Sustainable packaging company DS Smith is expanding its partnerships with breweries to reduce emissions and improve recyclability. The company has collaborated with Slovakia-based Martins Brewery to develop fully recyclable beer bottle packaging, including a six-handle design made from recycled materials. The packaging eliminates the need for complex machinery and features interactive puzzles to engage consumers.
DS Smith previously worked with Carlsberg Poland, introducing rounded-corner packs that reduce material usage and cut CO₂ emissions by 224 tonnes annually. The initiative is part of the company’s Now and Next strategy, which aims to support businesses in transitioning to a circular economy.
Regulatory changes are also driving the shift. From 2023, businesses must report packaging data, and by 2025, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations will require drinks companies to cover waste management costs based on recyclability. Companies must also report packaging details biannually and obtain recycling certifications to comply with new standards.