LONDON (Press Release) -- DS Smith Recycling, one of Europe's largest paper and card recyclers, managing more than 5.5 million tonnes for recycling annually, signs new five-year contract with Co-op, the UK's sixth biggest food retailer.

The Co-op is one of the world's largest consumer co-operatives, with more than 2,500 stores across the UK alone, committed to improving sustainability, and finding new ways to become more efficient.

The partnership between The Co-op and DS Smith will see 56,000 tonnes of fibre processed in the UK annually at Kemsley Paper Mill, the second largest recovered fibre-based paper facility in Europe, and the heart of DS Smith's operations. The two companies will focus on material quality, using innovative Near Infrared (NIR) technology to help guarantee cost-effectiveness, and target higher qualities in the long term.

"It's great knowing that we'll be collaborating with The Co-op for another five years - both companies are focused on deploying a closed-loop approach through the whole supply-chain, with the aim of minimising impact to the environment as much as possible." -- James Williams, Account Director

The ongoing relationship between The Co-op and DS Smith is built around providing a more sustainable future for consumers and the world around us, and with a new five-year contract in place, long-term ambitions can be achieved.

"Reducing our environmental impact is, and always has been, at the heart of Co-op's efforts, and we are delighted to continue our relationship with DS Smith Recycling, who are helping us to achieve this." -- Abbie Case, Category Manager.