Packaging firm Sonoco has reduced total water usage by about 5% in 2016, total energy usage by 0.52% and recovered the equivalent (by weight) of 57% of the product that Sonoco places into the marketplace through recycling, according to the company’s 2016-2017 corporate responsibility report.
The Company also made great strides in safety, with 21 fewer employees injured worldwide compared to the previous year. And the Sonoco Diversity and Unity Council worked to create a diverse workforce within an inclusive environment by sponsoring activities for several affinity teams and fostering diversity and inclusion education, awareness and communication throughout the Company.
“This year’s report shows great progress as we advance toward our 2020 targets,” said Jack Sanders, Sonoco’s president and CEO.
“At Sonoco, we believe People Build Businesses by Doing the Right Thing. This principle guides all our actions—maintaining our commitment to our customers, treating our employees with respect, delivering shareholder value, making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work, and taking steps to lessen our impact on the environment.”
Since 2009, Sonoco has reduced total greenhouse gas emissions (CO2e) by 6.7 percent, or by 21 percent per metric ton of production; and it has reduced total water usage by 31 percent, or by 42 percent per metric ton of production. Among the Company’s global manufacturing operations, 10 percent have achieved 95 percent or greater diversion of wastes to landfill.
Sonoco’s increasing emphasis on the Sustainable Materials Management philosophy focuses on how to make a positive impact throughout the supply chain, for all customers. Sustainability remains a key motivation throughout all project stages: design, production, delivery, display, consumption, and recycling and reuse. Factors like sourcing, shelf life, energy efficiency, carbon footprint and recycling are weighed throughout the packaging lifecycle.
