre-based, 100% recyclable, sustainable packaging solution.
The innovative new packaging solution has been designed by DS Smith designers using as few materials as possible, minimising waste, and has an ingenious design that makes it reusable later as a gift bag. One of its most important features is that its special closure prevents the sweets hidden in it from being tampered with.
Filir do.o. Product provides a unique unpacking experience, enhancing the surprise factor of the products inside. In addition, the green graphics on the new packaging markedly distinguish the product from competitors. The Easter candy gift pack is easy to assemble and comfortable to use, with carrying tabs that allow for versatile and long-term use.
The DS Smith design team used the unique Circular Design Metrics to evaluate and compare the environmental impact of packaging solutions based on eight different metrics. As an industry first, Circular Design Metrics clearly demonstrates the sustainability performance of packaging design as well as identifying areas for improvement. The new packaging is 100% recyclable and reusable, helping to keep the product and materials in use for as long as possible.
Jasmina Cuković, Cluster Innovation Specialist, DS Smith Packaging Croatia:
"We were delighted to participate in this plastic replacement project. The primary challenge is to develop a creative packaging solution that preserves and even increases the popularity of Easter gift packages, while capturing the attention of consumers in supermarkets and making them easily identifiable on the shelves. It was also crucial to provide consumers with fun reuse options after purchase. Using DS Smith's Circular Design Principles, we aimed to eliminate even the smallest amount of plastic from packaging. To this end, we have rigorously tested the sustainability characteristics of the packaging."
Research commissioned by DS Smith has shown that 1.5 million tonnes (70 billion) of single-use plastic can be removed from supermarket shelves across Europe every year and replaced with alternative, renewable and fully recyclable materials. DS Smith's For the Future sustainability strategy and company-wide mission of "Reinventing Packaging in a Changing World" are committed to removing 1 billion pieces of plastic from supermarket shelves by 2025.
The Easter confectionery Filir d.o.o. will be sold in Croatia in 2024 in selected shops and outlets.