Sustainable packaging innovation improves supply chain handling, boosts efficiency, and strengthens brand experience
DS Smith, an International Paper company, and a leading global provider of fibre-based sustainable packaging solutions and the Geefeenboompje.nl, have collaborated to demonstrate the power of design and innovation in packaging for trees as gifts.
DS Smith has developed sustainable and robust fibre-based corrugated cardboard packaging for Geefeenboompje.nl’s range of e-commerce tree gift products, and the optimized packaging is focused on both the internal packing process and functional performance of the design. The result is a clever concept where technical improvement, logistical optimization, and visual appeal are combined in a simple and effective solution.
Packaging re-imagined
The DS Smith team has improved the design using a die-cut technique, incorporating air holes that are optimally positioned to improve aeration for the product inside. Using 100% recyclable materials, this approach also has additional benefits for performance around the folding of the packaging during the packing process. The overall aesthetic of the design has been enhanced for visual impact, and the solution can be branded with a logo and, or personalized message on the exterior surface. In addition, Geefeenboompje.nl provides customers with options around a paper-based sleeve.
In their new fibre-based packaging, the tree-based gift packages align in both appearance and the overall unboxing experience, which is enhanced. The design is helping to reinforce the company’s key messaging and sustainable ethos and Geefeenboompje.nl plan to use the packaging for the longer-term future and without any requirement for updates.
Remko Slokkers, co-founder of Geefeenboompje.nl, said,
“The strength of DS Smith lies in their ability to think and conceptualize along with you, and they fully understand what is needed now and equally importantly, the challenges that an expanding business will face in a few years’ time.”
The new DS Smith packaging solution is also effective in optimizing supply chain efficiency and reducing costs.
“The improved packaging and material usage enhance the efficiency of the packing process and support a more streamlined supply chain approach. It turned out to be financially uninteresting to look only at the price of a box. By placing our focus on process optimization, we achieve much greater savings in storage, handling, and labour. The original box was cheaper, but far less efficient”, concludes Slokkers.
From “birth tree” to growing gift concept
The concept of Geefeenboompje.nl originated from the simple idea of giving a tree as a gift for a special occasion, such as a birth. The ethos to ‘give a tree as a symbol of growth and development’ and the planting of a tree on a special occasion is considered to be an age-old tradition with meaning for cultures and religions around the world.
Geefeenboompje.nl has evolved into a business and brand with sustainable gifts for corporate and consumer customers. These range from three product lines, trees in gift packaging, gift sets, and letterbox-friendly tree growing kits.
The company has facilitated the planting of more than 300,000 trees, and developed a fast-growing following in the Netherlands, with expansion into Belgium, France, and Denmark.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to use our design and sustainability expertise in conjunction with this fantastic customer and product, and to support them in their evolving expansion and circular business objectives,” comments Remko Berkhout, Marketing and Communications Manager, Benelux, DS Smith.
DS Smith has a target-led sustainability strategy and is committed to leading an industry-wide transition to the circular economy while delivering sustainable circular solutions to customers across sectors including e-commerce, FMCG, industrial and automotive, food, and beverage.
