DS Smith craft fibre-based packaging for Privatbrauerei Hirt’s new online shop and fast-growing e-commerce expansion in Austria
Fibre-based and sustainable packaging solution provides optimised protection for Privatbrauerei Hirt’s e-commerce products from the brewer’s new online shop for e-commerce customers.
We announce our collaboration with the Austrian-based brewery, Privatbrauerei Hirt, and our packaging innovation to support the launch of the brewer’s e-commerce expansion and new online shop for award-winning beers, lemonades, vinegars, spirits, and including alcoholic and non-alcoholic products.
Privatbrauerei Hirt’s exclusive beverages are extremely popular with consumers in the region where there is a fast-growing demand for the premium quality products. They also make for ideal gifts and our bespoke packaging solution is designed to provide optimal protection for the 0.5 litre and 0.75 litre glass bottles during both storage and transportation.
The fibre-based packaging is designed to be effective in securing critical areas of the products such as the cap and base of the glass bottles, and it incorporates shock-absorbing edges and securing tabs. It is also 100% recyclable, and with no requirement for the inclusion of plastic components.
We applied our unique and industry-first Circular Design Metrics (CDM) tools to measure and quantify the sustainability performance of our packaging innovation across eight key indicators - from carbon footprint, and reuse to materials reduction, supply chain optimization, and recyclability.
Our new packaging combines functionality with design and it can be assembled quickly and efficiently while being versatile for our diverse types of product ranges” said Heimo Schader, Managing Director, Privatbrauerei Hirt, Austria. “We are excited that our customers can now enjoy our premium and high-quality products when they purchase from our new online shop. The fibre-based packaging also offers ample space for our impactful and recognizable branding, and this ensures an exceptional unboxing experience.”
In addition, the sustainable packaging solution, suited for products in bottles in a variety of different shapes and sizes, is intended to make for a cost effective and flexible option that comes without the need for additional components to bolster the internal support structure.
Dieter Glawischnig, Managing Director, Packaging, DS Smith Austria commented,
"Our mission was to develop a smart, sustainable packaging that meets the high standards expected of premium beverages and uses less materials, while providing a comprehensive and robust product protection in terms of casing. This is a crucial factor and key consideration for many of our customers in today's booming e-commerce landscape.”
According to research from Euromonitor International, between 2019 and 2024, the sales of alcoholic beverages via e-commerce increased annually in Austria by 9.7% and accounted for around 3% of total retail sales in the Austrian region.
Privatbrauerei Hirt has a brewing tradition that spans over seven hundred and fifty-five years, and a reputation that is synonymous with quality, regional produce, and artisanry.
DS Smith is committed to leading an industry-wide transition to a circular economy while delivering sustainable circular solutions for its customers across thirty-four countries worldwide. The business has a target led Now and Next sustainability strategy, in support of its purpose of Redefining Packaging for a Changing World.
