DS Smith takes the wraps off e-commerce packaging solutions

DS Smith takes the wraps off e-commerce packaging solutions

Packaging strategist DS Smith has revealed details of two new technological developments for the e-commerce supply chain. The company showcased its new offerings at the DELIVER #2 show in Berlin this week.

Described as an “industry first”, DS Smith’s DISCS tests whether packages can “survive the bumps and scrapes of the average e-commerce supply chain”.

Named after the different types of testing (Drop Impact Shock Crush Shake) the packages will undergo, DISCS consists of five pieces of equipment which each replicating a part of the product journey.

Isabel Rocher, head of e-commerce solutions at DS Smith, commented: “Finding the balance between protecting packaging and limiting the amount of materials used is a constant source of concern for retailers. Likewise, shoppers do not want to receive broken goods or have to deal with excess packaging. Our new DISCS technology enables us to scientifically assess our customers’ requirements and get this balance right.”

DS Smith has been working on DISCS over the last year at its site in Launceston, UK.

There are three test levels for customers to choose from, depending on whether a package is delivered straight to customer first time, delivered and returned or delivered with three failed attempts and then returned. This final option can include up to 50 touchpoints, and DS Smith says it “replicates the most severe damage a pack can receive”.

Over the next 12 months three testing suites will be opened, based in the UK, France and Germany.

DS Smith is also launching new technology called Made2fit at DELIVER #2.

As the name would suggest, Made2Fit is a “right size” packaging solution that has been developed to specifically tackle the challenge of void space.

As DS Smith pointed out: “Creating a right size pack lowers costs for e-tailers by reducing both operational and shipping costs: saving storage space, cutting labour costs and order administration, and significantly cutting assembly and packing times. It also significantly reduces product movement, helping to reduce damage.”

There is both a manual and an automated version. The manual Made2fit solution, is designed to work for lower volume orders, creating 39 possible box size combinations from just three blank sizes of cardboard.

The automated version of Made2fit is for larger volume orders, with the capability to manufacture more than 10 million box size combinations, in a process that is omnichannel ready.

Relevant Directory Listings

Listing image

SwipBox

Focus on the user experience SwipBox is focused on creating the world’s best user experience for delivering and picking up parcels using parcel lockers. Through a combination of intuitive network management software and hassle-free, app-operated parcel lockers, SwipBox delivers maximum convenience to logistics providers, retailers […]

Find out more

Other Directory Listings

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

P&P Poll

Loading

What’s the future of the postal USO?

Thank you for voting
You have already voted on this poll!
Please select an option!



MER Magazine


The Mail & Express Review (MER) Magazine is our quarterly print publication. Packed with original content and thought-provoking features, MER is a must-read for those who want the inside track on the industry.

 

News Archive

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This