DS Smith partners with Greek clothing brand to simplify e-commerce returns

DS Smith has partnered with Minerva, a Greek apparel company, to provide its Tape Back box, facilitating e-commerce return processes and reducing packaging material.

DS Smith Tape Back is easy to open, and incorporates two integrated and easy to peel adhesive strips that enable the box to be easily opened and securely resealed for collection and return shipment. 

It also eliminates the need for internal protective materials such as filler paper or air cushions. 

Ioannis Filippou, managing director at Minerva, Greece, says: “DS Smith Tape Back enhances the delivery and returns experience for our customers while helping us to reduce our environmental footprint. It is a solution that aligns with both our operational needs and values as a modern and responsible brand.”

The rise of e-commerce has led to waste from parcel returns and shipping, pushing fashion brands to rethink how their products are packaged and delivered.

DS Smith Tape Black features two adhesive strips that allow the box to be easily opened and securely resealed.Recently, Packaging Insights looked into the decarbonization of the fashion industry with Tipa, Modepack, and Movopack.

Optimize (un)packaging

DS Smith Tape Back’s design constitutes a crush lock or auto-lock bottom design with a locking mechanism. The technology ensures that the packaging stays securely closed without additional adhesives or tape. 

This process helps to optimize packing and unpacking, and facilitates fast assembly on the production line.

George Filippoglou, cluster director, Greece, DS Smith: “We are proud to launch our innovative DS Smith Tape Back packaging in Greece for the first time. Our partnership with Minerva reflects a shared commitment to sustainability and to providing a streamlined experience for consumers.”

Minerva’s product portfolio includes luxury and ready-to-wear apparel for men, women, and children, and a homewares division. The company has outlets in Greece, Cyprus, and Serbia.

In a similar development, we sat down with UK consultancy Duo UK to discuss why plastic-based e-commerce packaging could benefit from full LCAs rather than tighter packaging regulation.