Sonoco Again Selected for Dow Jones Sustainability Index

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Sonoco, Hartsville, S.C., USA, for the second year in a row has been selected to join the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World), which is made up of the leading global companies in terms of economic performance, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes are determined following an annual review by SAM, an investment boutique focused on sustainability investing, together with Dow Jones Indexes.

Following SAM's largest global analysis of corporate sustainability leadership, 48 companies will join DJSI World, while 46 firms will be deleted, resulting in a total of 318 index components. All changes will become effective with the opening of equity markets on September 20. The DJSI follows a best-in-class approach and includes sustainability leaders from each industry on a global and regional level.

The annual review of the DJSI family is based on a thorough analysis of corporate sustainability efforts, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, climate change mitigation, supply chain standards, and branding. It accounts for general as well as industry specific sustainability criteria for each of the 57 sectors defined according to the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB).

Harris E. DeLoach Jr., chairman, president and CEO, pointed out that Sonoco's selection to DJSI World for 2010/2011 was the result of a significant improvement in its ranking in a number of economic, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility factors. "Overall, the company's 2010 score improved 14% from 2009, which reinforces the progress we're making in all of our global operations. In addition, the company received best-in-class marks in our industry for advancements in product stewardship, climate strategy, customer relationship management, code of conduct, and stakeholder engagement."