Company News - Sonoco Europe

Laboratorios Best Medical adopts collagen packaging with Sonoco’s GreenCan® solution for its Colagen Plus product line
Laboratorios Best Medical adopts collagen packaging with Sonoco’s GreenCan® solution for its Colagen Plus product line
Sonoco Balsareny, Spain – Laboratorios Best Medical, a pioneer in collagen-based health and wellness supplements in the Iberian market, has partnered with Sonoco to transition its flagship Colagen Plus product line into Sonoco’s GreenCan® packaging solution. The move highlights the company’s commitment to the continued rise in demand for collagen, which is commonly used as a lifestyle and wellness supplement.

Founded in Spain over three decades ago, Laboratorios Best Medical has built a strong reputation for developing innovative, nutritional supplements which focus on supporting longevity, joint health and holistic wellbeing. Laboratorios Best Medical was one of the first companies to bring collagen-based powders to the Iberian market and today serves both Spain and Portugal with a diverse portfolio of specialist supplements tailored to its customers’ demographics and needs. This June, Laboratorios Best Medical celebrated 10 years of its flagship Colagen Plus range, marking a decade of dedication to science-backed wellness solutions.

The global collagen market continues to surge, with a category value of US$6 billion in 2024 and projected growth to more than US$8 billion by 2029. Collagen is now a firmly established supplement in many people’s daily wellness routines, not only for beauty-from-within benefits, but for functional health support. According to research firm Mintel, in the UK, 34% of beauty supplement users look for collagen in their products, while in the US, 33% of women aged 35–54 do the same. Popular delivery formats include powders (19%), gummies (18%), liquids (14%) and capsules (13%) (Beyond the hype: rethinking collagen innovation, Mintel, 2025).

Post-pandemic interest in longevity, immunity, and preventative self-care has also driven demand across Iberia. María Martín, CMO at Laboratorios Best Medical, says: “Collagen was not a passing fad; it is here to stay. We were pioneers in its development more than a decade ago, and our transition to Sonoco’s packaging was a step forward in our long-term commitment to both people and planet.”

Martín adds: “We have been looking for a more tailored solution for some time for part of our flagship line, ColagenPlus, which had been presented in PET containers to date. After evaluating several options, Sonoco’s packaging stood out; it was the only one that met all our criteria for functionality and quality.”

Laboratorios Best Medical’s Colagen Plus range includes 12 formulations, with five of them now available in Sonoco’s GreenCan® solution with a metal end. These include:

Flexiplus: For joints, bones and muscles

Woman: Focused on the different stages of a woman’s life

Sport: For the performance and recovery of an athlete

Rejuvenage: An antioxidant nutricosmetic for skin, hair and nails

Daily: For general daily maintenance

Laboratorios Best Medical says the working relationship with Sonoco has been, and continues to be, “excellent”. The company highlighted smooth communication, mutual understanding and a collaborative mindset as key to the project’s success.

“From the very beginning, Sonoco understood our needs and was involved in the project with total commitment. The team brought a proactive, decisive attitude that made all the difference,” comments Martín.

Laboratorios Best Medical’s commitment to sustainability is embedded in its brand identity. Martín comments: “Evolution towards sustainability is in our DNA. Our products are based on natural resources, so we have a responsibility to protect them. This packaging change not only improves our brand’s carbon footprint compared to the traditional collagen pack format, but it does so without compromising the quality or safety of the product in any way.”

The company is currently developing new formulations targeting anti-ageing, women’s health, pain management and mental wellbeing, while continuing to explore packaging innovations through Sonoco’s broader rigid paper packaging portfolio.

Laboratorios Best Medical has also just obtained the IFS ESG Certification, having recently passed its audit with strong results. This marks a critical step in the brand’s broader sustainable management strategy, which emphasises transparency and good governance, alongside environmental performance. The IFS ESG standard is a comprehensive framework that covers all aspects of sustainable development, including environmental, social and governance issues. It is designed to help companies improve their environmental performance, promote social responsibility and ensure compliance with ethical standards.

David Vilanova, Iberia Sales Manager at Sonoco comments: “Our collaboration with Laboratorios Best Medical reflects how we tailor our packaging solutions to meet the unique needs of each brand. As the collagen supplement category continues to expand across Iberia, it’s important for Sonoco to have a presence in this space – offering formats that combine performance, shelf appeal, and adaptability. Supporting businesses like Laboratorios Best Medical reinforces our commitment to delivering fit-for-purpose packaging that evolves with both market demands and consumer expectations.”

Read the success story here.
“Our products are based on natural resources, so we have a responsibility to protect them. This packaging change not only improves our brand’s carbon footprint compared to the traditional collagen pack format, but it does so without compromising the quality or safety of the product in any way.”

María Martín, CMO at Laboratorios Best Medical

About Laboratorios Best Medical
Located in Southern Europe, Laboratorios Best Medical stands as a premier Spanish institution dedicated to the research, development, and manufacturing of food supplements, functional foods, and self-care products that promote human health and wellness. The company began as the dream of a family from Seville, who, through their herbalist line, had already built strong experience in distribution and retail. Driven by a desire to make a difference, they created their own brand, specialising in natural solutions for health, well-being, and beauty. From the very beginning, their goal was to oversee every stage of the process—from manufacturing to selling — to ensure the highest quality standards. Today, Laboratorios Best Medical is recognised as a pioneer in Spain for its innovation and leadership in developing natural products designed to support healthier, more balanced lifestyles.

