In a partnership with Apilab, DS Smith is using bees to map the diversity around its French packaging facilities and monitor the impacts of its industrial operations.
Under Apilan’s methodology, the bees forage for microsamples within a 3-kilometre radius, then deposit non-invasive sampling materials – including nectar and pollen captured on silicone bracelets, propolis grids, and Apistrips – into their hives.
Apilab experts analyze these samples in a laboratory to assess floral biodiversity, air quality, and pollutants, and to identify early warning signs of changes in the ecosystem. This approach is expected to measure the impact of industrial operations on local ecosystems, aligning with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive’s ESG reporting requirements.
Apilab’s biomonitoring network currently consists of over five hundred natural areas; its method is AFNOR-certified and validated by the European INSIGNIA protocol.
Across its thirteen facilities in France, DS Smith reports an average biodiversity score of 0.54, which represents a ‘moderate to good level’ of floral diversity.
Apparently, environmental DNA has detected an average of twenty-five plant families per site. Depending on the region, each facility is home to between twelve and thirty-five families.
Additionally, DS Smith highlights a ‘high’ presence of dominant taxa such as Salicaceae (23%) and Fagaceae (22%). These represent important nectar sources for pollinators, including willows, poplars, and chestnut trees.
“This biodiversity mapping allows us to identify the strengths and areas for improvement of each packaging site,” explained Julien Clery, CSR manager, DS Smith Packaging, France. “It is extremely valuable to us in terms of helping to guide our actions and inform our planning decisions when we create ecological corridors, plant native species, and approach our management of a variety of differentiated green spaces.”
Another bee-related development saw Twinplast design bespoke corrugated polypropylene shipping boxes for a leading honeybee supplier. The box is designed to protect the bees while minimizing weight and transport costs.
In other news, Esko and CarbonQuota’s carbon emissions calculation capability is designed to help packaging converters and brands automate carbon footprint calculations and align their environmental impacts with internal and legislative sustainability goals.
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:
The ultimate guide to packaging innovation in 2026
The ‘complex reality’ of reusable packaging in Europe
Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation
No comments yet