HARTSVILLE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sonoco (NYSE: SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, today announced it has received fiber sourcing certification to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) standard for its #10 corrugating medium machine in Hartsville, S.C.
Fiber sourcing certification indicates a company maintains a formal tracking system to record the possession and transfer of wood fiber from its origin to its end use, including the manufacturing, production and processing stages. The certification validates Sonoco's sustainable fiber sourcing practices and its overall commitment to environmental stewardship. It also complements the chain-of-custody certifications Sonoco achieved in 2008 at its 11 North American uncoated recycled paperboard mills and five recycled rigid paper container plants. These plants and mills received certifications to the SFI standard and to the Program for the Endorsement of Fiber Certification (PEFC). In addition, Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC® C011144) certification (SW-COC-003307) was issued by the Rainforest Alliance SmartWood Program.
"We have a long history of sustainability and this latest certification is just another example of how we are continuing each day to strengthen our environmental commitment," said Jim Bowen, senior vice president of Sonoco’s Primary Materials Group.
"Consumers are more interested than ever in knowing the products they’re purchasing are contributing to a sustainable future. The certification of our #10 machine provides assurances to consumers and to our customers that we're doing things the right way by effectively implementing the highest environmental standards possible in our business and operating practices."
Specific standards must be met by companies seeking certification. These standards require regular internal audits, management reviews and annual audits conducted by an independent organization. The standards also require that specific procedures be implemented so the flow of fiber through the manufacturing process is properly tracked and recorded.
About SFI
SFI Inc. is an independent 501c(3) non-profit charitable organization, and is solely responsible for maintaining, overseeing and improving the internationally recognized Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program (www.sfiprogram.org). Across North America, more than 180 million acres/73 million hectares are certified to the SFI forest management standard, making it the largest single standard in the world. SFI chain-of-custody certification tells buyers how much certified, responsibly sourced and/or recycled content is in a product. The SFI program’s unique fiber sourcing requirements promote responsible forest management on all suppliers’ lands. SFI Inc. is governed by a three-chamber board of directors representing environmental, social and economic sectors equally.
About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a $4.1 billion global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with more than 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in some 85 nations. Sonoco is a proud member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information on the Company, visit our Web site at http://www.sonoco.com/.