DS Smith DryPack Solution Revolutionizes Seafood Industry with Sustainable Packaging
DS Smith, a global leader in fiber-based packaging solutions, has been at the forefront of sustainable innovations, delivering packaging solutions that balance performance, cost savings, and environmental responsibility. Following its acquisition by International Paper in 2025, DS Smith continues to drive the evolution of packaging technology, particularly in the seafood industry, with its groundbreaking DryPack seafood box. This revolutionary packaging solution helps seafood processors reduce costs, minimize CO2 emissions, and improve operational efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of freshness and sustainability.
Introducing DryPack: A Game-Changer for the Seafood Industry
DryPack is a 100% water-resistant seafood packaging box designed to provide unparalleled performance in cold chain logistics. The innovative fiber-based packaging solution ensures that fresh fish remains at temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit for over 40 hours when packed with ice, preserving quality and extending shelf life during transportation. Unlike traditional seafood packaging solutions, DryPack is shipped flat, significantly reducing inbound freight costs and fuel consumption.
One of DryPack’s most distinguishing features is its recyclability. The packaging is fully approved by the Fibre Box Association (FBA) and is made from sustainable materials that can be easily recycled. This makes DryPack a preferred alternative to conventional wax-coated boxes, which are often difficult to recycle and contribute to environmental waste.
Sustainability and Cost Savings Advantages
DryPack stands out as the only containerboard seafood box approved for air freight by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This approval provides seafood processors with the ability to ship fresh fish safely across both short and long distances. Given the perishable nature of seafood, air freight is often the most viable option to ensure that fish reaches markets in peak condition. DryPack’s unique design meets the rigorous requirements of air transportation while providing a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging.
Another major advantage of DryPack is its space efficiency. Since the boxes are shipped flat to seafood processors, they take up significantly less storage space compared to traditional seafood boxes. This design allows seafood businesses to optimize their storage areas and improve overall operational efficiency. In addition, DryPack can be quickly and easily assembled manually or with the help of automation equipment, streamlining the packaging process and reducing labor costs.
“DS Smith is transforming how the seafood industry packages and transports fresh seafood, including salmon and other fish, from catch to consumer,” said Cheryl Holliday, Director of Marketing for DS Smith, North America. “DryPack is a proven, 100% recyclable, fiber-based box that meets the highest industry standards and withstands the rigorous demands of processing and logistics.”
Innovative Manufacturing with Greencoat® Technology
DS Smith now manufactures DryPack boxes at its U.S. specialty packaging plants using its patented Greencoat® technology. Greencoat® is a food-safe, moisture-resistant, and fully recyclable coated box solution that has earned certifications from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the FBA.
Originally developed for fresh poultry packaging, Greencoat® technology has expanded its reach into the seafood and fresh produce industries, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional wax-coated boxes. By eliminating the need for wax coatings, DS Smith helps businesses reduce waste and lower their environmental impact while ensuring that perishable goods remain well-protected throughout the supply chain.
Customer Success: Kvarøy Arctic’s Sustainable Seafood Packaging
One of DS Smith’s key seafood industry partners is Kvarøy Arctic, a family-owned salmon producer based on an island within the Arctic Circle in Norway. As a company dedicated to responsible aquaculture and sustainability, Kvarøy Arctic relies on DryPack’s water-resistant and recyclable properties to maintain the highest packaging standards.
“Our packaging in corrugated board is a win for both the environment and our brand,” said Alf-Gøran Knutsen, CEO of Kvarøy Arctic. “DryPack allows us to ship our salmon efficiently while aligning with our sustainability commitments, reducing waste, and minimizing our carbon footprint.”
This customer success story underscores how DS Smith’s DryPack solution aligns with the seafood industry’s increasing focus on sustainable packaging. As more seafood processors and distributors seek environmentally friendly alternatives, DryPack presents a compelling option that supports both business and ecological goals.
DryPack’s Award-Winning Design Showcased at Seafood Expo
The effectiveness and innovation behind DryPack have earned it global recognition. The patented seafood packaging solution was a previous recipient of the prestigious WorldStar Award from the World Packaging Organisation, highlighting its role as a best-in-class solution for perishable goods transportation.
Industry professionals interested in seeing DryPack firsthand can visit DS Smith’s exhibit at the upcoming Seafood Expo in Boston, taking place from March 16-18. The company will be showcasing its innovative packaging technologies at booth #2467, where attendees can learn more about DryPack’s advantages and sustainability features.
Driving Circularity and Reducing Waste in Packaging
DS Smith remains committed to leading the transition toward a Circular Economy through its Now and Next sustainability strategy. The company actively works with customers to replace single-use plastics with fiber-based alternatives and has successfully removed over 1 billion plastic components from the supply chain.
The company’s Circular Design Metrics play a vital role in helping customers design out waste and create packaging solutions that support a regenerative economic model. To date, DS Smith has initiated more than 30,000 circular-ready projects, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Through these efforts, DS Smith is not only delivering high-performance packaging but also making significant strides in reducing waste and pollution in the seafood and broader food industries. The DryPack seafood box is a prime example of how innovative packaging solutions can contribute to a more sustainable future while meeting the demands of a global industry.
With the seafood industry facing increasing pressure to adopt environmentally friendly and cost-effective packaging solutions, DS Smith’s DryPack offers a compelling alternative to traditional packaging materials. Its ability to provide superior product protection, reduce CO2 emissions, and minimize waste makes it an attractive choice for seafood processors worldwide.
As DS Smith continues to expand its reach and enhance its product offerings, innovations like DryPack set a new benchmark for sustainable packaging. By providing seafood businesses with reliable, recyclable, and high-performance packaging, DS Smith is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry.
