Smart, Sustainable, and Stylish: S4S Dental’s SYIP Success

Sheffield-based independent dental laboratory S4S Dental has been committed to growth and innovation in the 20 years since opening their doors in 2005: employing 120 people at their Kelham Island laboratory, launching their own recruitment company in 2018 (S4S Team) and expanding with S4S London in 2020.

S4S work with over 30,000 dentists to produce appliances for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea, bruxism and misaligned teeth. They are also the exclusive producers of Smilelign clear aligners and Vitalisse Whitening.

We spoke to Sophie Gifford, Marketing and Communications Manager at S4S Dental, to find out how the South Yorkshire Innovation Programme (SYIP) supported them to develop an innovative packaging solution for their brand new product.

The challenge:

The dental laboratory was introduced to SYIP after seeking specialist support with the design of packaging for their brand new teeth whitening product, Vitalisse.

Sophie said, ‘We knew we wanted luxury to be at the forefront, with this being a high-end product, but still wanted to incorporate our main company value of being eco-conscious with our packaging.’

The project:

S4S Dental worked with the team at Design Futures Packaging, based within Sheffield Hallam University and lead by John Kirkby, to develop prototypes, using their years of experience to design packaging which would reflect the product’s luxury status, while being eco-friendly, and remaining cost-effective.

Sophie explained, ‘Our main concern initially was conveying luxury through the packaging, but this was addressed with features such as silver foil and spot UV. We realised that it was just as important to focus on the functionality of the packaging, and we learned a lot about packaging and how to get the most out of materials.’

What makes the new packaging innovative?

Our packaging for Vitalisse Whitening is innovative because it balances sustainability with smart design. While avoiding unnecessary plastics or flashy, wasteful materials, it still protects the product effectively and presents it in a clean, professional way to our customers. We use recyclable cardboard in a way that’s both sturdy and space-efficient, reducing shipping impact. Additionally, our packaging is designed for easy opening and disposal; no complicated layers, just thoughtful simplicity that reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising user experience.

Was there anything you wanted to avoid when designing the packaging?

We made a conscious decision to avoid using non-recyclable materials in our packaging or creating a box that looked impressive but served no lasting purpose. Instead, we chose to champion recyclable cardboard packaging—practical, sustainable, and easy to dispose of responsibly. Once the contents have been used, the packaging can be recycled, reducing waste and supporting a more environmentally conscious approach.

What did you do to ensure that the packaging was eco-friendly?

When preparing the product for launch, it was essential to us that we made it as eco-friendly as possible. This was achieved with our Vitalisse packaging by ensuring every feature is made of cardboard and is fully recyclable. All our packaging is also shipped to use by the supplier flat-packed, ensuring lower use of shipping supplies and improved storage. The packaging was also built around the products, to ensure a tight fit, with no ‘waste’ in the cardboard.

Would you recommend SYIP to other businesses?

‘This was a worthwhile experience for us, and we are delighted with the result of our packaging. We would absolutely recommend SYIP to other organisations looking to innovate!’

SYIP supports organisations across the region to innovate and grow: develop new ideas, improve processes, access new markets, and launch new products.

To find out more about SYIP and how we could help your organisation innovate, get in touch.

The South Yorkshire Innovation Programme is being delivered by Sheffield Hallam University in partnership with The University of Sheffield and Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, and is part-funded by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.