2024 Sonoco ESG Report: 26.3% CO₂ emissions reduction
Driving tangible progress towards Net Zero
Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA has published its 2024 Sonoco ESG Report, highlighting a year of accelerated progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding renewable energy use, and earning top-tier sustainability recognition. These achievements reinforce our ongoing commitment to reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050.
6.90 tCO₂e per Million Normalised Cans in 2024
Since setting our climate baseline in 2020, we have consistently outperformed our Scope 1 and Scope 2 CO₂ reduction targets.
The original emissions trajectory set in 2020 projected a consistent improvement, but our actions have delivered faster, deeper reductions than planned. In 2024, we achieved a 26.3% reduction compared to 2020, reaching 6.90 tonnes of CO₂e per million normalised cans — well ahead of schedule.
Through targeted energy efficiency projects, process optimisation, and a transition to cleaner energy, we are not only meeting expectations — we are setting a new standard for climate responsibility in metal packaging.
Ahead of targets
The original emissions trajectory set in 2020 projected a consistent improvement, but our actions have delivered faster, deeper reductions than planned. In 2024, Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA achieved a 26.3% reduction compared to 2020. This substantial progress reflects our ongoing investment in cleaner technologies, process improvements, and responsible energy use across our EMEA operations.
Recognised excellence: EcoVadis Platinum with 100/100 in environment for the second consecutive year
Earned EcoVadis Platinum rating in 2024 for the second consecutive year.
Scored a perfect 100/100 in the Environment category, ranking us in the top 1% globally out of more than 159,000 rated companies.
This recognition reaffirms our leadership in sustainable manufacturing and responsible business practices.
Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA is a trusted sustainability partner
The UN Global Compact program is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.
And Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA is a signatory of the UN Global Compact.
Drastically reducing energy and emissions in 2024
2024 was a breakthrough year for renewable energy at Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA:
-Solar installations at Murcia (Phase II), Mérida, and Aprilia delivered a combined 3,000 tonnes of CO₂e savings annually.
-A new project in Goleniow (Poland), launching in 2025, is set to eliminate 464 tonnes of CO₂e per year, supplying 5% of the plant’s electricity.
-We sourced 28 GWh of green electricity via certificates from suppliers.
-80% of all lighted sites are now equipped with LED lighting, offering up to 100 tonnes CO₂e savings per site/year.
These steps significantly reduce our Scope 2 emissions while making our energy supply more resilient and sustainable.
We took active steps to reduce emissions and energy use across our plants:
-Installed five regenerative thermal oxidisers (RTOs) in France, Spain, and Hungary. Each unit eliminates up to 100% of solvent emissions and saves up to 600 tonnes of CO₂e annually.
-Electrified our internal logistics fleet, switching to electric forklifts and AGVs — saving up to 10 tonnes of CO₂e per vehicle per year.
-Deployed new-generation chillers and smart compressors, reducing emissions by 15 and 45 tonnes CO₂e per unit, respectively.
-Installed a white reflective roof at our facility in Greece, reducing indoor temperatures by up to 5°C and cutting cooling energy demand during heatwaves.
-Broader adiabatic cooling systems and thermal insulation upgrades were implemented in Southern Europe and North Africa.
These improvements enhanced operational efficiency and resilience while accelerating Scope 1 emissions reductions.
Circularity is a pillar of our sustainability strategy:
-97.1% of total waste recycled in 2024.
-100% of metal process scrap was reused or recycled.
-Hazardous waste: 49.8% recycled; the rest used as industrial fuel.
-Product innovations included:
Ecopeel™ – Lightweight, easy-to-empty design with 20% lower CO₂.
Horizon™ – Fully recyclable metal overcap, 30% lower CO₂ than plastic closures.
These efforts demonstrate that circular design and emissions reductions go hand in hand.
Scope 3 emissions — mainly from raw material sourcing — make up 91% of our GHG footprint:
We strengthened partnerships with steel and aluminium suppliers actively transitioning to low-carbon production, including:
-Hydrogen-powered furnaces
-Electric arc technology
-Carbon capture solutions
All steel suppliers are aligned with the ResponsibleSteel initiative.
We maintained strict third-party certification for sourcing and did not apply offset certificates to ensure transparency.
Continued reduction in material intensity through gauge optimisation and eco-designed packaging.
We remain committed to our 30% Scope 3 emissions reduction target by 2030.
2024 Sonoco ESG Report also highlights that inclusivity is at the heart of our operations
At Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA, diversity and inclusion are not limited to our human resources policies — they extend to the very products we design. We believe that truly inclusive companies consider the needs of all people, not only within their teams but also among their end users. We design ergonomic packaging that prioritises ease of use for all, ensuring comfort, accessibility, and functionality in every detail.
Orbit™
Orbit™ was developed to make opening jars easier for elderly consumers, individuals with reduced mobility, or anyone who may struggle with grip strength - ensuring everyday packaging is accessible to all.
Ecopeel™
Ecopeel™ is not only lightweight and lower in CO₂ emissions (-20% versus a standard 3-piece can), it is also easier for consumers to use thanks to its smooth design, which is a first for a 3-piece can. It can be easily emptied without the need for a fork, knife, or spoon for anyone.
Looking Ahead
Our achievements in 2024 are a strong indicator that our strategy is delivering real-world results. Every step we take — from solar energy to smarter packaging — moves us closer to our goal of Net Zero by 2050, while helping our customers and communities thrive in a lower-carbon world.
Importance of employee health, safety and wellbeing
At Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA, safety is a core operational priority – embedded into every task, at every site, without exception. We apply the Safety First approach systematically across all our activities to protect our people, prevent incidents, and continuously improve working conditions.
We monitor and record all incidents, near misses, and unsafe situations, using this data to identify risks and implement corrective actions. Our safety performance is measured through the Total Recordable Rate (TRR) – currently 0.9 (per 200,000 hours worked) across 45 sites as of 2024. This includes injuries, medical treatment cases, and restricted work. We also track leading indicators such as participation in safety circles, hazard recognition, and best practice sharing to ensure that safety is addressed proactively.
Discover our ESG report 2024
Discover how Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA (formerly Eviosys) is driving sustainable change in our latest ESG Report.