Committed to safety, health and environment, our main goal is to achieve our clients’ satisfaction. To achieve this aim, our company focuses exclusively on the client and offers a TOTAL QUALITY service. Visit laboratoriosbestmedical.com/
Ghulam MOEEN UD DIN

September 23, 2025

European Investments in sustainability, GreenCan®, News, Product, Sonoco Paper Container

ColagenPlus, Collagen Powder, Company News, Iberia, Laboratorios Best Medical, Sonoco Paper Container, Sustainability
Vetain Champions Sustainable Packaging with Sonoco’s Eco-Friendly, paper-based GreenCan® solution

Vetain Champions Sustainable Packaging with Sonoco’s Eco-Friendly, paper-based GreenCan® solution

Hockenheim, Germany – Vetain GmbH, a rapidly growing start-up company that manufactures vegan protein powder and supplements, has switched its packaging to Sonoco’s GreenCan® with a paper-end. Made with at least 96% paper content, the solution serves as a more recyclable and circular packaging alternative to the rigid paper can with metal-end that Vetain previously used for its protein powders.

Vetain was founded in 2021 by young entrepreneur athletes Luca Gruber and Philipp Riedl, who were on the lookout for a vegan and tasty alternative to protein powder. They developed the company’s products to align with its three core values: quality, transparency and sustainability.

Based in Germany, the vegan health foods firm’s product offering includes protein powder, protein bars, nut butters, toppings and supplements. With more than 200,000 customers across Europe, and a team of 23 employees, Vetain is already achieving an annual turnover of €20m.

With sustainability a core value of Vetain, Luca and Philipp knew right from the start that they wanted to take responsibility for the environment and planet and not create extra waste. Wanting to ensure that the packaging for their products was as environmentally friendly as possible, they looked for a manufacturer with similar values to their own.

Vetain and Sonoco began collaborating in 2023 when Vetain wanted to move its packaging to a full paper solution. Two years later, seeking an even more sustainable paper-based option, Vetain switched to GreenCan® with a paper-end.

The Sonoco GreenCan® with a paper-end is fully recyclable within the paper stream and meets Europe’s recycling requirements. Vetain’s protein powder and other powder-based products, packaged in Sonoco’s GreenCan® with paper-end, is now available in the German market.

Philipp Riedl, co-founder and CEO of Vetain, comments: “As former athletes, it was clear to us when launching Vetain, that we wanted to offer a high-quality and great tasting alternative to the additive-packed products already on the market. The supplement market is very competitive, therefore, having a brand with sustainability at its core – from product to packaging – is a big USP for us. Our packaging needed to demonstrate this. Being able to use fully recyclable packaging for our protein powders and other powder-based products supports our brand perception, and many of our customers have praised our new paper-based packaging.”

For Sonoco, this partnership demonstrates its commitment to working with brands looking for highly sustainable and recyclable packaging.

Oliver Kock, Senior Sales Manager for Sonoco Consumer Europe, comments: “Initially, Vetain started out using GreenCan® with a metal end. However, after the Vetain team expressed its clear commitment to sustainability and keeping its ecological footprint as small as possible, the company started using GreenCan® with a paper-end, ensuring its customers can recycle the entire can.”

He continues: “Vetain is a great example of young entrepreneurs looking to make a meaningful difference with its brand and packaging.”

For Vetain being sustainable and environmentally friendly doesn’t stop at its packaging. The company also has several other plant-friendly initiatives. For example, for every product purchased, Vetain plants two mangrove trees with its partner EdenProjects. By doing this, Vetain can offset some of the emissions produced by its orders. In addition to Vetain cutting out plastic and aluminium from its products, to ensure even less waste ends up in the oceans, it also donates 10 cents per order to partner Cleanhub – an NGO that collects plastic from rivers and the sea.

Read the success story here.

“Being able to use fully recyclable packaging for our protein powders and other powder-based products supports our brand perception, and many of our customers have praised our new paper-based packaging.”

Philipp Riedl, co-founder and CEO of Vetain

About Vetain

Founded in 2019, Vetain GmbH is a Munich-based e-commerce startup dedicated to creating healthy and sustainable sports nutrition products. The company specializes in customizable, plant-based protein powders and is committed to expanding its offerings with innovative, high-quality food and nutritional supplements. Vetain emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and high-quality ingredients in their products, which are developed and manufactured in-house. Guided by its mission to cultivate tomorrow’s nutrition, Vetain is helping to shape the future of sustainable agriculture. For more information, visit www.vetain.de.

Ghulam MOEEN UD DIN

August 19, 2025

European Investments in sustainability, GreenCan®, News, Product, Sonoco Paper Container

Company News, new product launch, Protein Powders, recyclability, Sonoco Paper Container, Sustainability, Vegan Protein, Vetain
Implementation Plan for Final Energy Savings Measures in Accordance with § 9 EnEfG

Sonoco Tubes & Cores Germany GmbH, Düren

As a responsible company, Sonoco is committed to complying with legal requirements for energy efficiency and sustainability. In accordance with § 9 of the German Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG), we are publishing our implementation plan for reducing final energy consumption at our Düren site.

These measures are part of our broader sustainability strategy and reflect our ongoing commitment to improving energy efficiency, reducing CO₂ emissions, and protecting the environment and natural resources.

