University of Leeds and SR Mailing showcase AI innovation for sustainable packaging
Academics from the Centre for Decision Research shared emerging impact from the University of Leeds and SR Mailing Knowledge Transfer Partnership at AI Research at Leeds 2026.
The event brought together researchers, University leaders and industry-facing teams to explore how artificial intelligence can move from research ideas into practical, responsible and measurable impact. The event featured perspectives on AI strategy, research and funding, alongside discussions on what is needed for AI to create real value across different sectors.
As part of the event, Dr Peizhi Shi delivered a lightning talk and presented a poster titled “LLM-Enhanced Decision Support System for Sustainable Packaging”. The project team also includes Professor Barbara Summers as academic lead, Dr Xingjie Wei and Aritad Choicharoon as academic support, and Dr Junhao Liang as KTP Associate. Together, the team is combining expertise in AI, business analytics, decision-making and knowledge transfer with SR Mailing’s practical understanding of the packaging industry.
Funded by Innovate UK and SR Mailing, the two-year KTP is developing an LLM-enhanced decision-support system to help translate customer, product, order and sustainability data into actionable commercial and environmental insights.
SR Mailing is a forward-looking sustainable packaging company that has specialised in eco-friendly packaging solutions since 2014, with a particular focus on supporting e-commerce businesses. By increasing the use of recycled materials and helping customers make more sustainable packaging choices, the company is contributing to waste reduction and lower-carbon business practices. Its strong commitment to innovation and sustainability makes it an ideal industry partner for exploring how responsible AI can support real business decisions.
The project has already established a strong AI-ready data foundation, supported by integrated business data, automated data ingestion, management dashboards, an LLM question-and-answer prototype, and an Extended Producer Responsibility workflow for packaging compliance and reporting.
This foundation is now supporting the next stage of development, including natural-language access to business data, customer intelligence, product recommendation, cross-selling and upselling opportunities, sustainability-aware packaging choices, and explainable decision support with human oversight.
The project demonstrates how Knowledge Transfer Partnerships can connect academic expertise with business-critical innovation. For SR Mailing, the collaboration is building long-term capability in AI, analytics and sustainable operations, while supporting its ambition to strengthen its position as an innovative and sustainability-focused packaging provider. For the University of Leeds, it provides a valuable real-world setting for research, teaching and wider collaboration on responsible AI adoption.
