Versatile packaging solutions provider, Sonoco proclaimed that it has secured a Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certification for its fiber sourcing practices at its plant in Hartsville, South Carolina.
The fiber sourcing certification is issued to a company that follows a proper tracking system to record the movement and possession of wood fiber from its source to end applications. This certification verifies Sonoco’s green practices in fiber sourcing and its total involvement towards sustainable environment.
The latest certification also compliments the company’s chain-of-custody certifications awarded in 2008 at its five recycled rigid paper container facilities and 11 North American uncoated recycled paperboard plants. These facilities secured certifications to the Program for the Endorsement of Fiber Certification (PEFC) and to the SFI standard. Moreover, the Rainforest Alliance SmartWood Program issued Forest Stewardship Council certification to the company.
To get the certification, companies must meet stringent standards, which need systematic management reviews, internal audits and yearly audits by an authorized organization.
The Senior Vice President of Primary Materials Group at Sonoco, Jim Bowen commented that the new certification demonstrates the company’s commitment towards green environment.