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DS Smith Study Reveals Majority of U.S. Consumers Want Sustainable, Intelligent Packaging

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DS Smith, a fiber-based packaging manufacturer acquired by International Paper in 2025, conducted the 'Unboxing Consumer Preferences on Sustainable Packaging' survey of 1,048 U.S. adults. The study revealed sustainability as the top priority for shipping packages.

Key findings include:

  • 46% of consumers are bothered by empty box space, with 75% viewing it as a sign of poor sustainability priority
  • 33% noticed improved waste reduction options at checkout
  • 50% view Styrofoam as a last resort, with 20% refusing to buy from companies using it
  • 75% show interest in intelligent packaging with sensors, 28% willing to pay up to $5 more for it

Consumers also expressed interest in connected packaging with QR codes offering personalized discounts, exclusive experiences, and sustainability metrics. DS Smith's Circular Design Principles focus on creating 100% recyclable or reusable packaging while optimizing material usage.

DS Smith, un produttore di imballaggi a base di fibra acquisito da International Paper nel 2025, ha condotto l'indagine 'Preferenze dei Consumatori sull'Imballaggio Sostenibile' su 1.048 adulti statunitensi. Lo studio ha rivelato che la sostenibilità è la priorità principale per le spedizioni.

I risultati chiave includono:

  • Il 46% dei consumatori è infastidito dallo spazio vuoto nelle scatole, con il 75% che lo considera un segno di scarsa attenzione alla sostenibilità
  • Il 33% ha notato opzioni migliorate per la riduzione dei rifiuti al momento del pagamento
  • Il 50% considera il polistirolo come un'ultima risorsa, con il 20% che rifiuta di acquistare da aziende che lo utilizzano
  • Il 75% mostra interesse per imballaggi intelligenti con sensori, e il 28% è disposto a pagare fino a 5 dollari in più per esso

I consumatori hanno anche espresso interesse per imballaggi connessi tramite codici QR che offrono sconti personalizzati, esperienze esclusive e metriche di sostenibilità. I Principi di Design Circolare di DS Smith si concentrano sulla creazione di imballaggi 100% riciclabili o riutilizzabili, ottimizzando l'uso dei materiali.

DS Smith, un fabricante de envases a base de fibra adquirido por International Paper en 2025, realizó la encuesta 'Preferencias del Consumidor sobre Envases Sostenibles' con 1,048 adultos en EE. UU. El estudio reveló que la sostenibilidad es la principal prioridad para los envíos.

Los hallazgos clave incluyen:

  • El 46% de los consumidores se siente molesto por el espacio vacío en las cajas, y el 75% lo ve como una señal de mala prioridad en sostenibilidad
  • El 33% notó opciones mejoradas para la reducción de residuos en el pago
  • El 50% considera el poliestireno como un último recurso, y el 20% se niega a comprar de empresas que lo utilizan
  • El 75% muestra interés en envases inteligentes con sensores, y el 28% está dispuesto a pagar hasta 5 dólares más por ello

Los consumidores también expresaron interés en envases conectados con códigos QR que ofrecen descuentos personalizados, experiencias exclusivas y métricas de sostenibilidad. Los Principios de Diseño Circular de DS Smith se centran en crear envases 100% reciclables o reutilizables, optimizando el uso de materiales.

DS Smith는 2025년에 International Paper에 인수된 섬유 기반 포장 제조업체로, 1,048명의 미국 성인을 대상으로 '지속 가능한 포장에 대한 소비자 선호' 설문조사를 실시했습니다. 이 연구는 배송 패키지에서 지속 가능성이 가장 중요한 우선 사항임을 밝혔습니다.

