Packaging giant DS Smith has launched the Essential Solutions online e-commerce range, a simplified range of products designed to offer immediate options for organisations looking to transition to online sales and distribution quickly and easily.

Essential Solutions has been specifically designed to be versatile, with products for a variety of sectors, including food and drink, apparel and footwear, health and beauty, home and garden, sports and leisure, and pharmaceuticals. The range has been introduced as a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced many organisations to review their supply chains and, in many cases, revise traditional business models in favour of e-commerce and deliver products directly to consumers.

Aimed at helping businesses transition online quickly, the Essential Solutions range responds to the evolving demands for packaging and offers solutions to promote, protect and contribute to efficient distribution at every stage. The range is comprised of options for the most applications ranging from letterbox packs, an essentials provisions box, a corrugated tray replacement for recyclable plastic crates, and bottle packs.

DS Smith noted that SMEs and local businesses are particularly likely to benefit from a proven off-the-shelf product, with the company stating that, ‘businesses can be confident that their brand image is protected, products reach their customers in top condition, and that their customers have an easy opening and frustration-free unboxing experience.’

Rob Carle, UK head of e-commerce sales at DS Smith, explained, ‘During this uncertain time, we’re seeing many businesses facing supply chain challenges and needing to rapidly revise their traditional business models to include e-commerce. The Essential Solutions range gives businesses the support and assurance they need to adapt quickly and continue to get their goods out the door.’

In a recent webinar series looking at packaging in a post-pandemic world, Mike Ferrari identified there are a number of opportunities and considerations as e-commerce rises in importance during and after the coronavirus pandemic.

He said, ‘‘There are new opportunities to consider how a package and its design offers convenience in use, storage and disposal. Are your visual communications consistent? Does the package include an e-commerce call to action and easy to use trigger for reordering? Packaging for online might also not be the same as retail. You should learn the requirements for shipping, especially in the case of liquids.’

Mr Carle continued, ‘e-commerce packaging goes through 50 different touch points with the consideration of returns, making it a harrowing process for businesses who are embarking on this journey for the first time. We’ve been supporting businesses with their packaging challenges for years, and our scale, expertise and speed mean we are best placed to support with their e-commerce needs now and in the future.’

Essential Solutions is available immediately via the DS Smith ePack webshop, with next day delivery available.