WD-40 and DS Smith present recyclable secondary packaging solution

WD-40, the iconic multi-use product used in households and by trade professionals across the globe, and DS Smith have worked together to deliver a paper-based, recyclable secondary packaging solution that has led to the removal of 586,208 individual pieces of plastic from the waste stream.

WD-40 was looking for a sustainable solution to replace individual plastic euro-tag collars, applied with great difficulty to each can and then clipped onto the clip-strip. The final result was a one-piece hand-erect dispenser pack, produced using DS Smith's paper-based white E flute product.

This construction provides individual shelves for the dispensing of spray cans, and, according to DS Smith, is easy to erect and fill, providing a safe and secure compartment for each can.

The new solution eradicates the difficult manual process of applying plastic euro-tags to each can, which the company says has resulted in a considerable saving on labour. The product will replace 73,276 clip strips, 73,276 shelf hooks & 439,656 euro tags each year, while reportedly achieving a 22% uplift in outbound pallet utilisation, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.

Lucy Johnson, brand development manager at WD-40, commented: “We’re excited to see this new solution displayed in major retailers across the country. We are constantly working to re-evaluate how we can reduce non-recyclable packaging while continuing to meet resource efficiency and improving our customers' experience when purchasing our product.”

Matthew Hall, senior business development Manager at DS Smith, added: “We are thrilled to be able to work with WD-40 and support them in their goal to eliminate single-use plastics in the supply chain. This is a great example of how a sustainable solution can also enhance branding through innovative design and print”.