Sonoco has announced the integration of its metal and rigid paper packaging businesses in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific under a single unit: Sonoco Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC. This reorganization allows the company to offer a broader portfolio, a more agile structure, and a more consistent customer experience, consolidating its position as the only global supplier that produces both types of packaging, durable and sustainable, within the same organization, anticipating the future needs of brands.
The new structure will leverage Sonoco’s full expertise in solutions for consumer products: metal packaging (cans and ends, closures, aerosols, promotional packaging) and rigid paper packaging. With a unified approach, the company will be able to serve international and regional brands, better understanding their needs and recommending the most suitable solutions without bias towards any material. The integration of capabilities will strengthen efficiency, service quality, and comprehensive support, facilitating the launch of sustainable and high-performance packaging.
Howard Coker, President and CEO of Sonoco, has stated that “by combining two complementary areas, we can offer innovative, sustainable solutions aligned with the evolving expectations of consumer brands. Guided by our motto Better Packaging. Better Life., we reaffirm our commitment to customers, communities, and the planet.”
Seàn Cairns has been appointed President of Sonoco Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC. With more than 30 years of experience in the metal and paper packaging sector, including 17 at Sonoco, Seàn has held leadership positions such as President of Rigid Paper Containers since 2022 and Vice President and General Manager for Europe, driving growth and leading innovations such as 100% paper packaging and paper end technology. He began his career at Crown Metal Packaging EMEA (later Eviosys), moving from factory management to commercial management.
Seàn Cairns has stated that it is“an honor to assume this position at a key moment for Sonoco. The merger of our metal and paper packaging businesses will allow us to serve customers faster, with a broader portfolio and innovative solutions geared towards the future. As the only global manufacturer that offers both types of packaging, we are ideally positioned to recommend the most suitable solution for each product and market, driving the success of our customers.”
This combined unit brings together two of the most recognized names in sustainability and environmental performance in the industry.
Sustainability
Sonoco has received the EcoVadis Platinum distinction, with an environmental score of 100/100 in its metal packaging operations, and has been awarded prizes such as Sustainable Packaging Business of the Year and Sustainable Brand of the Year for its rigid paper packaging. This reorganization will allow brands to access responsible and efficient solutions, selecting the most appropriate material for each
