FRANCE – Sonoco, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has recently announced its membership with Ligépack, a prominent French association.

This strategic alliance aims to reinforce Sonoco’s presence in the French market while aligning with its commitment to sustainability.

By officially joining Ligépack by the end of 2023, Sonoco seeks to leverage its expertise in converting and designing recyclable packaging solutions without compromising product freshness.

The company plans to collaborate closely with other Ligépack members to advance the sustainability of food packaging and to increase recycling rates across Europe.

Sonoco is already an active participant in other European environmental organizations, including the European Organization for Packaging and the Environment (EUROPEN) since August 2022, and the Industry Council for Packaging & the Environment (INCPEN) since May 2021.

Philippe Creux, Sales Director of Sonoco Consumer Europe in France, expressed enthusiasm about the membership, stating, “Our team is thrilled to be part of Ligépack.

“We have already assisted numerous food brands in transitioning to our recyclable, paper-based solutions, enabling them to enhance recyclability, bolster their brand image, and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.”

Established in 2011, Ligépack boasts over 80 members and 30 partners, collaborating with packaging companies to enhance expertise, improve solution quality and safety, and minimize environmental impact.

The association offers various services including consulting, design support, auditing, testing, research, as well as training and guidance on packaging requirements and regulations.

Sylvie Moison, Director General of Ligépack, welcomed Sonoco’s membership, emphasizing its contribution to Ligépack’s mission of enhancing the quality and security of food packaging while reducing its environmental footprint.

Earlier this year, Sonoco Products announced the permanent closure of its uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) mill in Sumner, Washington, effective immediately.

The decision, though difficult, reflects Sonoco’s commitment to strategic evaluation of its manufacturing footprint to better serve customers.

Palace Stepps, Vice President of North America Paper Products and Fiber Supply at Sonoco acknowledged the significance of the Sumner mill’s contribution over the years and expressed gratitude for the dedication of the mill’s team.

The closure, affecting 55 employees, will see current customers served from other mill operations, as Sonoco remains steadfast in providing support during this transition period.

Sonoco, one of North America’s largest consumers of recovered fiber, continues to prioritize sustainable practices.

Prior to the Sumner closure, the company operated 10 URB mills across the U.S. and Canada, reaffirming its commitment to responsible resource management and operational excellence.

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