Sonoco, one of the world’s largest diversified packaging companies, showcased its newly expanded produce packaging capabilities at the October 19-20 Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Convention & Expo in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Following the Hartsville, South Carolina, USA-headquartered company’s recent acquisitions of Peninsula Packaging and Clear Lam, Sonoco now offers a broader array of packaging solutions especially tailored to the needs of the produce market.
“The perimeter of the store continues to experience solid growth as consumers are drawn to more natural options, with produce being a significant driver,” said Rob Tiede, Sonoco’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. “This growth is accelerating the need for brands to offer more convenient, on-the-go options that are easy to store, consume and dispose. Shoppers are also looking for ways to reduce food waste, so packaging has a big role to play in portion control and maintaining freshness.”
The company’s expanded product line includes options ranging from flexible pouches and peel-reseal lidding, to rigid plastic trays, tubs and hinged containers. These formats are ideal for pre-cut produce, prepared salads and snack-packs, as well as whole fruits and vegetables.
At the show in New Orleans Sonoco focused on its new SmartSeal peel-and-reseal lidded packaging technology, which boasts a patented precision-scored, easy-open and reclose feature and offers tamper evidence and high-impact graphics. When coupled with the company’s thermoformed PET containers, the easy-open and reseal functionality addresses the needs of consumers interested in reducing food waste and looking for more convenient product options.
“The addition of Peninsula and Clear Lam to the Sonoco family greatly expands what we can bring to produce brands,” stated Tiede. “Our material science expertise and packaging variety, combined with our focus on innovation, goes a long way toward helping us develop new packaging options for our customers that address the demands of today’s busy, health-conscious consumers.”
About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a global provider of a variety of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and displays and packaging supply chain services. With annualized net sales of approximately $4.8 billion, the company has 20,000 employees working in more than 300 operations in 33 countries, serving customers in some 85 nations.
