Sonoco Recycling

A world leader in recycling, Sonoco Recycling collects more than 3.5 million tons of paper, plastic, metal and other materials annually. A unit of Sonoco, a multi-billion dollar global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products, and supply chain services, our recycling roots date back to the 1920s. Today, we operate more than 40 recycling facilities globally and help more than 15,000 retailers, manufacturers and communities save money, save resources and create clean, renewable energy.

Whether you’re trying to divert more waste from landfills, shrink your environmental footprint or create new revenue streams, we can help. Our teams work to understand your specific needs and goals, tailoring solutions that add real and lasting value to your business and community.

Sonoco Recycling is a proud member of the Sonoco Family, a global provider of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging and packaging supply chain services.

With a knowledge base informed by more than a century of experience as a global packaging leader and innovative recycler, Sonoco Recycling is uniquely qualified to find alternative recycling solutions for waste that was previously thought to be unrecyclable.

History

Sonoco Recycling was born out of Sonoco’s growing need for the recycled materials used to make packaging. By digging deep to find the solution inside ourselves, we discovered the power of innovation – and created a new business.

As a unit of Sonoco, a 114-year-old packaging company with small town roots, we understand that the recycling solutions we provide are about more than saving paper, plastic, and metal from the landfill, they’re about transforming challenges into opportunities that create more sustainable communities, businesses and world.

Each year, Sonoco Recycling contributes to shrinking Sonoco’s overall environmental footprint by managing the equivalent, by weight, of 65% of Sonoco’s outputs.

Today, we collect more than 3.5 million tons of recyclables in more than 125 cities and towns across the U.S. each year and help 15,000+ retailers, manufacturers and communities save money, save resources and create clean, renewable energy.

A legacy of opportunity

Sonoco Recycling was born out of Sonoco’s growing need for the fiber used to make packaging – and grew quickly to help other companies and communities transform waste into opportunity.

Knowledge that powers innovation

We always begin with a holistic review of your company's or community’s existing waste management practices to ensure we design solutions based on where you are – and where you’d like to go. See our process.

Doing good for the greater good

Though we’re global in reach, we’ll always have small-town roots. We know that good neighbors make great communities, so we make it our business to do good wherever we are in the world. See our community impact.

Our Process

We think of our process as a partnership with our customers – an ongoing dialogue to drive long-lasting value. Though no two customers are the same, we've learned that every prosperous partnership follows a similar path to success.

Learning & Discovering

We begin with a thorough assessment of your existing raw materials and processes to gather data and gain understanding.

Setting Goals

Together, we'll discuss your goals – everything from corporate sustainability and landfill free initiatives to new revenue streams.

Defining Opportunities

Armed with the insight gained in your assessment, we’ll help identify opportunities – from streamlining processes to transforming used materials into new revenue streams.

Crafting Custom Solutions

With your specific needs and goals as a guide, we custom build recycling solutions that drive efficiencies and sustainability and create enduring value.

Supporting and Measuring Success

With reports to help you track savings and responsive, friendly customer service changing needs, we help ensure long-term success and sustainability. We even recognize outstanding achievements with our Sustainability Star Awards.

Services

Recycling does more than reduce landfills and save resources, it boosts bottom lines, fuels economies, and creates jobs, investment opportunities, and new sustainable markets.

We’ve taken more than a century of experience as a global packaging leader and recycler and put it to work to consistently find alternative recycling solutions for waste previously thought to be “unrecyclable.” Today, we provide insight-driven recycling solutions across an array of industries that do more than drive business; they ensure a better future for all.

Paper Mills

As one of the largest North American recyclers, Sonoco Recycling collects more than 3 million tons of paper annually worldwide - roughly 2.5 million tons in the US alone.We understand the unique needs of paper mills, because we operate our own – more than 20 across the world.

In addition, we use our own recycled fiber, gathered from more than 20 company-owned paper recovery facilities . We know that when it comes to fiber, you want a recycling partner that provides:

• High-quality, responsibly sourced material.
• A reliable, consistent supply to a rapidly expanding market.
• Responsive, nationwide service.
• Assessments of your current recycling practices and processes.
• Custom-built recycling programs and services that save resources and create opportunities.

Industrial & Manufacturing

As an industrial or manufacturing company, you’re constantly challenged to balance complex business needs with regulatory requirements.Our century of experience as a global packaging leader and recycling solutions provider means we’re adept at designing and implementing programs that maximize your company’s resources, minimize your environmental footprint and create long-term value.

As a trusted, one-stop-shop recycling partner, we’ll create programs that:

• Assess existing raw materials and processes for efficiency opportunities and renewable energy programs.
• Responsibly manage material removal.
• Safeguard security with secure destruction of branded and data materials.
• Convert used materials into new products and revenue streams.
• Track profits and savings with instantly-updated web based reports.
• Achieve sustainability goals through holistic planning and solutions.

Single Steam Recycling Unacceptable List

• Styrofoam

• Cellophane and Shrink Wrap

• Metal Binder Clips

• Self Carbonized Paper

• Typewriter Ribbons

• Bubble Wrap and Peanut Packaging

• Sticky Tape

• Adhesive Labels

• Kleenex Tissue

• Paper Towels

• Drink Cups

• Food Scraps and Wrappers

• Plastic Grocery Bags

• Hard Bound Books (glue in binding)

• Boil-in-Bag Pouches

• Trash Bags

• Bread Bags

• Phone Books (glue in binding)

• SOLO Cups

• Styrofoam egg cartons