DS Smith DryPack is a no-leak, fully water-resistant, 100% recyclable box and is said to be a sustainable alternative for non-recyclable expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam boxes
DryPack is a sustainable seafood box to replace non-recyclable EPS foam boxes. (Credit: DS Smith)
Fibre-based packaging provider DS Smith has launched DryPack seafood box in North America for seafood processors to help eliminate plastic containers.
DS Smith DryPack is said to be a sustainable alternative for non-recyclable expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam boxes.
According to DS Smith, the solution is a no-leak, fully water-resistant, 100% recyclable box.
When packed with ice, DryPack can keep fresh fish below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 40 hours in cold chain operations.
The International Air Transport Association has authorised the seafood box as the only containerboard seafood box for air freight.
This enables seafood producers to ship fresh fish over short and long distances safely and securely, the packaging company said.
DryPack is said to be easy to construct manually or with the aid of automated equipment, and they require 81% less room when shipped flat to seafood processors. They also require less time to assemble.
DS Smith North America Packaging and Paper (NAPP) Packaging managing director Steven Rose said: “DS Smith is excited to provide the North American seafood industry with a proven, 100% recyclable, fibre-based box that meets uncompromising standards for transporting fresh fish.
“By shipping empty DryPack seafood boxes flat at a lower price – and moving customers away from non-recyclable EPS boxes and the waste disposal fees those boxes generate – we can give seafood processors an opportunity to increase efficiency and reduce their supply chain costs along with their carbon footprint.”
Currently, DS Smith NAPP is employing its patented and tried-and-true Greencoat technology to produce DryPack boxes at its speciality packaging facilities in the US. Greencoat is a food-safe, moisture-resistant, recyclable coated box solution.
The method replaces non-recyclable, wax-coated boxes in the fresh poultry and produce industries in addition to the seafood packaging sector, according to the packaging firm.
Since 2020, DS Smith has replaced fibre-based alternatives for 762 million problematic plastics. The company aims to surpass its target of substituting one billion plastics by 2025.