Sonoco’s 2024 Sustainability Report Highlights Carbon Reduction and Packaging Innovation

Packaging leader Sonoco has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, outlining measurable progress in decarbonizing operations, improving packaging circularity, and enhancing environmental performance across its supply chain. The report details efforts to lower Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, minimize material use, and invest in energy-efficient logistics, reflecting the company’s ongoing shift toward sustainable packaging and transportation practices.

Headquartered in South Carolina, Sonoco is a major global provider of consumer and industrial packaging products. Its 2024 report signals strong momentum in meeting climate and sustainability goals, with several strategic actions taken across carbon reduction, sustainable materials, and transport innovation.

A key focus is emissions reduction. The company reported progress toward science-based targets by cutting greenhouse gas emissions across three scopes:

• Scope 1 and 2 emissions, linked to company-owned facilities and purchased energy, have been lowered through efficiency upgrades and transitions to renewable energy.

• Scope 3 emissions, which include supply chain and logistics impacts, were addressed by engaging vendors and optimizing distribution networks.

Sonoco has also prioritized material efficiency and circular design. One notable achievement was the reduction in metal usage across its packaging lines. Lighter-weight packaging not only reduces raw material consumption but also lowers carbon emissions during transport due to reduced freight weight.

The company has deepened its commitment to recyclable and compostable materials. Packaging formats are being redesigned to eliminate multilayer or composite materials that are harder to recycle. In collaboration with recycling industry stakeholders, Sonoco is developing more mono-material packaging solutions and increasing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in its products.

On the logistics front, Sonoco is advancing the decarbonization of its fleet. The company has begun the rollout of electric vehicles (EVs) for short-haul transportation and has introduced route optimization software to reduce fuel consumption. In addition, it is expanding partnerships with rail and intermodal freight providers to shift from road to lower-emission transport modes where feasible.

The report outlines improvements in water efficiency and waste reduction as well. Several manufacturing sites have achieved zero waste-to-landfill status, while water reuse and rainwater harvesting projects have been piloted at high-consumption facilities.

Sonoco’s sustainability framework is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly goals related to responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13). The company is a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, which promotes the elimination of problematic plastics and the transition to a circular economy.

Transparency and data assurance have been enhanced in the 2024 report. The company has adopted third-party verification of key environmental metrics and is increasing the granularity of disclosures to satisfy investor ESG frameworks. This includes climate risk scenario analysis and the alignment of disclosures with frameworks like the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

Sonoco is also investing in innovation to future-proof its packaging portfolio. R&D centers are exploring alternative materials, biodegradable coatings, and barrier technologies that enable recyclability without compromising shelf life or product safety. Several pilot programs are underway with brand partners in the food, personal care, and e-commerce sectors.

Social impact and governance were also highlighted in the report. Sonoco has set diversity and inclusion targets and launched community development initiatives, particularly in education and workforce training near its production sites. Ethical sourcing policies and responsible procurement standards are being expanded across its global supplier base.

However, the report notes ongoing challenges. Achieving absolute reductions in Scope 3 emissions remains complex due to dependence on external suppliers and customer demand patterns. Further, global variability in recycling infrastructure presents barriers to closed-loop packaging at scale. Despite this, Sonoco reaffirmed its long-term commitment to driving sustainability through innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

By publishing this detailed 2024 sustainability roadmap, Sonoco reinforces its position as a leader in sustainable packaging. The company’s integrated approach—combining emissions reduction, packaging redesign, supply chain engagement, and stakeholder transparency—offers a blueprint for other manufacturers navigating the sustainability transition.

Conclusion

Sonoco’s 2024 Sustainability Report underscores the role of the packaging sector in addressing climate change and circular economy goals. Through actionable targets, material innovation, and a science-based approach to decarbonization, the company is making measurable strides. As environmental and regulatory pressures intensify, such proactive disclosures and performance-based strategies will define the industry’s path to a more sustainable future.

Source:ESG DIVE