Shipping Fresh Seafood Sustainably with DS Smith's Innovative Packaging

In an era where sustainability is a top priority for consumers and businesses alike, innovations in eco-friendly packaging solutions have become crucial across industries. The seafood sector, in particular, has long grappled with the environmental impact of non-recyclable expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam containers traditionally used for transporting fresh catches.

Leading the charge in providing a sustainable alternative is DS Smith, a global packaging company based in London, UK, with a long-standing commitment to driving a circular economy and reducing waste. Their latest breakthrough is the DryPack seafood box.

A Sustainable Solution for Seafood Transport

Unveiled at the recent Seafood Processing North America Expo in Boston, Massachusetts, the DryPack seafood box is a no-leak, 100% water-resistant, and fully recyclable container designed to keep fresh fish below 40°F (4°C) for more than 40 hours when packed with ice. This packaging replaces the EPS foam boxes that have long been the industry standard, addressing a significant environmental concern.

"DS Smith is excited to provide the North American seafood industry with a proven, 100% recyclable, fiber-based box that meets uncompromising standards for transporting fresh fish," said Steven Rose, managing director of packaging for DS Smith North America Packaging and Paper (NAPP) in a recent release.

DryPack's design offers several distinct advantages over those of its foam counterparts. Beyond its sustainability credentials, the boxes ship flat to seafood processors, requiring 81% less space than traditional EPS boxes. This space-saving feature translates into increased efficiency and reduced transportation costs for seafood companies.

Credit: DS Smith

A Proven Sustainable Solution

While the DryPack is a new offering in North America, it has already gained a foothold in other markets, underscoring its reliability and versatility. Several years ago, Kvarøy Arctic, a family-owned Norwegian salmon producer located within the Arctic Circle, embraced the DryPack as a sustainable packaging solution that aligns with its brand values of leaving the environment in the same or better shape than when they found it.

"Our packaging in corrugated board is a win for both the environment and our brand," said Alf-Gøran Knutsen, CEO of Kvarøy Arctic.

“We’ve been haunted by the statistics that 65% of global waste is coming from packaging,” said Kvarøy Arctic on its blog. “Earth-friendly packaging is more important than ever, and our goal was to find an alternative that’s good for our product and the planet.” The DryPack packaging is one of the many ways that the company is continuing its commitment to leaving a better environment for future generations.

The DryPack's patented Greencoat technology, which ensures food safety and moisture resistance, has also earned certifications from regulatory bodies such as the USDA, CFIA, FDA, and FBA. This technology is already used for fresh poultry and produce packaging, demonstrating its suitability for perishable goods.

Driving Circularity and Reducing Waste

Launching the DryPack seafood box in the United States is a significant step in DS Smith's ongoing efforts to accelerate plastic replacement across the packaging value chain. Through its "Now and Next" sustainability strategy, the company has partnered with customers to replace 762 million plastics with fiber-based alternatives since 2020. With a goal of replacing 1 billion plastics by 2025, DS Smith is well on its way to achieving this target.

DS Smith's commitment to sustainability extends beyond plastic replacement. The company is dedicated to supporting the transition to a circular economy, eliminating waste and pollution, and keeping materials in use for extended periods. By creating 100% recyclable or reusable packaging, DS Smith is helping customers remove hard-to-recycle plastics from their supply chains.

Furthermore, DS Smith has created more than 30,000 circular-ready projects through its Circular Design Metrics, a design analysis tool that assists customers in driving sustainability performance. This comprehensive approach ensures a company's packaging solutions meet both its immediate needs and contribute to long-term environmental goals.

In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, DS Smith's packaging solutions pave the way for a more circular and environmentally conscious future. As the DryPack seafood box makes its North American debut, it serves as a potent reminder that sustainable packaging is possible, and is a viable and practical solution for industries seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.