Summary of Key Measures
Our implementation plan includes targeted projects that have been successfully completed or are currently underway. Highlights include:

Conversion of transport fleet to electric forklifts
✔️ Annual savings of 36 MWh and 26.35 tonnes of CO₂

Replacement of dehumidifiers and compressors in production halls
✔️ Increased energy efficiency across key operations

Upgrade of hall lighting to LED technology
✔️ Annual savings of 146.5 MWh and 107 tonnes of CO₂

All measures are based on findings from our energy audits and have been planned and executed in close cooperation with plant management.

Download the Full Report

Contact

Sonoco Tubes & Cores Germany GmbH
Mathias-von den-Driesch-Straße 2
52399 Merzenich, Germany
Phone: +49 (0)2421 704 -0 / -196

Responsible person:
Mehtap Ezgin Capaci – Plant Management

Lasa Mohamad

August 7, 2025

News

Company News, Energy
Lorenz snaps up Sonoco’s paper-end can for its Crunchips Stackers

Lorenz snaps up Sonoco’s paper-end can for its Crunchips Stackers

Snack brand chooses Sonoco packaging to improve recyclability, promote circularity and support its sustainability goals.

Hockenheim, Germany – With the Crunchips Stackers, the popular Crunchips family from Lorenz Snack-World is growing – now in a rigid paper can with a paper bottom from Sonoco. The new packaging, which has been certified as 88% recyclable by Circular Analytics in Germany, has been available in Germany since May 2025 and represents a significant step in Lorenz’s efforts to introduce more sustainable primary packaging. The paper-based can has been designed to be easier to recycle while ensuring the quality and durability consumers expect.

Lorenz Snack-World is an independent family-owned company and, with around 3,000 employees, is one of the leading suppliers in the European snack market. Lorenz’s range includes potato chips, peanut puffs, pretzel sticks, crackers and nuts. As a family-owned company, Lorenz has always taken a long-term view and takes responsibility – for the high quality of its products, for sustainable management and for future-oriented development.

The specially developed paper-based snack can, designed for Crunchips Stackers, sets new standards in sustainability and recyclability for Lorenz. Unlike other conventional snack cans, it contains no aluminium foil in the innerliner and no metal base. Thanks to its innovative design, the paper-based can achieves an impressive 88% recyclability, as certified by Circular Analytics. A specially designed protective layer on the inside ensures the chips remain fresh and crispy, offering the same product protection without compromising on environmental performance. With the launch of Crunchips Stackers in this new packaging, the brand reinforces its commitment to more sustainable packaging solutions.

Julia Giesser, Senior Brand Manager at Lorenz, explains: “Crunchips Stackers is the ideal product to present our packaging innovations to a wide audience. With the launch of a recyclable paper-end can under this brand, we are reaffirming our commitment to sustainability while meeting consumer expectations for high-quality, tasty snacks.”

The snack can with a paper-end has been available in Germany since May 2025. Its development is the result of more than three years of close collaboration between the Lorenz and Sonoco engineering teams.” Our partnership with Sonoco was crucial in bringing this product to life,” adds Julia. “The technical expertise and comprehensive support throughout the development process have enabled us to translate our sustainability goals into a tangible solution.”

For Sonoco, the collaboration represents another milestone in the development of paper-based packaging innovations. Peter Görlitz, Sustainability Manager Sonoco Europe, says: “Lorenz’s decision to use our paper-end can for the Crunchips Stackers shows their clear commitment to responsible packaging. It’s a great example of how paper-based solutions can help brand owners make real progress on recyclability while supporting the circular economy.”

Lorenz continues to explore alternative materials as part of its “Reduce, Recycle, Replace” strategy. Julia comments: “We are working hard to reduce the use of materials overall and plastic in particular. We are constantly testing more environmentally friendly materials that ensure product protection and meet our high-quality standards. We are doing everything we can to increase the recyclability of our primary packaging. And since recyclable packaging must also be disposed of correctly, we are committed to educating consumers in Poland, Germany and Austria about recycling and motivating them to support the recycling process.”

The launch of the Crunchips Stackers continues to support Lorenz’s efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of its packaging portfolio and lead by example within the industry.

Peter says: “We are delighted to introduce the Crunchips Stackers in Sonoco’s paper-end can. Lorenz’s commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with our own, and this project was a great opportunity to put our shared values into action. We are proud to have delivered a solution that meets their sustainability goals without compromising on quality and look forward to a continued successful partnership with Lorenz.”

“Crunchips Stackers is the ideal product to present our packaging innovations to a wide audience. With the launch of a recyclable paper-end can under this brand, we are reaffirming our commitment to sustainability while meeting consumer expectations for high-quality, tasty snacks.”

Julia Giesser, Senior Brand Manager, Lorenz

About Lorenz

Lorenz Snack-World is an independent family-owned company and, with around 3,000 employees, is one of the leading suppliers in the European snack market. The range includes potato chips, peanut flips, pretzel sticks, crackers and nuts, among others. Well-known brands such as Crunchips, Peanut Curls, Saltletts, NicNac’s and Naturals inspire just as much as innovations, e.g. the Saltletts PausenCracker. As a family-owned company, Lorenz has always taken a long-term view and takes responsibility – for the high quality of its products, for sustainable management and for future-oriented development.

