DS Smith has introduced new packaging solutions for the e-commerce industry at #Deliver2 in Berlin, Germany.
The company's DISCS technology tests whether packages can survive the bumps and scrapes of the average e-commerce supply chain.
The system is named after the different types of testing (Drop Impact Shock Crush Shake). It features five pieces of equipment, each replicating a part of the product journey and offers real world testing.
DS Smith e-commerce solutions head Isabel Rocher said: “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 stated that its DISCS programme was under development for more than a year now in the UK.
The company claims that its engineers took feedback from both consumers and the logistics industry to design the tests, which can accurately replicate stresses and strains the e-commerce supply chain faces.
A retailer can choose from three test levels, depending on whether the package is delivered to the consumer in the first go, or is it delivered and returned or delivered with three failed attempts and then returned.
The final test option of being delivered with three failed attempts includes about 50 touch points and is claimed to replicate the most severe damage a package can survive.
The company has also introduced Made2fit, a new technology, that it claims in developing the right size of packaging for a given product. This new technology has been developed, keeping in mind the challenge faced by the logistics industry to reduce the amount of void space.
Developing the right size and type of packaging can reduce costs for online retailers by controlling both operational and shipping costs, while saving on storage space and cutting labour costs by reducing assembling and packaging times.
Isabel said: “The investment is great for our customers and great for us as a company as once again we are at the forefront, investing in world class technology and pushing the industry to embrace new standards.
“With e-commerce predicted to continue its dramatic growth over the coming years, this will be vital in helping retailers and manufacturers stay ahead and target growth.”
