Global packaging company Sonoco has announced the consolidation of its metal packaging and rigid paper container operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific into a single business division, Sonoco Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC.
The move is intended to streamline operations and offer consumer-goods companies a single point of access to Sonoco’s full range of packaging formats, including food cans, ends, closures, aerosol containers, promotional packs and paper-based solutions.
The company said the integration would allow more efficient service, consistent support for international brands and a broader, material-neutral approach to packaging design.
Sonoco president and chief executive Howard Coker said combining the two operations “strengthens our ability to deliver responsible and innovative packaging that meets the changing needs of FMCG brands”.
As part of the restructuring, Seán Cairns has been appointed president of Sonoco Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC.
Cairns, who has worked for Sonoco for 17 years in leadership roles across its rigid paper container business, said the unified division “creates a stronger platform to support customers with greater agility and innovation”.
The combined business employs around 8,250 people across 65 sites in 20 countries, providing regional production for global customers.
Sonoco said the reorganisation aligns its consumer-packaging activities under one structure focused on circular design, recyclability and ongoing investment in technology and innovation.
Sonoco unifies metal and paper packaging operations across EMEA and Asia-Pacific
