Sonoco's Sustainability Story

Sourcing

We're collaborating to close the loop.

Sustana, Kellogg’s and Sonoco are pulping up the volume by proving paper containers can be successfully processed in the paper stream. This means a decreased impact to landfill and a circular solution that enables us to source raw materials responsibly.

Scott Byrne with partners in a recycling facility.

Scott Byrne, Director, Global Sustainability Services

Packaging that Protects and Preserves Our Planet

Made with Recycled, Recyclable and Renewable Paper Fibers

In 2021 Sonoco’s European team partnered with a local snack manufacturer to bring a more sustainable paper can solution to the snacking market, utilizing our EnviroCan™ PB container. Watch the video to learn more about this project.

New Uses for an Old Material

Metal is by no means the newest packaging material on the market, but few others exemplify our care for the planet more. And we’re still finding new ways to use—and reuse—metal. That’s not only good news for consumers, but it’s good news for the environment, too, because metal is the most recycled food packaging material.

In addition, because metal is a permanent material, its properties never degrade during use or through repeated recycling. And its superior barrier properties keep light and oxygen out, which promotes food preservation and, in turn, decreases waste.

Explore Metal Packaging

Sonoco’s European team is proud to have five locations with FSC certifications – Balsareny, Habsheim, Hockenheim, Lübeck and Montanay locations are certified as of 2021. These facilities also undergo additional rigorous testing such as ISO quality, FSSC food safety and DIN EN energy management.

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Sonoco’s Sungai Buloh plant in Malaysia received its FSC certification in 2021. As a leader in consumer packaging for the Asian market, this high achievement sets our paper container facility apart.

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Committed to Globally Recognizable Certifications

Recycled Materials

Turning Waste into Opportunity

Sixteen of our 19 global paperboard mills use 100% recycled fiber in production. Some amount of responsibly sourced virgin fiber is needed for select grades of paperboard. The amount of recycled fiber in our paper containers ranges from 60% to 80% or more, depending on the product specifications for the package. On average, the amount of recycled fiber used in our industrial tubes and cores exceeds 95%.

Explore Some Recycled & Recyclable Materials

FlexSHIELD™ paperboard barrier coating

Compostable Takeout Containers that Don’t Crack Under Pressure

Flexshield containers

FlexSHIELD™ is the first fully compostable, recyclable and repulpable product that provides polyethylene-like protection at an economical price point. FlexSHIELD won’t crack in scores and folds, protecting containers against water, oil, grease, sauces and toppings, ultimately preventing leaks, stains and spills.

FlexSHIELD is certified compostable by BNQ using ASTM methods, meeting the toughest international standards of environmental excellence.

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We think about the future of packaging and how it impacts our planet. We work every day to make better products.