The seaweed project is part of the company’s over $140m five-year circular economy research and development programme announced at the starting of this year
DS Smith is evaluating the potential use of eco-friendly seaweed fibres in different packaging products. (Credit: DS Smith)
UK-based packaging company DS Smith has started negotiations with various biotechnology firms to assess the potential use of eco-friendly seaweed fibres in packaging applications.
The company is focused on exploring the potential use of seaweed fibres as a raw material in paper and packaging products, as a result of increasing demand for recyclable goods from business customers and consumers.
Seaweed is generally supplied by commercial seaweed suppliers and farmers, while scientists have assessed the uses of multiple types of green, brown and red seaweed.
DS Smith stated that its research will help determine which species has the best qualities for its processes.
DS Smith, which aims to use seaweed across its packaging network as an alternative fibre source to wood, is evaluating seaweed’s potential capacity as a barrier coating to replace plastics and petroleum-based packaging to protect multiple foodstuffs.
DS Smith is coordinating with various biotechnology firms to evaluate the use of sustainable seaweed fibres in different packaging products such as cartons, paper wraps and cardboard trays.
The seaweed project is part of the company’s over $140m five-year circular economy research and development programme announced at the starting of this year.
The production process of seaweed will also involve the use of less energy and fewer chemicals used to extract the fibres, thereby enabling the creation of the next generation of sustainable paper and packaging solutions.
DS Smith North America paper, forestry and recycling managing director Giancarlo Maroto said: “As a leader in sustainability, our research into alternative raw material and fibre sources will help us drive this project forward, looking at seaweed’s strength, resilience, recyclable properties, scalability and cost. Seaweed could have multiple uses with a low ecological footprint that is easily recyclable and naturally biodegradable.”
DS Smith is also focusing on the potential applications of natural fibres such as straw, hemp, miscanthus and cotton.
The company is also testing unusual sources, including the daisy-flowered cup plant and agricultural waste such as cocoa shells or bagasse.
In May this year, DS Smith announced the investment of £100m for the expansion of its research and development (R&D) activities and boost circular economy strategy.