DS Smith and Raymarine Collaborate on Fibre-Based Packaging for Radar Products

DS Smith, an international provider of sustainable fibre-based packaging, has partnered with Raymarine, a manufacturer of navigation systems and electronics for commercial marine and recreational boating sectors, to develop a packaging solution that replaces single-use plastic for Raymarine's radar product line. The new design uses fibre-based corrugated cardboard materials instead of Expanded Polyethylene foam, ensuring maximum protection against vibrations, physical impacts, and knocks during transit to local and international customers.​

The DS Smith team incorporated a perpendicular-shaped corrugated cardboard flute with a 90-degree angle into the structure for built-in strength and shock resistance. Crumple zone layers absorb energy from collisions, while fibre-based air cushions add support. Precisely shaped corrugated cardboard inserts, made using a folding technique, hold Raymarine's Quantum radar products securely, with an integral box for accessories.​

The solution eliminates plastic, reduces CO2 emissions by over 60% annually compared to prior packaging, and cuts pallet needs by 75% in warehousing through flat-pack inserts. Made from 84% recycled content versus 40% previously, it remains 100% recyclable. Levente Szabo, DS Smith's cluster director in Hungary, noted the design considers materials, production, transportation, and supply chain optimization.​

Andrew Smith, Raymarine's VP of supply chain, stated: “One of our objectives is to eliminate single-use plastics from our packaging, and thanks to our collaboration with DS Smith we are making positive progress towards that goal. The new packaging ensures that products from our radar range are well-protected during transit while also meeting the demands of diverse climatic conditions and long-haul international shipping”.