Sonoco Introduces Sustainable Packaging Development Initiative

Sonoco, one of the largest sustainable, diversified global packaging companies, recently announced the creation of its new EnviroSense sustainable packaging initiative.

Crossing a range of packaging materials, including cans made from 100 percent recycled paperboard, rigid plastic packaging containing post-consumer recycled content, mono-material flexible pouches that are recyclable and innovative packaging made from agricultural fibers, EnviroSense products are designed to incorporate a number of elements associated with more sustainable packaging. These attributes include: reduced environmental impact, optimized package-to-product ratio and shipping optimization, increased use of recycled content, recyclability, fiber sourcing, compostability and the use of bio-based materials.

“At Sonoco, we recognize the critical importance of developing sustainable packaging solutions that will protect and preserve our planet for future generations, said Sonoco President and CEO Rob Tiede in a statement. “We also recognize holistic solutions of any kind require genuine curiosity, focused thought and an exploration of new ideas, materials and processes that can help answer the challenge before us. That’s what led us to the creation of EnviroSense, which carries with it the goal statement, ‘Packaging with tomorrow in mind.’ EnviroSense goes beyond just a portfolio of packaging; it’s a way of thinking, a sensibility and a philosophy, that guides our development of innovative, sustainable packaging.”

While Sonoco said it remains committed to reducing its environmental impact and improving the use of recycled materials in its packaging, the company is also focused on developing initiatives to reduce the nearly $1 trillion global food waste issue, according to Tiede. “We believe sustainable packaging provides a key resource in helping achieve the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which is targeting to halve food waste by 2030.”

Sonoco collects nearly 3 million tons of materials, much of which it uses as raw materials to make new sustainable packaging. The company said it uses recovered fiber to produce more than 2 million tons annually of uncoated recycled paperboard, much of which is converted into industrial and consumer packaging. In 2018, Sonoco utilized 26 percent recycled content in its plastics supply chain of which 23 percent was post-consumer material.