DS Smith, a leading global packaging company, has renewed its long-term contract with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in a £108 million deal. The five-year agreement reinforces JLR’s commitment to sustainability by shifting from traditional packaging to a fully integrated, fibre-based solution for manufacturing and assembly operations.
End-to-End Packaging Solutions
Under the contract, DS Smith will provide a comprehensive packaging service for JLR’s Mercia campus.
This includes:
- Inbound packaging for raw materials.
- Outbound packaging for finished vehicles and parts.
- Warehouse storage solutions.
The fixed-cost agreement ensures flexibility and efficiency, with DS Smith managing the entire process.
Lean and Sustainable Supply Chain
A key feature of the deal is the Just in Time (JIT) service, which ensures a smooth flow of sustainable packaging materials to JLR’s facilities. DS Smith has also set up an on-site operation at JLR’s Mercia Park plant in Leicestershire to support aftermarket services.
Cutting Waste, Boosting Recycling
The partnership aligns with JLR’s goal to reduce unnecessary packaging waste.
DS Smith will:
- Recycle excess corrugated cardboard from JLR’s production process.
- Reuse materials in secondary packaging.
- Lower CO2 emissions through innovative engineering.
Industry-Leading Innovation
Chay Ankers, DS Smith’s Automotive Director, said: “This contract extension reflects our shared vision for sustainable packaging. Together, we’re transforming industry standards and streamlining supply chains.”
One past success includes the Bumper Outer Shipper (2022), which:
- Increased bumper shipments by 125%.
- Optimized freight space.
- Reduced assembly time with self-locking packs.
Driving the Circular Economy
The collaboration supports DS Smith’s Now & Next Sustainability Strategy, which focuses on:
- Replacing hard-to-recycle plastics with fibre-based alternatives.
- Reducing carbon in supply chains.
- Promoting a circular economy.
This expanded partnership highlights both companies’ commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in automotive packaging.
