Sonoco has announced that it is bringing together its metal packaging and rigid paper container businesses across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific into one unified Sonoco Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC division. This evolution strengthens Sonoco’s ability to support FMCG brands with a broader portfolio, faster access to solutions and a more seamless customer experience across markets.
The unified business will offer one point of access to Sonoco’s full consumer packaging expertise, covering metal (food cans and ends, closures, aerosol cans, promotional packaging) and paper-based solutions. This approach enables more consistent support for regional and global brands, a deeper understanding of customer needs across categories, and fit-for-purpose guidance without material bias. By aligning capabilities, Sonoco will provide enhanced service, greater efficiency and a more holistic approach to helping customers bring responsible and high-performing packaging to market.
Howard Coker, President and CEO, Sonoco, commented, “Bringing our consumer packaging capabilities together marks an important step forward in how we serve our customers. By uniting two high-performing packaging platforms, we are strengthening our ability to deliver relevant, responsible and innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of FMCG brands. Guided by our purpose of ‘Better Packaging. Better Life.’, this evolution reinforces our commitment to customers, communities and the planet.”
As part of this evolution, Seàn Cairns has been appointed President of Sonoco Consumer Packaging EMEA/APAC. Cairns brings more than 30 years of experience in metal and paper packaging, including 17 years at Sonoco.
The unified business brings together approximately 8,250 employees across 65 plants in 20 countries throughout EMEA and APAC, ensuring production close to customers wherever they operate. Sonoco Consumer Packaging remains focused on circular design, recyclability and supporting customers in navigating regulatory evolution, while continuing to invest in technology and innovation to deliver future-ready packaging solutions.
