75% of Consumers are Interested in Intelligent Packaging

The 2025 merger of International Paper and DS Smith has created a global packaging leader uniquely positioned to address evolving consumer demands. A recent DS Smith survey of 1,048 U.S. adults highlights sustainability as the non-negotiable priority for shipping packages, with 75% of respondents willing to pay up to $5 extra for intelligent packaging solutions. This report dives into the transformative shift in retail expectations, where eco-conscious design and transparent communication are now critical to brand loyalty.

Customer Preferences In Packaging

Today’s consumers demand packaging that aligns with their values—sustainability, efficiency, and innovation. As brands scramble to meet these expectations, four critical priorities have emerged, reshaping how products are packaged, presented, and perceived:

Packaging Space Efficiency

46% of consumers are bothered by empty box space, and 75% interpret wasted space as a lack of sustainability commitment. DS Smith’s Circular Design Metrics address this by optimizing packaging dimensions for individual supply…