We live in a world where consumers increasingly demand sustainable solutions – and the packaging industry must adapt its methods to meet these expectations.
Forecasters predict that Millennials and Gen Z will surpass Boomers in purchasing power by 2030 - and this rising generation is 27% more likely to purchase from that brand than older generations. This reality shows that investing in sustainable packaging now is no longer just a "nice-to-have" – it's a necessity for brands that want to stay relevant. Sonoco's EnviroCan™ Paper Bottom container is a shining example of how circular packaging can not only satisfy consumers' environmental concerns but also drive significant business value.
Sonoco's EnviroCan™ Paper Bottom: A Recyclable Packaging Pioneer
Introducing Sonoco’s new EnviroCan™ with a Paper Bottom, now available in Europe and North America. A +90% paper can, developed as a more recyclable package that provides extended product shelf life, utilizes renewable raw materials and is comprised of high levels of recycled fiber content. The can body of the rigid paper container comprises 100% recycled paperboard, of which 85-90% is sourced from post-consumer recycled content that can carry fiber certification. The EnviroCan™ with a Paper Bottom successfully passed the Repulpability and the Recyclability tests at Western Michigan University, yielding more than 85% recovered fiber and proving that it did not negatively affect resulting product performance. The robust structure of the rigid paper container allows for use of recycled materials while also maintaining product freshness and protection through distribution and is ultimately recyclable.
Sonoco EnviroCan™ Paper Bottom at a Glance
- A more recyclable package that provides an extended product shelf life
- Utilizes renewable raw materials
- Comprised of 100% recycled paperboard, of which 85-90% is sourced from post-consumer recycled content
- Operates on current assets in the production process
The Circular Journey of Sonoco's EnviroCan™
To truly appreciate the EnviroCan™'s sustainability impact, let's examine its circular journey from sourcing to end-of-life.
Sourcing
The beginning of a product's journey begins well before manufacturing. The EnviroCan™ Paper Bottom lifecycle begins with a commitment to renewable and recycled materials, minimizing the demand for virgin resources and reducing the packaging's environmental footprint from the start.
Manufacturing
Designed to integrate seamlessly into existing production lines, the EnviroCan™ enables brands to adopt sustainable packaging without significant changes to their manufacturing processes, making the transition to circularity more accessible and cost-effective.
Consumer Use
The EnviroCan™ extends product shelf life, keeping contents fresher for longer and reducing food waste. This feature enhances consumer satisfaction while promoting more sustainable consumption patterns – and offers potential waste reduction benefits for retailers and distributors.
End-of-Life
Designed for recyclability, the EnviroCan™ Paper Bottom empowers consumers to actively participate in the circular economy by ensuring the packaging materials can be easily repurposed into new paper products.
"Closing the Loop"
The EnviroCan™ Paper Bottom is designed with recyclability in mind, ensuring that the packaging materials can be easily recycled and repurposed into new paper products. Consumers can simply empty the can and place the paper can and lid into the recycling bin. The recycled materials are then collected, sorted, and processed at paper mills, where they are transformed into new paperboard used to create new EnviroCans™.
This cyclical process reduces the demand for virgin materials and minimizes waste. By actively participating in the recycling process, consumers play a crucial role in supporting the circular economy.
As more consumers prioritize recyclability in their purchasing decisions, packaging solutions like the EnviroCan™ Paper Bottom will become increasingly important for brands looking to meet the growing demand for sustainable options.
A Focus on Recognition and Trust-Building
Sonoco's dedication to sustainable packaging innovation has earned the EnviroCan™ Paper Bottom the prestigious "Best in Class for Sustainable Package Design – Package Circularity" award at the 2024 PAC Global Awards.
This recognition not only validates the EnviroCan™ Paper Bottom circular design solution, but also builds trust with consumers. Studies show that when customers rate a brand highly on transparency about its sustainability efforts, they are 30% more likely to spend more money on that brand’s products.
By openly communicating its commitment to circularity, Sonoco is positioning itself as a trusted leader in the sustainable packaging space – a strategy that can pay off significantly, as highly trusted companies have been shown to outperform others by up to 400% in terms of market value according to the Harvard Business Review.
Learn more about Sonoco's sustainability efforts and how they are leading the way in sustainable packaging with EnviroCan™ Paper Bottom technology.
