Sonoco Selected Sector Leader in DJ Sustainability World Index

Sonoco, Hartsville, S.C., USA, has been selected as sector leader in the U.S. Container & Packaging category of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World) for 2012-2013. DJSI World is comprised of the top 10% best-in-class economic, environmental, and social performers among the world's 2,500 largest companies in 58 different sectors.

"Sonoco strives to be an industry leader in sustainability, so it's gratifying that we have been selected as our industry's leader for the second year in a row," said Harris E. DeLoach Jr., chairman and CEO. "One of the ways in which we measure our sustainability efforts is through the annual review and listing of DJSI World. Sonoco has been listed on the index for four consecutive years, which we believe confirms that we are on the right track in the way we develop products for our customers and in adopting sustainable business practices."

DeLoach also pointed out that Sonoco's overall score for the 2012/2013 index was 36% higher than its comparative industry sector's average score. The company received top scores in its sector for corporate governance—including its anti-trust policy and codes of conduct—and for its customer relationship management and risk and crisis management efforts.

This year's DJSI World includes 41 new companies, while 41 firms will be deleted, resulting in a total of 340 index components. All changes will become effective with the opening of stock markets on September 24. DJSI was the first global index tracking the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide. Today, the index family has approximately $6 billion in assets under management in a variety of financial products in 15 countries.

TAPPI
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