Sonoco’s EnviroCan® Achieves Pre-qualification for Recycling
Sonoco Products Company (NYSE: SON), a leader in sustainable packaging, has announced a significant achievement. The company's innovative EnviroCan® Metal Bottom rigid paper container has received pre-qualification to carry the How2Recycle® ‘Check Locally’ label. This milestone highlights the effectiveness of their environmentally responsible packaging solutions, made primarily from recycled materials.
Understanding the EnviroCan® Construction
The EnviroCan® is crafted using 100% recycled fiber, with an impressive 90% sourced from post-consumer resources. This design not only emphasizes sustainability but also ensures product and food safety. The metal bottom is composed of steel, which is known as one of the most recycled materials globally, reinforcing Sonoco's commitment to using responsible materials in their products.
How2Recycle® Labeling Impact
The How2Recycle on-pack label plays a crucial role in guiding consumers on how to recycle products where they live. This initiative underscores Sonoco’s dedication to fostering innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions that benefit both customers and consumers throughout the world.
Insights from Sonoco Leadership
“The pre-qualification for our EnviroCan Metal Bottom is a testament to our dedicated efforts over the years, involving extensive data collection and collaboration with recyclers,” stated Sabrina Dixon-Ridges, Director of Global Operational Sustainability at Sonoco.
Scott Byrne, Vice President of Global Sustainability at Sonoco, remarked, “This achievement reflects our commitment to meet customer performance expectations while providing measurable sustainable improvements. It positions the EnviroCan as a reliable choice for brand owners looking to advance their sustainability goals and promote the circular economy.”
Life Cycle Assessment Findings
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted by Sonoco revealed that recycling a paper container with a steel bottom can lead to a 23.5% reduction in global warming potential compared to landfilling steel. This is mainly due to the lessened need to mine for new iron ore, which is vital for steel production. The recycling rates of steel are notably high, with over 70 million tons of scrap processed domestically every year and more than 80% of steel products being made from recycled sources.
The Role of How2Recycle in Packaging
How2Recycle serves as North America’s primary standardized labeling system, offering essential communication regarding the recyclability of packaging. This label ensures that consumers in the U.S. and Canada can make informed decisions about recycling.
Collaboration and Progress in Sustainable Packaging
Paul Nowak, Executive Director of GreenBlue, which oversees How2Recycle, said, “It is gratifying to witness the collaborative efforts among How2Recycle member companies resulting in advancements in packaging formats and enhancing material recyclability. Sonoco's initiatives are making strides in ensuring that consumers understand how to dispose of their products responsibly.”
Diverse Applications of the EnviroCan®
The EnviroCan Metal Bottom is versatile, available in various sizes suitable for different products, from on-the-go snacks to bulk industrial packages. This flexibility allows products to be efficiently showcased while adhering to sustainable practices.
About Sonoco: A Leader in Sustainable Practices
With an impressive net sales figure of approximately $6.8 billion reported recently and a robust workforce of around 22,000 across more than 300 operations globally, Sonoco is committed to its purpose of creating better packaging and a better life. The company continues to garner accolades for its responsible practices, including recognition as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek.
How2Recycle: Simplifying Recycling for Everyone
Since its launch in 2012, How2Recycle has become the leading disposal labeling program in North America, comprised of over 800 member companies. It aims to streamline the recycling process with clear and standardized instructions, making recycling accessible to all consumers.
Contact Information
For more inquiries, reach out to Roger Schrum at 843-339-6018 or via email at roger.schrum@sonoco.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EnviroCan® Metal Bottom?
The EnviroCan® Metal Bottom is a rigid paper container made entirely from recycled materials, designed for sustainability and product safety.
How does the How2Recycle® labeling work?
The How2Recycle label provides clear recycling instructions to consumers, helping them understand how to dispose of packaging correctly.
What are the benefits of the EnviroCan®?
It reduces environmental impact, improves recyclability, and meets consumer needs for safe packaging solutions by utilizing sustainable materials.
Why is steel considered a sustainable material?
Steel is highly recycled, with a significant percentage of steel products derived from recycled sources, resulting in less environmental degradation.
How is Sonoco committed to sustainability?
Sonoco develops innovative packaging solutions using recycled materials and aims to create a positive impact in communities through sustainable practices.
