Cascades Sonoco adds compostable packaging production

Cascades Sonoco, a joint venture of Cascades Inc. and Sonoco Products Co., today inaugurated the expansion of its facility in Birmingham, Ala. and its new production line of eco-friendly and compostable packaging.

The investment of US$17 million enables the facility to now produce a water-based functional coating solution to create recyclable, repulpable and compostable containers.

Cascades Sonoco said the new world-class equipment allows for the production of 55,000 tons per year of coated paper and paperboard using the company’s FlexShield, FluteSHIELD and SurfSHIELD water-based coating technology. These water-based functional and barrier coatings are designed to replace the non-compostable applications traditionally used in the design of folding carton take-out containers. The coatings can also replace the wax used in the corrugated industry.

The new production line adds to the diversity of the products offered by the Cascades Sonoco facility in Birmingham, which has a core business of manufacturing roll headers and roll wraps for the pulp and paper industry. The plant employs about 75 workers and the new machine will create 20 long-term jobs. The expansion of the Birmingham facility and the installation of the new production line took place in 2018.

“Located in a strategically important region of the United States with the highest demographic growth and close to boxboard and containerboard manufacturing plants, this Cascades Sonoco investment in water-based coating solutions allows us to offer a greener alternative to our customers so that they, in turn, can meet the needs of the most discerning consumers when it comes to the environment,” said Mario Plourde, president and CEO of Cascades. “Because they are recyclable, repulpable and compostable, this packaging can help the food service industry to significantly reduce its ecological footprint.”

Rob Tiede, president and CEO of Sonoco, said the technology is the result of listening to customers, consumers and the marketplace, then working to create something that solves a problem and fills a need.

“It also fits extremely well with our focus on finding sustainable packaging solutions which are in such great demand today, and it perfectly aligns with our purpose as a company – better packaging, better life,” Tiede said.

Founded in 1964, Cascades offers sustainable, innovative and value-added solutions for packaging, hygiene and recovery needs.

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.