DS Smith helps Eden Project recycle food
DS Smith and the Eden Project have joined together to ensure that a manufacturing by-product can be diverted from landfill to have a positive impact on the environment.
Since 2009, more than 20 tonnes of cardboard dust has been provided to the Eden Project to help turn its food waste into compost. The dust, is produced during the conversion process as the corrugated board is cut.
DS Smith's packaging plant in Launceston has been supplying the Eden Project with the dust since 2009. Keen to recycle their own by-product from the cutting process, the packaging plant in Plymouth joined the initiative in 2013.
DS Smith filters out the by-product during its conversion process and collects it in giant bags. It is then stored on-site ready for the Eden Project to collect when they need it.
The dust is then mixed with the Eden Project's food waste (which is normally acidic) to create an alkali environment, where composting works best. The waste also soaks up excess water, helping bacteria to thrive.
The nitrogen-rich compost is then mixed with garden waste to make great soil that the Eden Project's gardeners use on the plants.
"This partnership is a great example of how DS Smith can help in its local community and help the environment. With a growing awareness among consumers around sustainability, and due to the highly visible nature of packaging in a world of scarce resources, retailers and manufacturers have to scrutinise the whole supply chain.
"We are committed to running our business in the most sustainable way. Helping the Eden Project is just one way in which DS Smith is demonstrating that," added Tony Foster, Sales & Marketing Director, DS Smith, UK Packaging.
The partnership has worked so well, and the demand from the Eden Project for this waste is so big, DS Smith's Sheetfeeding business in Blunham is also going to start supplying. It will be transported from Blunham to Plymouth on a DS Smith lorry that already travels that route every day.