주요 결과는 다음과 같습니다:

  • 46%의 소비자가 빈 상자 공간에 불만을 느끼며, 75%는 이를 지속 가능성 우선 순위가 낮다는 신호로 간주합니다
  • 33%는 결제 시 개선된 폐기물 감소 옵션을 발견했습니다
  • 50%는 스티로폼을 최후의 수단으로 여기며, 20%는 이를 사용하는 회사에서 구매하는 것을 거부합니다
  • 75%는 센서가 있는 스마트 포장에 관심을 보이며, 28%는 이를 위해 최대 5달러를 더 지불할 의향이 있습니다

소비자들은 개인화된 할인, 독점 경험 및 지속 가능성 지표를 제공하는 QR 코드가 있는 연결된 포장에도 관심을 보였습니다. DS Smith의 순환 디자인 원칙은 100% 재활용 가능하거나 재사용 가능한 포장을 만들고 자재 사용을 최적화하는 데 중점을 둡니다.

DS Smith, un fabricant d'emballages à base de fibres acquis par International Paper en 2025, a mené l'enquête 'Préférences des Consommateurs sur les Emballages Durables' auprès de 1 048 adultes américains. L'étude a révélé que la durabilité est la priorité absolue pour les colis d'expédition.

Les résultats clés incluent:

  • 46% des consommateurs sont dérangés par l'espace vide dans les boîtes, 75% le considérant comme un signe de mauvaise priorité en matière de durabilité
  • 33% ont remarqué des options améliorées pour la réduction des déchets lors du paiement
  • 50% considèrent le polystyrène comme un dernier recours, 20% refusant d'acheter auprès d'entreprises qui l'utilisent
  • 75% montrent de l'intérêt pour des emballages intelligents avec des capteurs, 28% étant prêts à payer jusqu'à 5 dollars de plus pour cela

Les consommateurs ont également exprimé leur intérêt pour des emballages connectés avec des codes QR offrant des remises personnalisées, des expériences exclusives et des indicateurs de durabilité. Les Principes de Design Circulaire de DS Smith se concentrent sur la création d'emballages 100% recyclables ou réutilisables tout en optimisant l'utilisation des matériaux.

DS Smith, ein Hersteller von faserbasierten Verpackungen, der 2025 von International Paper übernommen wurde, führte die Umfrage 'Verbraucherpräferenzen zu nachhaltigen Verpackungen' mit 1.048 US-Erwachsenen durch. Die Studie ergab, dass Nachhaltigkeit die oberste Priorität für Versandpakete ist.

Wichtige Ergebnisse sind:

  • 46% der Verbraucher empfinden leeren Platz in Kartons als störend, wobei 75% dies als ein Zeichen für eine mangelhafte Nachhaltigkeitspriorität ansehen
  • 33% bemerkten verbesserte Optionen zur Abfallreduzierung an der Kasse
  • 50% betrachten Styropor als letztes Mittel, wobei 20% sich weigern, bei Unternehmen zu kaufen, die es verwenden
  • 75% zeigen Interesse an intelligenten Verpackungen mit Sensoren, 28% sind bereit, bis zu 5 Dollar mehr dafür zu zahlen

Verbraucher äußerten auch Interesse an vernetzten Verpackungen mit QR-Codes, die personalisierte Rabatte, exklusive Erlebnisse und Nachhaltigkeitsmetriken bieten. Die Prinzipien des zirkulären Designs von DS Smith konzentrieren sich auf die Schaffung von 100% recycelbaren oder wiederverwendbaren Verpackungen, während die Materialnutzung optimiert wird.

Positive
  • 75% of consumers interested in intelligent packaging technology
  • Strong consumer demand for sustainable packaging solutions
  • 20% of consumers actively boycott companies using Styrofoam packaging
  • Company offers 100% recyclable or reusable packaging solutions
Negative
  • 46% of customers dissatisfied with current packaging space utilization
  • Additional costs for intelligent packaging ($5 premium) may affect adoption

Retailers are under the microscope for space, material and technology of packaging

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DS Smith, a leading fiber-based packaging manufacturer, which was acquired by International Paper in 2025, found through its Unboxing Consumer Preferences on Sustainable Packaging survey that sustainability is the most important attribute of a shipping package. The survey of 1,048 adults in the United States also indicated that consumers want retail brands to clearly communicate their sustainability success and are paying attention to how retailers are cutting out waste in stores and in e-commerce.