Further information: https://lorenz-snacks.de/

Ghulam MOEEN UD DIN

July 31, 2025

European Investments in sustainability, News, Product, Sonoco Paper Container

CardboardCan, Company News, Lorenz, new product, new product launch, SnackCan, SnackWorldLaunch, Sonoco Paper Container
Kotányi launches new Spices range for Austria and Germany region in Sonoco’s GREENCAN® Packaging

This fourth-generation Austrian family business partnered with Sonoco to launch its latest spice range in the fully recyclable GreenCan® solution.

Hockenheim, Germany – Sonoco is pleased to partner with Kotányi GmbH – an Austrian family-owned company with over 140 years of experience in the world of spices. Together, they are setting new standards in quality and sustainability by combining innovative packaging solutions with high-quality herbs and spice blends. The new spice range is being launched in Sonoco’s GreenCan® packaging, highlighting the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

The latest launch from Kotányi reflects the evolving preferences of today’s consumer and includes a selection of meticulously crafted mixes such as: Cool Chick, Little Italy, Potato Party, Wonder Wok, Curry Crush, Avocado Love and more. The contemporary flavours cater to growing fusion trends and aim to engage younger target audiences, further achieved by the fun and modern label designs. These mixtures are perfect for a variety of vegan and non-vegan recipes, and Sonoco’s GreenCan® solution plays a crucial role in this commitment, offering a robust, practical, and widely recyclable packaging alternative, with an integrated paper lid.

This launch in Sonoco GreenCan® solution aligns with the objectives of the EU Green Deal, namely embracing a life-cycle approach to circularity. This sustainable launch has received positive feedback from retailers across Europe, who recognise the innovation in both the product and its packaging. Sonoco’s GreenCan® ensures that the packaging is not only functional, but also environmentally responsible, with the can body and lid made from 94% paper, including 69% recycled paper. The remaining 6% consists of the barrier protection.

Alexandra Mayr, Marketing Manager at Kotányi, stated: “Sustainability is a core principle embedded in all our processes at Kotányi. For this latest product launch, Sonoco’s GreenCan® was the clear choice for our packaging – aligning perfectly with our environmental values. The innovative flavours in this new range were specifically developed for a younger audience in mind. Combined with GreenCan’s high paper content, they underscore our brand’s mission: our innovation shapes your enjoyment.

We’ve already received highly positive feedback from retailers, who have praised both the sustainable concept and the appealing design of the product and its packaging. We look forward to the market’s broader response and are committed to continuing our successful collaboration with Sonoco.”

Axel Tesson, Sales Manager for Sonoco Consumer Europe, added: “Our partnership with Kotányi signals our commitment to providing the ideal sustainable solutions that reinforce brands’ visions. Our GreenCan® solution reflects Kotányi’s environmental responsibility without compromising high-quality packaging for the customer. We are delighted to be part of this sustainable journey with Kotányi and look forward to what the future brings.”

Kotányi’s new spice range launched in Austria in May 2025 and will be available in Germany from July 2025 onwards.

For more information, visit: www.kotanyi.com/at/

To read the Kotányi and Sonoco Success Story, click here

About GREENCAN®

The Sonoco GREENCAN® recyclable paperboard package is made of 92-98% paperboard and features a wide range of barrier properties. Available in multiple shapes and sizes – from round, square or rectangular; to oval, oblong or triangular – it is ‘designed to recycle’ paper can, providing a highly recyclable packaging solution, with robust barrier properties.

Sonoco’s GREENCAN® also features an integrated paper lid, so when empty, the whole package can go through the household paper recycling stream without any need to disassemble it. This makes it simple and convenient for the consumer and for the whole recycling process.

About Kotányi

Founded in 1881 Hungary; now headquartered in Wolkersdorf, Austria, Kotányi is a fourth-generation family business and global leader in premium herbs and spices. With over 4,500 seasoning products, we add exceptional flavors to your food. Our team of 600 employees works passionately to create high-quality spices. Rooted in Austrian tradition, Kotányi sets food trends, inspires cooks, and shapes the culinary zeitgeist. As a leading international brand, we are committed to innovation and quality. We handle our spices with care, ensuring outstanding quality in every product. For more information, visit our website at www.kotanyi.com/at/

For more information contact: [email protected]
Tel +44 (0)7747 235 616 or [email protected]
www.sonocoeurope.com

“We’ve already received highly positive feedback from retailers, who have praised both the sustainable concept and the appealing design of the product and its packaging. We look forward to the market’s broader response and are committed to continuing our successful collaboration with Sonoco”

Alexandra Mayr, Marketing Manager at Kotányi

Lasa Mohamad

July 7, 2025

GreenCan®, News, Product, Product Development Innovation

Company News, Consumer Packaging, Customer Solutions, Customerpartnership, GreenCan®, Kotányi, News, recyclability, Sonoco, SpicesPaperPackaging, Sustainability
Sonoco Europe wins three Bronze Awards at the 2025 Environmental Packaging Awards

Sonoco won awards in the Sustainable Packaging Business of the Year, Sustainable Brand of the Year, in partnership with Marigold Health Foods, as well as the Sustainable Investment Project of the Year categories

Hockenheim, Germany – Sonoco Europe is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded three Bronze trophies at the Environmental Packaging Awards 2025, hosted by Packaging News, earlier this week. Sonoco Rigid Paper Packaging won Bronze in the Sustainable Packaging Business of Year category, as well as in the Sustainable Brand of the Year category, which was a joint entry with Marigold Health Foods. Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA won Bronze in the Sustainable Investment Project of the Year.

