Sonoco has released its 2025 Corporate Sustainability Report, outlining progress across renewable energy, recyclable packaging, emissions reduction, and recycling infrastructure as the US packaging company continues expanding its global metal and paper packaging operations.

The report, published on 1 June 2026 from Hartsville, South Carolina, details how Sonoco advanced energy efficiency projects, expanded recyclable paper packaging, and strengthened sustainability investments across its operations in 37 countries.

The company said 17 renewable energy and efficiency projects completed during 2025 reduced emissions by around 15,000 metric tons of CO₂e. The projects included solar panel installations, regenerative brake systems, and upgraded air compressor technology.

The report also highlighted multiple industry recognitions tied to sustainable packaging innovation and environmental performance.

What is a corporate sustainability report?

A corporate sustainability report is a document companies publish to explain their environmental, social, and governance performance.

These reports usually include emissions data, renewable energy projects, recycling initiatives, labor and ethics standards, water management, and long-term climate targets. In the global packaging sector, sustainability reporting has become increasingly important as retailers and FMCG companies face growing pressure to reduce packaging waste and improve supply chain transparency.

At a glance

  • Sonoco released its 2025 Corporate Sustainability Report
  • The company operates 265 facilities across 37 countries
  • Sonoco reported around 15,000 metric tons of CO₂e reductions in 2025
  • The business completed 17 renewable energy and efficiency projects
  • Sonoco expanded recyclable paper-based packaging solutions
  • The company received recognition at the 2025 Environmental Packaging Awards
  • Sonoco continues targeting Scope 1 and 2 emissions reductions by 2030

How did Sonoco reduce emissions in 2025?

Sonoco said its global energy projects contributed to measurable emissions reductions during 2025.

The projects included renewable energy investments, manufacturing upgrades, and operational efficiency improvements across multiple facilities. The company stated these actions support its long-term target to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% by 2030 compared with its 2020 baseline.

What packaging initiatives were highlighted?

The report placed strong attention on recyclable and paper-based packaging development.

Sonoco said it continued expanding recyclable packaging formats while supporting material recovery operations through its global recycling network. The company also highlighted award-winning packaging products recognized during the 2025 Environmental Packaging Awards.

As sustainability targets tighten across retail supply chains, recyclable paper and metal packaging continue gaining importance across the wider Packaging sector and broader us packaging market.

Why does the report matter for the packaging industry?

Large packaging suppliers are facing increasing pressure from supermarkets, FMCG brands, regulators, and investors to improve sustainability performance.

Packaging companies are now expected to provide transparent reporting on emissions, recycling rates, renewable energy usage, and responsible sourcing practices. Sustainability reporting has also become more important as retailers work toward lower-carbon supply chains and recyclable packaging targets.

Sonoco’s latest report reflects how major packaging groups are increasingly combining operational efficiency with environmental reporting as part of long-term business strategy.

What other sustainability areas were included?

The report also covered water stewardship and recycling infrastructure projects across Sonoco’s operations.

The company said it invested in wastewater treatment improvements and process optimization at paper mills while continuing to support recycling operations globally. These initiatives were presented alongside broader environmental and procurement targets.

Sonoco additionally noted external recognition from USA Today and Newsweek related to climate leadership, responsibility, and corporate trust rankings.

What happens next?

Sonoco is expected to continue investing in recyclable packaging, operational efficiency, and renewable energy projects as sustainability requirements increase across global retail and FMCG supply chains.

The company’s future progress will likely focus on emissions reductions, paper packaging expansion, recycling infrastructure, and lower-impact manufacturing technologies as demand for sustainable solutions continues growing across the packaging industry and wider US packaging sector.