DS Smith's Kemsley Paper Mill, the UK's largest facility for recycled papers and the second largest in Europe, recently opened its doors to representatives from Kent County Council, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, and East London Waste Authority.
The exclusive open day demonstrated the mill’s cutting-edge recycling capabilities and aimed to foster stronger partnerships within the public sector.
Attendees were treated to a comprehensive tour of the state-of-the-art Kemsley Mill, offering an in-depth look at the entire paper-making process from start to finish. The tour highlighted key facilities, including the rigorous recycling quality hub where incoming paper undergoes meticulous checks, the transformation of fibres in the pulper, and the impressive scale of the paper machine as pulp was converted into new paper.
DS Smith, one of the leading sustainable packaging suppliers in Europe, is dedicated to supporting local authorities in enhancing recycling performance, meeting statutory targets, and ensuring transparent waste management. By showcasing the advanced operations at Kemsley, the company aimed to reinforce our position as a leading partner for public sector entities seeking reliable, auditable, and effective recycling solutions.
The visit emphasised its tailored approach to public sector recycling and waste management. Councils learned about how DS Smith can support them in:
- Improving recycling rates: Through proven solutions and effective segregation strategies, mirroring the success seen with Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, who more than doubled their recycling rates from 21% to 54.3% in a long-term partnership.
- Reducing contamination: Experts explained the impact of poor-quality raw materials and how DS Smith's processes ensure cleaner recycling streams.
- Ensuring transparency and accountability: With reliable collections, flexible scheduling, and auditable monthly reports, councils can track materials from collection to reprocessing, supporting statutory and internal reporting requirements.
DS Smith’s open day at Kemsley Mill was an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the public sector. DS Smith understands the unique challenges councils face, from tight budgets to ambitious recycling targets.
By showcasing their facilities and expertise, the open day aims to illustrate how a partnership with DS Smith can provide not just a service, but a comprehensive solution that delivers proven results, enhances environmental performance, and offers full transparency.
“DS Smith invites other councils and public sector organisations to get in touch and explore how their robust recycling solutions and extensive infrastructure can help them meet their waste management objectives, achieve ambitious environmental goals and deliver tangible benefits for communities.” - Stephanie Dalton, Head of Customer Excellence
DS Smith will be hosting another open day in 2026, and invites other councils and public sector organisations to get in touch and explore how their robust recycling solutions and extensive infrastructure can help them meet their waste management objectives, achieve ambitious environmental goals and deliver tangible benefits for communities.
Public Sector Recycling Solutions | DS Smith - DS Smith