The annual event, which took place at the KIA Oval Cricket Ground in London, celebrates the very best in sustainable packaging solutions.

Sonoco Rigid Paper Packaging

The two award wins for Sonoco Rigid Paper Packaging highlight the impact that Sonoco’s Rigid Paper Can with a paper end has had on the packaging sector, with a number of major brands converting to the recyclable solution over the last few years.

By adopting Sonoco’s Paper Can, brands have been able to demonstrate their commitment to circularity and increasing the recyclability content of their packaging. Sonoco’s Paper Can with the paper end is 90-95% paper-based and is fully recyclable in the UK and mainland Europe, contributing to a reduction in packaging waste.

Sonoco partnered with Marigold Health Foods for its range of nutritional yeast products. Previously, Marigold’s packaging included a cardboard body with a steel base, however, this posed challenges for recycling. Recognising the need for a more circular solution, Marigold worked with Sonoco to develop a 95% paperboard alternative, featuring the Sonoco Paper Can with a paper bottom. Switching to the new packaging, significantly improved the pack’s recyclability, making it widely accepted in the UK and Europe’s recycling streams.

Sean Cairns, President – Global Rigid Paper and Closures (RPC) at Sonoco, comments: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won not one, but two, prestigious awards. Sustainable Packaging Business of the Year truly demonstrates the work we’ve input into developing more eco-friendly packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the heart of everything Sonoco does, and our packaging solutions are designed to help customers meet their targets while maintaining the highest standards of product protection and freshness. We work closely with our customers to convert to greener, recyclable packaging solutions, thereby boosting their sustainability credentials!“

“Collaborating with Marigold on the packaging for its Super Engevita Nutritional Yeast Flakes wasn’t just about upgrading the packaging, it was about staying true to our mission – and that of Marigold – of delivering food in the most sustainable way possible.”

Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA

Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA was awarded Bronze in the Sustainable Investment Project of the Year category for its FareShare Surplus Food Can Collaboration.

Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA (formerly Eviosys) partnered with FareShare to increase the output of its Food Life Extension (FLEX) project, which aims to extend the shelf-life of fresh produce. Sonoco Metal Packaging played a pivotal role in the project by supplying its metal cans. This enabled an increase in production helping FareShare distribute over 600,000 cans of soup made from surplus food, saving approximately 29 tonnes of fresh food from going to waste.

With Sonoco’s collaboration, FareShare has been able to expand its canned soup production, reduce waste and deliver even more meals to people in need through the FLEX project.

Aidan Ruddock, Commercial Director North Europe, Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA comments: “We are thrilled to have won this award and for such a worthy cause. The FLEX project aims to end food waste and hunger, and we are proud of our contribution to help make this happen. This award demonstrates the strength of metal packaging as a sustainable packaging alternative as well as providing fresh and nutritious food for all.”

“We’re absolutely delighted to have won not one, but two, prestigious awards. Sustainable Packaging Business of the Year truly demonstrates the work we’ve input into developing more eco-friendly packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the heart of everything Sonoco does, and our packaging solutions are designed to help customers meet their targets while maintaining the highest standards of product protection and freshness. We work closely with our customers to convert to greener, recyclable packaging solutions, thereby boosting their sustainability credentials!”

Sean Cairns, President – Global Rigid Paper and Closures (RPC) at Sonoco

Lasa Mohamad

June 26, 2025

Award Winning Sustainable Packaging, News, Product

Company News, News, Sustainability
Grands Moulins de Paris Celebrate 60 Years of the Iconic Francine Brand with Limited-Edition Sonoco GreenCan® Packaging

Marking six decades of Francine flour, this collaboration between Sonoco and Grands Moulins de Paris highlights sustainable innovation with the GreenCan® packaging.

Habsheim, France – Sonoco, a global leader in value-added sustainable metal and fibre packaging, and Grands Moulins de Paris (GMP), a century-old miller and the market leader in terms of value in the supermarket flour sector with its Francine brand, are proud to celebrate the 60th anniversary of this symbolic brand. As part of this milestone, GMP is launching a limited-edition design of Francine’s flagship Suprême flour in Sonoco’s GreenCan® packaging, paying tribute to the brand’s heritage while reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainability.

Founded in 1929, Grand Moulins de Paris is proud to belong to the 10,000 farmers in north-eastern France who own the VIVESCIA cooperative group. GMP selects the best 100% French breadmaking wheat from its eight mills to produce quality flours and milling mixes for small-scale bakeries, the food industry, and supermarkets in France and abroad. GMP promotes French milling and baking expertise, notably through the iconic Francine brand. Its passion for taste and innovation is also passed on through the Paris Bakery and Patisserie School, which trains almost 450 students (young people and adults) every year.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the iconic Francine brand, Grands Moulins de Paris has launched an extensive 360° communication plan which began in February, including in-store activations, internally with all employees and staff and digital initiatives on social media channels, of the brand and of Grands Moulins de Paris. Additionally, the brand’s three flagship references including the Suprême flour packaged in Sonoco GreenCan® paper container, are available in limited editions, paying homage to the original graphic codes of the Francine brand. Sonoco is supporting the rollout of this limited edition.

