Smurfit Kappa’s innovative Design2Market Factory set for European expansion

Smurfit Kappa’s Design2Market Factory will be expanding across Europe after a successful first year in operation. The innovative facility, which enables customers to test and adapt their packaging on a small scale before market launch will be replicated across Germany, Italy,  Poland and the UK.  

The 3000m2 original innovation hub in the Netherlands has been home to over 50 successful projects for some of the world’s biggest consumer brands. Smurfit Kappa’s multi-disciplinary team takes a packaging challenge and designs a new solution which is ready to be tested in the market in just two weeks. In addition to reducing risk and turnaround time, Design2Market 

Factory provides customers with a sustainable packaging solution that reduces their carbon footprint and supports their recyclability targets.  

The user-driven prototypes are designed in collaboration with customers combining creativity,  technical expertise and advanced AI models to address specific needs. So far, the team has created, analysed and launched on the market many innovative solutions including shelf-ready packaging for detergent, a paper-based replacement for shrink wrap and a complete range of eCommerce solutions. Design2Market Factory also creates packaging solutions that meet  Amazon’s certification standards. 

Arco Berkenbosch, Smurfit Kappa’s Chief Innovation Officer, said: “We are thrilled to have reached this milestone. The journey of the Design2Market Factory has been remarkable and the trust placed in us by many industry-leading household names is testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence at speed. Broadening our European footprint will help  more customers to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape and achieve their  sustainability goals in line with our Better Planet Packaging initiative.”