Paris Packaging Week marked the first major European industry platform for the newly consolidated Sonoco Consumer Packaging business, following the integration of Sonoco’s metal and rigid paper packaging activities.
Exhibiting in the ADF area, the company used the event to formally introduce its unified structure, which brings together the former Eviosys portfolio with Sonoco’s rigid paper packaging operations under a single business. The combined offer spans rigid paper containers, aerosol cans, promotional packaging, food cans and vacuum closures.
Francesco Giannolo, Vice President, Commercial Sonoco Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC, described the show as a turning point for the organisation.
“Paris Packaging Week was an important milestone. It was the first opportunity to introduce our new, unified Consumer Packaging business, working across materials to support our customers’ ambitions,” he said.
“Our approach is not to about adding one substrate to another – it’s about bringing the right solution to the right application, every time. Our strategy is supported by strong design, local manufacturing, scale, technical and regulatory expertise. Our newly unified portfolio of future-proof products is designed to truly support the ambitions of all brands, in all markets. All of our rigid paper containers and metal packaging solutions are designed for circularity, high shelf-impact and performance.”
On its stand, Sonoco presented a range of aerosol and promotional packaging formats, including rigid paper solutions and metal gift sets with decorative finishes such as hot stamping. The company said these formats are particularly relevant for beauty, cosmetics, premium tea and spirits brands seeking high-impact presentation combined with circularity.
Giannolo added that the group’s value proposition extends beyond packaging formats to advisory and technical support. “We accompany brands, in every market, from the very start: from trends analysis, life cycle assessments, to in-house design, prototyping, colour matching and local production – we collaborate with brands to make a difference on the shelf, help them stay ahead of the regulation and recruit new consumers.”
In the ADF zone, Sonoco also showcased its international range of aerosol cans, including G3, a two-piece steel aerosol can manufactured in the US. The company said the format combines the structural properties of steel with the appearance typically associated with aluminium aerosol cans. It features an integrated dome and no side seams and withstands pressures of up to 15 bars.
“Our steel aerosol cans contribute to a strong circular material loop,” said Giannolo. “Steel is the most recycled packaging material in Europe – with rates of up to 80.5%, and it is also produced with up to 67% recycled content. At Sonoco we take this even further, we’re enormously proud to champion responsible, high-performance metal packaging.”
Beyond product showcases, the company emphasised its expertise in regulatory compliance and sustainable production, positioning its portfolio around paper and metal substrates aligned with emerging requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks.
“With more than 200 years of expertise in Europe, we don’t just supply containers, we partner with customers to change the packaging status quo with both pragmatism and a real culture of innovation,” Giannolo said. “We focus on PPWR compliant materials (paper and metal) and we lead the packaging transition with circular light weight innovations. Our 51 production facilities in EMEA meanwhile, enable brands to minimise transport distances, decrease their carbon footprint and enhance supply chain agility. We have a deep understanding of regional requirements and with more than 250 plants globally, Sonoco can support customers everywhere they wish to grow, at global, and at a local level, better than ever before.”
Sonoco confirmed it will next exhibit at interpack in May, where it plans to present further paper and metal packaging developments designed for recycling and consumer engagement.
