“We are excited to share the successful launch of our updated #10 machine. This machine was designed to be one of the largest and lowest cost producers of URB in the world — paving the way for the future of our Hartsville paper mill complex and our global position as a high quality URB provider,” said Rodger Fuller, Chief Operating Officer. “With these state-of-the-art capabilities, Sonoco is able to produce a wider range of high-value paper grades to serve our Industrial and Consumer converted products businesses and external trade customers.”

Project Horizon was initiated, in part, to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of Sonoco’s 100-year-old Hartsville Mill Complex, at which the Company produces almost one-third of its U.S. and Canadian URB. The introduction of the new operation is projected to drive $30m in annual cost savings by 2024 and will ensure the mill remains globally competitive.

This launch also marks Sonoco’s move to 100% recycled fibres in the Hartsville Mill Complex, which eliminated the manufacturing complex’s virgin pulp processing and chemical recovery operation. This conversion to 100% recycled fibre is expected to reduce electricity consumption, driving reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and total water use—advancing Sonoco’s long-term sustainability commitment.

As previously announced and planned, with the introduction of the high-capacity BM10, the less efficient BM1 and BM9 cylinder machines will be permanently shut down by the end of October 2022.

Fuller concluded, “The start-up of the PM10 is an important milestone for Sonoco to demonstrate our ability to update and improve long-standing machines to meet changing market conditions and better serve our customers. We thank the entire Sonoco team and our suppliers for their efforts to execute this successful project.”