Sonoco, Hartsville, S.C., USA, has expanded its fiber certification program into Brazil and Mexico, as of mid-February 2016. Although most of the raw material used in Sonoco’s mills is 100% recycled fiber, this certification also requires that Sonoco select suppliers of virgin fiber and virgin fiber components that avoid trading or sourcing raw material that is illegally harvested, harvested in violation of traditional and civil rights, and harvested where global conservation priorities are threatened.

"Fiber certification is a demonstration of Sonoco's commitment to recycling, healthy forests, and responsible resource management," said Laura Rowell, global sustainable packaging manager.

In Brazil, Sonoco's paper mill in Londrina and rigid paper converting operation in Araras were both chain-of-custody certified to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC). In Mexico, its Atizapan paper mill and Mexico City rigid paper converting operation were also chain-of-custody certified to the FSC and PEFC, plus the North American-based Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

These operations join the company's 12 previously certified paper mills and four previously certified converting operations located in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

 

As a leader in high-quality, innovative, value-creating packaging solutions that "satisfy the customer," Sonoco said that it is prepared to help its global brand customers meet their sustainability goals related to deforestation and responsible sourcing. 

 

More information about Sonoco’s sustainability targets and programming is available online.