RockTenn, D.S. Smith Unveil Licensing Agreement
RockTenn and DS Smith Plc have entered into a strategic alliance, executing a licensing agreement that gives Norcross, Ga.-based RockTenn the exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute proprietary corrugated packaging designs and distribute innovative packaging equipment in the United States.
DS Smith’s new Meta technology produces a broad range of two-piece shelf-ready packages enabling multinational package goods companies to meet the varied requirements of U.S. retailers. Additionally, cutting-edge predictive software and stacking devices optimize and lower packaging weight, and lessen environmental impact.
“The RockTenn team is tenaciously focused on delivering industry-leading innovation in packaging solutions for our customers,” said James Porter, the company’s corrugated packaging president. “This exciting technology brings new opportunities to reduce the total cost of packaging and to improve print options to better sell our customer’s products, and do so in a more sustainable fashion.”
“This alliance with RockTenn brings the advantages and value of our patented technology to a wider audience, and allows us better to serve our global customers,” added Miles Roberts, CEO of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England-based DS Smith. “The extension of our licensee network to the U.S. market, combined with our extensive European corrugated manufacturing footprint, means we now have one of the world’s broadest capabilities for the creation of innovative corrugated packaging propositions.”
RockTenn’s Automated Packaging System business unit is a previous licensee of DS Smith’s Otor mandrel-forming technology. The new agreement involves the next generation of Otor technology, including the exclusive right to packaging designs and high-speed mandrel-forming equipment distribution.
One of North America’s leading integrated manufacturers of corrugated and consumer packaging and recycling solutions, RockTenn operates locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and China.