Packaging company DS Smith has teamed up with Fantasy Forts, a Dutch maker of DIY construction play kits for children, to create sustainable packaging and structural designs for its products. 

DS Smith’s specialists have refined the design and composition of the kits, focusing on optimising folding mechanisms, die-cutting techniques and the integration of accessories. 

The play and packaging components are produced entirely from recyclable corrugated cardboard, designed to provide durability and scaleability in manufacturing. 

The redesign process has cut down on material use, removed corrugated plastic and introduced a click-system feature that allows the kits to connect with household furniture and other indoor or outdoor setups.

Fantasy Forts’ kits are produced locally in the Netherlands and assembled at a social workplace managed by Social Work Netherlands (ESN). 

DS Smith Benelux marketing and communications manager Remko Berkhout stated: “Due to the technical expertise of our designers, the corrugated cardboard elements of the play kits are not only inventive in their design, but also remarkably durable, and this is vital given the need for them to withstand so many different options and environments for creative reinvention.” 

The collaboration was initiated via DS Smith PackRight Centre, part of the company’s network supporting the co-development of packaging solutions tailored to customer specifications. 

Fantasy Forts founder Marco van den Berg added: “The concept seemed simple, but the technical execution required a lot of thought. We were looking for a partner who could translate our creative vision into a product that was sustainable, easy to manufacture, and scaleable. 

“From day one our new packaging was extremely well-received by our consumers who are mostly parents, and the feedback has been super.”