DS Smith Partners with ABB for Sustainable Automation Upgrade at Kemsley Paper Mill

DS Smith has awarded ABB a contract to supply automation, electrification, and digital solutions for a new stock preparation line at its Kemsley Paper Mill in Kent, UK. Part of DS Smith’s £50 million investment program, the project aims to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and sustainability at the UK’s largest recycled paper mill. ABB will provide its Ability™ System 800xA® distributed control system, motor control centers, drives, safety systems, and asset performance management software, integrated with existing ABB control architecture. The upgrade, planned to start operations in 2026, will supply recycled fiber to paper machine PM3, producing packaging-grade materials from 100% recycled content. Expected environmental benefits include significant reductions in water use, carbon emissions, and waste generation, supporting DS Smith’s goal to eliminate landfill waste and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030. This collaboration underscores DS Smith’s commitment to digital transformation and sustainability in industrial manufacturing.