In the 1980s, Francine was the first brand to launch a range of flours in rigid containers, with the iconic Farine Suprême, bringing greater convenience to the kitchen. More than four decades later, still true to its leadership role, the brand was already exploring solutions to limit its environmental impact. From this perspective, GMP chose Sonoco’s GreenCan® solution, which made it possible to limit the environmental impact by promoting circular and responsible use of packaging materials, in line with GMP’s sustainable development commitments. With the Sonoco GreenCan® container, GMP combines robustness, practicality, recyclability, and re-use. GreenCan® is a solution designed as a fully recyclable paper-based, with up to 96% paper content and over 60% recycled materials.

Guillaume Sireix, Director of Sonoco GreenCan Studio, has a deep-rooted connection to the Francine brand. Having worked on the project for over 18 years, he continues the legacy of his father, Georges Sireix, who was instrumental in the development of GreenCan®. Reflecting on this journey, Guillaume shared: “Working on the Francine brand with my father was an incredible journey. His vision for sustainable, high-quality packaging lives on, and I’m proud to continue our partnership with GMP as we celebrate this major milestone.”

Philippe Choquet, Sales Manager for Sonoco Consumer Europe, added: “Grands Moulins de Paris has been a fantastic partner over the years, and we truly value the trust they place in us. The Sonoco GreenCan® solution perfectly aligns with GMP’s commitment to sustainability and premium quality. We’re excited to see the limited-edition Francine packaging come to life and look forward to many more years of collaboration.”

With over 96% recyclability and more than 60% recycled content, Sonoco’s GreenCan® is a testament to the company’s dedication to sustainable innovation. The limited-edition Francine Suprême flour packaging will be available in stores as part of the anniversary celebrations, offering consumers a nostalgic yet forward-thinking take on a beloved brand.

For more information, visit: https://www.grandsmoulinsdeparis.com/

Download the case study to learn how Sonoco’s GREENCAN® helped legacy brands such as Grand Moulin de Paris innovate sustainably.

About GREENCAN®

The Sonoco GREENCAN® recyclable paperboard package is made of 92-98% paperboard and features a wide range of barrier properties. Available in multiple shapes and sizes – from round, square or rectangular; to oval, oblong or triangular – it is ‘designed to recycle’ paper can, providing a highly recyclable packaging solution, with robust barrier properties.

Sonoco’s GREENCAN® also features an integrated paper lid, so when empty, the whole package can go through the household paper recycling stream without any need to disassemble it. This makes it simple and convenient for the consumer and for the whole recycling process.

About Grands Moulins de Paris

Founded in 1929, Grands Moulins de Paris is a leading French miller and part of the VIVESCIA cooperative group. The company produces premium flours and milling mixes, for artisanal bakeries, the food industry, and mass retailers throughout France and internationally. GMP promotes French baking expertise and is committed to protecting our environment through its sustainable development approach.

For more information contact: [email protected]
Tel +44 (0)7747 235 616 or [email protected]
www.sonocoeurope.com

“Working on the Francine brand with my father was an incredible journey. His vision for sustainable, high-quality packaging lives on, and I’m proud to continue our partnership with GMP as we celebrate this major milestone.”

Guillaume Sireix, Director of Sonoco GreenCan Studio

Lasa Mohamad

June 3, 2025

GreenCan®, News, Product, Product Development Innovation

Company News, Consumer Packaging, Customer Solutions, Customerpartnership, Grand Moulins de Paris 60 ans, GreenCan®, News, recyclability, Refill Containers, RigidBakingPackaging, Sonoco, Sustainability
NaturDrops Revolutionises Sustainable, Functional Healthy Dog Snacks in GreenCan® Solution

Hockenheim, Germany – Sonoco, a global leader in value-added sustainable metal and paper packaging, is excited to announce its partnership with NaturDrops GmbH, a newly established family-owned company dedicated to delivering natural, high-quality, and sustainable dog snacks. This collaboration is a heartfelt tribute to our furry four-legged friends by providing an eco-friendly packaging solution that ensures both pet health and environmental responsibility.

NaturDrops is part of Smart Food for Future GmbH, with a current focus on the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). The company is passionate about building strong brands in the functional food space, managing well-known names like LAYENBERGER international and ISOSTAR in Germany, while also developing innovative new concepts through agile teams. Their goal is to build meaningful sustainable brands that reflect the changing needs of their target audience. NaturDrops is your latest brand, offering natural, functional dog snacks that can be used flexibly—depending on the desired effect—as a supplement to food, preventively, or to support existing conditions. These snacks are suitable for daily use, independent of the main feed, and provide dogs with valuable functional nutrients. NaturDrops was launched in May 2025 after twelve months of development.

Sonoco’s GreenCan® solution will support NaturDrops’ innovative range of functional dog snacks, blending sustainability with a modern design. NaturDrops was founded primarily by Michael and Tanja Weinand and combines expertise from the retail and healthcare sectors with a strong commitment to pet well-being.

The NaturDrops product range features functional snacks specifically designed to promote dog health — supporting skin and coat, digestion, dental hygiene, and natural tick protection, among other key areas of dog health. The innovative Soft Drops are made with sustainable insect protein and fibre-rich sweet potato and include carefully selected active ingredients tailored to each function. A special feature is the unique herbal macerate — a fermented extract made from over 50 selected herbs. It helps create optimal conditions for the gut, preparing it to absorb the nutrients contained in the product more effectively, while naturally supporting digestive health.

