DS Smith Packaging Systems, part of International Paper, has introduced a new generation of high-speed mandrel case forming and sealing machines, marking a significant advancement in automated end-of-line operations. The launch comes as manufacturers contend with rising production volumes, increased automation requirements and tightening sustainability expectations. Developed through in-house research and development within planned budgets and timelines, the equipment reflects a strategic push to strengthen performance and competitiveness in high-volume packaging environments.
The newly unveiled systems deliver a notable uplift in processing speeds compared with earlier models. Forming capacity has increased from up to 60 cases a minute to 70 cases a minute, while sealing performance has more than doubled from 55 to 120 cases a minute. According to the company, the development was driven by growing demand from customers operating large-scale automated lines, alongside advances in servo motion control and mechanical engineering. Early feedback has been positive, particularly among multinational manufacturers seeking scalable automation solutions.
Beyond throughput gains, the company positions the upgrade as a broader value-creation initiative. DS Smith indicated that the higher-speed capabilities are expected to accelerate return on investment and support margin improvement. The pacakging machines are also designed to enhance productivity while reducing operational costs, reinforcing the company’s differentiation in end-of-line packaging systems.
Sustainability remains central to the design. The packaging machines offer 92% recyclability and reuse, are supported by a short 200 km supply chain, and are engineered with a 30-year operational horizon. Following factory acceptance tests in early August, the rollout phase has begun, with one forming unit already delivered to a customer in the US and the sealing unit currently undergoing dry runs.
Separately, last month, DS Smith Technicarton introduced a fibre-based packaging solution for automotive chassis in the Iberian market, designed to replace traditional metal containers used across production and logistics stages.