DS Smith, a leading fiber-based packaging manufacturer, which was acquired by International Paper in 2025, found through its Unboxing Consumer Preferences on Sustainable Packaging survey that sustainability is the most important attribute of a retail and e-commerce shipping package. (Photo: DS Smith)

DS Smith, a leading fiber-based packaging manufacturer, which was acquired by International Paper in 2025, found through its Unboxing Consumer Preferences on Sustainable Packaging survey that sustainability is the most important attribute of a retail and e-commerce shipping package. (Photo: DS Smith)

“It is clear from the Unboxing Consumer Preferences survey that U.S. consumers are not only concerned about the sustainability of their packages, but they are also willing to do their part and pay more for a better solution,” said Cheryl Holliday, Director, Marketing for DS Smith North America. “DS Smith is encouraged by the importance retailers and consumers are putting on sustainable packaging and believe the solutions exist to help manufacturers and retailers meet these expectations.”

As more big brands and retailers look to cut their carbon footprints and improve the buying experience, they are taking a fresh look at packaging. From space utilization to material choice and how technology can elevate the delivery experience, consumers are indicating what is important to them.

Key factors include:

  • Packaging Space 46% of consumers say empty space in a box bothers them and 75% of those same respondents said empty space indicates the brand doesn’t prioritize sustainability.
  • In-store Waste Reduction – 33% of consumers have noticed better options to reduce waste at check-out included options for paperless receipts and removal of plastic bags.
  • Stuffing Material 50% of consumers see Styrofoam as a last resort for stuffing material and 1 in 5 won’t buy from a company that uses the material.
  • Intelligent Packaging – 75% of consumers are interested in intelligent packaging - those built with sensors to ensure the product remains in optimal condition or temperature - with 28% willing to pay up to $5 more for an intelligent package.

In addition to more sustainable and intelligent packaging, consumers have indicated they are also interested in connected packaging – a package that includes a QR code printed inside to scan for exclusive content. Top preferences for QR content include personalized discounts, access to exclusive experiences and sustainability metrics from the manufacturer.

DS Smith Circular Design Principles help customers embrace circularity, helping them achieve their wider sustainability goals. By designing 100% recyclable or reusable packaging and helping its customers design out hard to recycle plastics, DS Smith is keeping materials in use for longer. The company ensures that no more material than necessary is used, optimizing packaging for individual supply chains which reduces pressure on natural resources and reduces waste to landfill.

About DS Smith:

DS Smith, which was acquired by International Paper in 2025, is a leading provider of sustainable fiber-based packaging worldwide, which is supported by recycling and papermaking operations. It plays a central role in the value chain across sectors including e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods and industrials. Through its purpose of “Redefining Packaging for a Changing World” and its Now and Next sustainability strategy, DS Smith is committed to leading the transition to the circular economy, while delivering more circular solutions for its customers and wider society – replacing problem plastics, taking carbon out of supply chains and providing innovative recycling solutions. Its bespoke box-to-box in 14 days model, design capabilities and innovation strategy sit at the heart of this response.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting www.internationalpaper.com.

Ryan Rogers, DS Smith, ryan.rogers@dssmith.com, 985-438-7040

Taylor Tuscai, Cookerly PR, taylor@cookerly.com, 678-686-7840

Source: DS Smith

FAQ

What percentage of consumers are willing to pay more for intelligent packaging according to DS Smith's 2025 survey?

28% of consumers are willing to pay up to $5 more for intelligent packaging with sensors that maintain optimal product conditions.

How many U.S. consumers participated in DS Smith's packaging sustainability survey?

1,048 U.S. adults participated in the Unboxing Consumer Preferences on Sustainable Packaging survey.

What percentage of consumers are concerned about empty space in packaging boxes?

46% of consumers are bothered by empty space in boxes, with 75% viewing it as indicating poor sustainability priorities.

How do consumers view Styrofoam packaging according to the DS Smith study?

50% of consumers see Styrofoam as a last resort for stuffing material, and 20% refuse to buy from companies that use it.

What features do consumers want in connected packaging with QR codes?

Consumers prefer QR codes that offer personalized discounts, access to exclusive experiences, and sustainability metrics from manufacturers.

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