NaturDrops’ commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their business, from ingredient sourcing to production. With Sonoco’s GreenCan® solution, the company ensures that its packaging is not only functional but also environmentally responsible. Sonoco’s GreenCan® is made from 96% paper, including 69% recycled material, with the remaining 4% consisting of the barrier protection. This sustainable design helps minimise waste while maintaining the high standards of quality expected by NaturDrops’ customers.

“The decision to use a sustainable packaging solution like GreenCan® was a natural fit for us, as our brand is built on the core values of naturalness, responsibility, and sustainability,” said Tanja Weinand, co-founder of NaturDrops. “From the name to the colours, imagery, and ingredients, everything revolves around the theme of nature. GreenCan’s high paper content and sustainable design give us the opportunity to make a bold statement, aligning perfectly with our brand culture.”

“Partnering with NaturDrops to provide innovative and sustainable packaging solutions for their healthy dog snacks is truly exciting for Sonoco,” said Dirk Karbach, German Sales Manager at Sonoco. “Our GreenCan® solution is a perfect fit for their commitment to both pet health and environmental responsibility, offering high-quality, eco-friendly packaging that aligns with their values. We are proud to be part of their journey in supporting our furry companions in the best way possible.”

NaturDrops represents a new era of pet care, offering snacks that are not only good for dogs but also good for the environment. With the support of Sonoco’s GreenCan® solution, NaturDrops is setting new industry standards by offering a healthy, sustainable alternative to traditional pet snacks—a perfect way to celebrate our furry four-legged friends.

For more information, visit: www.naturdrops.dog

Download the case study to learn how Sonoco’s GREENCAN® is helping NaturDrops deliver wellness for pets and the planet.

About GREENCAN®

The Sonoco GREENCAN® recyclable paperboard package is made of 92-98% paperboard and features a wide range of barrier properties. Available in multiple shapes and sizes – from round, square or rectangular; to oval, oblong or triangular – it is ‘designed to recycle’ paper can, providing a highly recyclable packaging solution, with robust barrier properties.

Sonoco’s GREENCAN® also features an integrated paper lid, so when empty, the whole package can go through the household paper recycling stream without any need to disassemble it. This makes it simple and convenient for the consumer and for the whole recycling process.

About NaturDrops

Natural. Functional. Sustainable.

NaturDrops GmbH is a young, innovative family-owned company based in Basel, specialising in the development of high-quality, functional dog snacks. Founded in April 2025 by Michael and Tanja Weinand, NaturDrops combines modern pet health with natural nutrition — scientifically grounded and lovingly developed.

The NaturDrops Vision: Snacks that do more.

In close collaboration with a team of veterinary experts, NaturDrops develops products that specifically promote the wellbeing and health of dogs — free from artificial additives and without compromising on quality or sustainability. The company places great importance on natural ingredients, gentle processing, and environmental awareness.

NaturDrops marks the beginning of a new era in healthy dog snacks — natural, sustainable, and backed by scientific expertise. Because dogs are more than pets: they’re family.

Media Contact:

Tanja & Michael Weinand

NaturDrops GmbH

+41 79 361 40 99

[email protected]

www.naturdrops.dog

For more information contact: [email protected]
Tel +44 (0)7747 235 616 or [email protected]
www.sonocoeurope.com

“The decision to use a sustainable packaging solution like GreenCan® was a natural fit for us, as our brand is built on the core values of naturalness, responsibility, and sustainability. From the name to the colours, imagery, and ingredients, everything revolves around the theme of nature. GreenCan’s high paper content and sustainable design give us the opportunity to make a bold statement, aligning perfectly with our brand culture.”

Tanja Weinard, co-founder of NaturDrops

Lasa Mohamad

May 27, 2025

GreenCan®, News, Product, Product Development Innovation

Company News, Consumer Packaging, Customer Solutions, GreenCan®, NaturDrops, new product, new product launch, News, Pet Packaging, petpaperpackaging, recyclability, SmartFood, Sonoco, Sustainability
Sonoco Europe to make its debut at Vitafoods Europe 2025, showcasing its sustainable packaging solutions

Hockenheim, Germany – Sonoco Europe is pleased to announce its debut at Vitafoods Europe, taking place from 20-22 May 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, solidifying its position as a packaging supplier in the health, nutrition and supplements markets. Visitors to the stand (4A56) will have the opportunity to see Sonoco’s GREENCAN® and rigid paper packaging ranges, which were designed to help brands support the circular economy and use recyclable packaging solutions across their product lines.

With consumers becoming more environmentally and health conscious, brands in the nutrition and supplement sectors are prioritising clean-label products, responsibly sourced ingredients and recyclable packaging. Sonoco’s solutions enable businesses to meet these evolving expectations and reduce environmental impact without compromising product integrity. In addition, Sonoco is proud to support brands that want to communicate transparency and sustainability to their customers, reinforce trust and align with evolving industry standards.

Sonoco Europe is actively working with brands in the health, nutrition and supplement markets, demonstrating the effectiveness of its packaging solutions across multiple markets. One recent example is its collaboration with pet snack startup DoggyLove, where Sonoco’s GREENCAN® packaging was used to bring its organic, plant-based pet treats to the market. DoggyLove selected GREENCAN® because of its short delivery times, and its sustainability credentials which aligned with the brand values. DoggyLove’s collaboration with Sonoco highlights its commitment to providing innovative, recyclable packaging tailored to specific industry needs.

