World’s first compostable bird box trialled

A packaging provider will trial the world’s first ever compostable bird box, made entirely of cardboard.

The bird houses, currently being developed by the international packaging provider DS Smith, are coated with a recyclable water-resistant coating, allowing them to survive in similar conditions as traditional wooden bird houses.

Because they are made of 100% recycled paper, the bird boxes can be flat-packed and transported in bulk easily and are entirely compostable at end-of-life, helping to reduce waste.

The boxes form part of DS Smith’s global Community Programme, which sees it working with local schools to educate children about sustainable packaging.

Greg Dawson, Director of Corporate Affairs at DS Smith said: ‘With our Community Programme, we are inspiring the next generation of inventors to think outside the box and redefine packaging for a changing world.

‘From cardboard tents for the homeless, to toy trucks for disadvantaged children, DS Smith is always looking for opportunities to work with customers, consumers and charities to create something new and exciting that has a positive impact on the world around us.’

DS Smith’s compostable bird houses are currently in the testing phase, although they are expected to be made widely available if trials are successful.

The packaging provider is currently in talks with national charities, wildlife trusts and councils to donate bird shelters made in the same way, in a bid to boost the UK’s bird population.

DS Smith is one of the world’s main providers of packaging, employing around 32,000 people in 37 countries as a constituent of the FTSE 100.

Its designers have previously used cardboards to create all sorts of objects including full-size cars, pop-up obstacle courses, racing boats and refrigerators.

The news of the new bird boxes comes as the government has warned developers against disturbing birds’ nests during building work.

Last week the housing secretary James Brokenshire reminded developers of their obligations due to growing concern about the netting of trees and hedgerows.

Birds are legally protected under the Wildlife Countryside Act 1981, which legally obliges developers to consider the impact of projects on local wildlife.

Credit: David Parry/PA Wire