DS Smith continues 36-year partnership with Tesco

We are delighted to announce the renewal of our long-standing, and award winning, paper and cardboard recycling partnership with Tesco for another three years.

Through this strategic partnership, around 300,000 tonnes of paper and cardboard per year from Tesco’s UK retail operations will be recycled by DS Smith, including Kemsley paper mill in Kent – the largest mill for recycled papers in the UK.

Retail companies have unique challenges when it comes to recycling and waste management. We know the importance of transparent recycling practices to enhance trust among customers and meet environmental regulations, whilst delivering value back to the business.


Closed Loop Recycling Process

As a leading supplier of sustainable packaging solutions, DS Smith uses the recycled fibre to manufacture new products at our packaging sites within 14 days of collection through the company’s bespoke closed-loop recycling process.

Since establishing our relationship in 1985, Tesco and DS Smith have successfully worked together on innovative solutions. These include establishing source segregated recycling streams through to utilising delivery vehicles for the backhauling of recyclables to Tesco’s own network of Recycling Service Units, ultimately improving the quality of material for recycling whilst reducing Co2 through less collections.


An evolving partnership

We are delighted to extend our long-term relationship with Tesco. Tesco is a valuable partner for DS Smith recycling, and our wide network always allows us to provide them with high quality service.

Andy Berrisford
UK Managing Director for Recycling

Andy continued '' I look forward to continuing working closely with Tesco to keep evolving our partnership.''


Award winning approach

The partnership between Tesco and DS Smith previously won an innovative Green Apple Award for its “world-class waste management system”. The annual Green Apple Awards, which recognise, reward, and promote environmental best practice around the world, was presented in 2018 at a carbon-neutral ceremony in the Houses of Parliament.