DS Smith, an International Paper company, has released initial findings from a biodiversity monitoring initiative across thirteen of its packaging facilities in France, using bees as environmental indicators.
The programme, launched in 2025 in partnership with Apilab, applies certified biomonitoring methods to assess the ecological conditions surrounding industrial sites. Bees forage within a three-kilometre radius of each facility, collecting pollen and nectar that contain environmental DNA and micro-samples. These are analysed in laboratories to evaluate floral biodiversity, air quality, and potential pollutants.
According to the findings, the sites recorded an average biodiversity score of 0.54, indicating moderate to good floral diversity. On average, twenty-five plant families were identified per location, with regional variations ranging from twelve to thirty-five families. Dominant taxa included Salicaceae (23%) and Fagaceae (22%), such as willows, poplars, and chestnut trees, which are key nectar sources for pollinators.
The initiative supports compliance with the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires detailed environmental and ESG disclosures. By mapping biodiversity around its manufacturing sites, DS Smith aims to better understand industrial impact and guide local ecological management measures, including the creation of ecological corridors and the planting of native species.
The project also contributes to Apilab’s wider biomonitoring network, which spans more than 500 natural areas internationally.