DS Smith develops fabric-shield dispenser to protect shoppers

Revamping its manufacturing lines for a major consumer brand, DS Smith North America has designed, developed and produced fabric-shield dispensers – ensuring a safe and healthy environment for those buying essential sleep products.

DS Smith, a sustainable packaging leader, announced today that it has worked closely with a top retail company on the in-store solution, a corrugated cardboard dispenser of sanitized disposable coverings for pillows and mattresses.

“This design allows for an easily dispensable fabric shields and a hygienic barrier to give a near-normal experience for shoppers wanting to test mattresses and pillows,” said Melanie Galloway, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Innovation for Packaging at DS Smith North America.

She said DS Smith teams at the company’s plants – essential businesses that have remained in operation amid the pandemic – have played a key role in creating the large format dispensers and re-engineering their manufacturing and supply operations to deliver these quickly.

“Their determination and creativity to support our customer meant that the timeframe from initial contact to design, approval and order was only four days. It’s this commitment to innovation that best exemplifies DS Smith’s stated purpose - to redefine packaging for a changing world,” Galloway said.

As stores require social distancing rules that limit brick-and-mortar foot traffic, single-use solutions that enable safe shopping will be critical. The dispensers mark the DS Smith’s latest response to provide retail-ready, shelf-ready packaging.

The work is central to DS Smith’s efforts to assist its customers and the public during the health care crisis. The dispensers have been shipped to retailers nationwide.

Earlier this year, the company stepped up production nationwide to meet e-commerce demands, and it manufactured more specially designed boxes for companies that converted their product mix for shipments of cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants.

Media contacts:

Mindy Myrick, Head of Corporate Affairs for North America

+1 410-251-9570/ mindy.myrick@dssmith.com

Caroline Curran

Hill+Knowlton Strategies

caroline.curran@hkstrategies.com

M +1 256-653-5811