Demand grows for plastic-free advent calendars
DS Smith has reported a surge in demand for plastic-free advent calendars this year
Thursday, 21 Dec 2023 10:02 GMT
According to DS Smith, there has been a dramatic increase in spending on sustainable advent calendars this year.
The sustainable fiber-based packaging solutions company says consumer demand for alternative advent calendars is creating an increase in the production of plastic-free options.
Data from DS Smith found that between 2019 and 2022, production of plastic-free advent calendars jumped by over 200% and the company says spending on plastic-free alternatives is on track to outrun 2022 levels.
With advent calendars becoming increasingly varied, from cheese and wine calendars, to beauty and pet food products, DS Smith has been working with brands to ensure their designs are as functional and sustainable as possible.
To do this, designs have included incorporating pulp or recycled paper and removing the number of individual parts needed to reduce the material used and in turn the potential waste.
Within its own operations, DS Smith uses Circular Design Principles in line with its Now and Next strategy and purpose to Redefine Packaging for a Changing World.
Launched in 2019, the DS Smith Circular Design Metrics have enabled thousands of design projects to embrace circularity and meet sustainable goals with around 3,000 circular-ready projects presented to customers each month.
Andy Brereton, design for creative lead at DS Smith, says: “Although a fun festive tradition, some advent calendars can pose a problem for recycling, as they might be made from a combination of materials, not all of which will be easily recyclable. Once the last door is opened, it is important that advent calendars can be recycled so that the materials are used again.
“At DS Smith, we collaborate with our customers to design unique advent calendars that not only stand out on shelves but are made from fiber-based materials – using our Circular Design Metrics. We remove plastic, take away any unnecessary materials, and ensure recyclability.”
Brereton adds: “The goal is to achieve a reduction in the carbon emissions required to make and transport the advent calendars and support the transition to a circular economy.”
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