Sonoco has a strong reputation for innovation in sustainable packaging. How does the company integrate circular economy principles into its rigid paperboard solutions? What are the biggest challenges in making packaging more circular, and how is Sonoco addressing them? Consumers and brands are increasingly demanding sustainable packaging. How is Sonoco adapting to these evolving expectations?
As a global leader in sustainable packaging, Sonoco is committed to staying ahead of evolving consumer and brand expectations. One of the biggest challenges in making packaging more circular is ensuring that materials can be effectively collected, sorted, and processed within existing recycling infrastructure. That’s why we focus on designing solutions that not only meet sustainability targets but also work within recycling systems.
Our rigid paper containers, such as EnviroCan® and GreenCan®, are prime examples of how we’re delivering on this commitment. These solutions are designed with recyclability in mind, utilising renewable and responsibly sourced materials that can be processed through established paper recycling streams in many regions. This ensures that our packaging contributes to the circular economy without compromising on performance, product protection, or shelf appeal.
Beyond product design, we are actively investing in material science, industry partnerships, and recycling initiatives to drive meaningful progress. By collaborating with brands, retailers, and recycling stakeholders, we’re not just responding to the demand for sustainable packaging – we’re shaping the future of it.
Can you share any recent developments or breakthrough technologies Sonoco has introduced to enhance recyclability or reusability?
A recent development by Sonoco is the introduction of EnviroCan® paper end solution with 95% fibre, a sustainable packaging innovation that is part of their EnviroSense® family. EnviroCan® is a 90-95% paper can that enhances recyclability while maintaining the freshness and protection of the product inside. This solution was recently introduced in the coffee market marking a significant step toward more sustainable coffee packaging. This collaboration with Nestlé demonstrates Sonoco’s commitment to providing innovative, fibre-based solutions that align with brands’ sustainability goals while ensuring product integrity.
Sonoco offers a wide range of packaging customisations. How do you balance sustainability with functionality and aesthetics?
Our packaging portfolio offers a wide range of sizes, materials, opening features, and labelling options, allowing brands to tailor their packaging to specific product needs and market demands. Whether it’s enhancing recyclability, optimising barrier protection, or improving shelf presence, we work closely with our customers to develop solutions that strike the perfect balance between sustainability, performance, and design.
Are there any specific industry sectors where you see the greatest potential for sustainable rigid paperboard solutions?
Specific industry sectors with significant potential for sustainable rigid paperboard solutions in categories like snacks, spices, coffee, baked goods, home and personal care. More recently, we've expanded these solutions to the pet food sector, partnering with brands like DoggyLove to develop eco-friendly packaging for their organic, plant-based pet treats. This collaboration highlights our commitment to providing sustainable, high-performance packaging across diverse markets while meeting evolving consumer expectations.
You have an extensive background in packaging and environmental engineering. How has your experience shaped your leadership at Sonoco?
With over two decades in the packaging industry and a background in environmental engineering, my experience has been instrumental in shaping how I lead at Sonoco. Since joining the company in 2019 as European Sales Director – and later serving as Division Vice President of Sales for Rigid Paper Containers Europe – I've focused on integrating sustainability into both product innovation and business strategy. My previous leadership roles at Crown Holdings and Amcor EMEA gave me a deep understanding of balancing sustainability with performance, cost efficiency, and customer needs. Now, as Vice President & General Manager of RPC Europe, I am committed to driving Sonoco’s mission of developing recyclable and circular packaging solutions that align with industry regulations and evolving consumer expectations.
What are your top priorities as VP & GM of RPC Europe in advancing sustainability goals?
As Vice President & General Manager of RPC Europe, my top priorities in advancing Sonoco’s sustainability goals are clear: reducing carbon emissions across the value chain, developing innovative recyclable packaging solutions, and ensuring alignment with European sustainability regulations. My background in sales and operations has shown me the importance of practical, scalable solutions that deliver real impact. At Sonoco, we continue to invest in sustainable packaging technologies like EnviroCan® and GreenCan®, helping brands transition to eco-friendly solutions without compromising product integrity or consumer appeal.
How do you see the role of partnerships and collaborations in accelerating the circular economy in packaging?
I firmly believe that partnerships and collaborations are critical to accelerating the circular economy in packaging. No single company can drive sustainability alone – it requires a collective effort from brand owners, recyclers, and industry stakeholders. We actively collaborate to develop solutions that enhance recyclability and reduce environmental impact. A great example is our partnership with Kellanova, which led to the development of a paper-based Pringles tube. This innovation reinforces our commitment to sustainable packaging and has earned industry recognition, winning a Gold Award for Snacks and Confectionery and a Silver Award for Sustainable Innovation of the Year at the 2024 Environmental Packaging Awards.
More recently, we’ve strengthened our commitment to sustainable innovation through a collaboration with Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging. This partnership is focused on advancing fibre-based packaging solutions, driving material innovation, and ensuring that packaging solutions like EnviroCan® and GreenCan® meet the highest recyclability standards.
What do you think the packaging industry will look like in five years?
Over the next five years, the packaging industry is set to undergo a significant transformation, driven by the increased adoption of sustainable materials, enhanced recyclability, and innovative designs that align with both environmental regulations and evolving consumer expectations. As sustainability becomes a key priority, brands will seek packaging solutions that reduce their environmental impact without compromising functionality or appeal. Our EnviroCan® and GreenCan® packaging solutions are designed with high fibre and recycled content, ensuring they meet European packaging regulations while offering brands a practical and scalable path to sustainability.
If there was one key change you’d like to see across the industry to support a circular economy, what would it be?
A key change to support a circular economy across the industry would be the widespread adoption of packaging solutions that are designed for recyclability, ensuring they can be effectively processed within existing recycling infrastructures. Sonoco's rigid paper containers exemplify this approach.
Finally, what advice would you give to companies looking to transition to more sustainable packaging solutions?
For companies looking to transition to more sustainable packaging solutions, it's essential to collaborate with experienced packaging providers who prioritise sustainability, invest in research and development of eco-friendly materials, and offer customised solutions that balance functionality, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. Our Sonoco expertise in developing sustainable packaging innovations like EnviroCan® and GreenCan® serves as a valuable resource in this transition.