The 2025 merger of International Paper and DS Smith has created a global packaging leader uniquely positioned to address evolving consumer demands. A recent DS Smith survey of 1,048 U.S.
adults highlights sustainability as the non-negotiable priority for shipping packages, with 75% of respondents willing to pay up to $5 extra for intelligent packaging solutions . This report dives into the transformative shift in retail expectations, where eco-conscious design and transparent communication are now critical to
brand loyalty. Customer Preferences In Packaging Today's consumers demand packaging that aligns with their values—sustainability, efficiency, and innovation.
As brands scramble to meet these expectations, four critical priorities have emerged, reshaping how products are packaged, presented, and perceived: Packaging Space Efficiency 46% of consumers are bothered by empty box space, and 75% interpret wasted space as a lack of sustainability commitment.
DS Smith’s Circular Design Metrics address this by optimizing packaging dimensions for individual supply chains, reducing material use by up to 20% in some cases. In-Store Waste Reduction 33% of shoppers praise retailers for paperless receipts and plastic bag elimination.
DS Smith’s GreenTote® —a reusable, recyclable grocery container—exemplifies this shift, holding three times more items than traditional plastic bags while eliminating waste. Stuffing Material Standards 50% view Styrofoam as a last-resort material, and 20% boycott brands…
