DS Smith, an International Paper company, and Schneider Electric have jointly developed a fibre-based packaging solution for transporting three types of integrated electrical switchgear products. Announced in London on 28 July 2026, the packaging is designed to improve product protection, handling efficiency and material use while supporting Schneider Electric’s packaging sustainability objectives.
The solution is manufactured primarily from corrugated cardboard and is fully recyclable. It is engineered to secure moving components within finished electrical switchgear cabinets during production, storage and transportation, helping protect heavy industrial equipment throughout the supply chain.
The packaging has also been designed for compatibility with automated production lines. Because the switchgear units can only be handled from the side using an industrial manipulator, the design incorporates an openable side tray that provides a stable base and allows products to be firmly anchored during handling and transit.
Additional protective features include corrugated cardboard sheet elements integrated into separate endcaps, a polyethylene bag to shield greased components from dust, folded corrugated inserts protecting metal connectors, and multi-layered corrugated side structures and endcaps to enhance stability.
As part of the validation process, DS Smith conducted drop testing to assess resistance to impact and structural damage. The design also minimises unused space to reduce material consumption while improving freight and storage efficiency.
Levente Szabó, Cluster Director, DS Smith Hungary, said: “The Electrical Switchgear is a complex industrial product… achieving the correct balance between protection, handling efficiency, and sustainability, is absolutely key in a packaging solution.”
According to DS Smith, the packaging can be assembled in less than one minute on automated packaging lines. The project received the Electronics category award at the 2026 WorldStar Global Packaging Awards.