Big boxes are thing of the past, says packager to Amazon

Packaging maker DS Smith on Thursday said the scourge of oversized cardboard boxes will disappear as online retailers phase in custom-printed packages.

Chief executive Miles Roberts said his clients were “electrified” by a new machine that custom prints packaging on-site to fit the product dispatched.

The FTSE 100 firm’s Made2fit, a 20-foot machine costing up to €1 million that prints packaging on-site, was launched last year and interest has been strong.

Roberts said customers don’t want boxes “with a load of fresh air in them.

“If you look at the complaints our customers are getting, it often involves the packaging either being the wrong size or the product being damaged.

“This technology is moving fast and we are adding value for our customers.”

DS Smith makes packaging for the likes of Amazon, boohoo, Next, Tesco and Ikea.

Operating profits for the half year rose 32% to £304 million. It will sell its plastics division to cut debt.