About GREENCAN®

The Sonoco GREENCAN® recyclable paperboard package is made of 92-98% paperboard and features a wide range of barrier properties. Available in multiple shapes and sizes – from round, square or rectangular; to oval, oblong or triangular – it is ‘designed to recycle’ paper can, providing a highly recyclable packaging solution, with robust barrier properties.

Sonoco’s GREENCAN® also features an integrated paper lid, so when empty, the whole package can go through the household paper recycling stream without any need to disassemble it. This makes it simple and convenient for the consumer and the whole recycling process.

About Sonoco Paper Cans

Sonoco Paper Can is a widely recyclable paper-based packaging solution made with up to 95% fibre. It features a highly effective oxygen and moisture barrier, ensuring product freshness and shelf-life longevity. Designed for easy recycling within household paper waste streams, Sonoco’s Paper Can is an environmentally friendly choice for brands looking to enhance their sustainability credentials without compromising on performance.

Kieren France, Vice President Sales and Marketing Europe at Sonoco comments, “At Sonoco, we keep abreast of market demands and ensure our packaging solutions meet and support them. Currently, consumers are evermore mindful of both their health and the environmental impact of their purchases, and increased uptake in our paper-based packaging reflects this. We are looking forward to exhibiting at Vitafoods Europe 2025 for the first time and can’t wait to engage with industry professionals to showcase how our packaging solutions can help them boost their sustainability credentials.”

Visit Sonoco Europe at Vitafoods Europe 2025, on stand 4A56.

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“Currently, consumers are evermore mindful of both their health and the environmental impact of their purchases, and increased uptake in our paper-based packaging reflects this. We are looking forward to exhibiting at Vitafoods Europe 2025 for the first time and can’t wait to engage with industry professionals to showcase how our packaging solutions can help them boost their sustainability credentials.”

Kieren France, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Sonoco Consumer Products Europe

Lasa Mohamad

April 24, 2025

Award Winning Sustainable Packaging, European Investments in sustainability, Event, GreenCan®, News, Product Development Innovation, Vitafoods 2025

Company News, Event, Exhibition, News, Sonoco, Sustainability, Vitafoods2025
DoggyLove packs plant-based dog treats in Sonoco’s GREENCAN®

Sonoco’s recyclable paper-based cans are a perfect fit with the company’s commitment to natural, organic produce and sustainability

Hockenheim, Germany – Pet snack manufacturing start-up, DoggyLove, based in Germany, has partnered with Sonoco and the paper-based GREENCAN® solution to bring its organic, plant-based pet treats to market.

Originally founded in 1956 as a butcher’s shop, and then later a catering business, this family-run firm recently decided to take things in a totally different direction, re-inventing itself as a pet food manufacturer. Following extensive consultations with veterinarians throughout 2023, DoggyLove began trading in 2024 – and finding the perfect packaging partner, with whom to launch its new range of products, was key.

“Our new business is personal to us, inspired by own dog, a labrador called Peggy, who was part of our lives for 15 years,” says Christoph Wirth, who owns and runs the business with his wife, Konstanze. “Peggy was the inspiration for DoggyLove and our core mission now is to develop healthy snacks to promote the health and well-being of all dogs.”

“We thought long and hard about what the right packaging was to present this product to market,” Mr Wirth continues. “To reflect the values of our brand, it was very important to us that it was both high quality and sustainable. Initially we wanted to use different packaging types from Asia for our products, but we quickly realised that it would entail the long delivery times and an increase in global political uncertainty for us. This has led us to decide in favour of a locally manufactured solution, which was also a perfect match with our values: GREENCAN®, the paper-based can from Sonoco.”

He adds: “GREENCAN® was unlike anything we saw from any other packaging provider, and it appealed to us on multiple levels because of the short delivery times, and because of its sustainability credentials, which are not only ethically important to us, but are also very important to our customers, giving us another angle to talk about in our marketing. Finally, the creative possibilities of being able to employ full-surface printing on the packaging, was also really appealing.”

“As a new brand, the way in which we’re perceived is important to us, and Sonoco’s GREENCAN® solution helps to reinforce our holistic brand image of responsible and sustainable production. We see this as just the beginning of our partnership and we’re already planning other potential products that would also be a perfect fit with this packaging.”

DoggyLove’s customers have also been impressed with the packaging – with early customer feedback describing it as “high quality”.

On the experience of working with Sonoco, Mr Wirth says: “We’ve always found our collaboration with Sonoco to be very pleasant and constructive. As a start-up, it was important for us to find the right partner to help bring our products to market and Sonoco has been very supportive during the whole product launch process. The service we’ve received has always been friendly, and both solution- and goal-orientated, with all of our questions dealt with quickly and comprehensively.”

Sascha Di Nardi, Sales Manager at Sonoco Germany, comments: “It’s been a pleasure working with Mr Wirth and the team to bring DoggyLove products to the market. We’re delighted to have found a suitable sustainable alternative in GREENCAN® for their packaging and are pleased to hear that they have had a positive response from their customers too. We look forward to continuing our partnership with DoggyLove in the future.”

About GREENCAN®

The Sonoco GREENCAN® recyclable paperboard package is made of 92-98% paperboard and features a wide range of barrier properties. Available in multiple shapes and sizes – from round, square or rectangular; to oval, oblong or triangular – it is ‘designed to recycle’ paper can, providing a highly recyclable packaging solution, with robust barrier properties.

Sonoco’s GREENCAN® also features an integrated paper lid, so when empty, the whole package can go through the household paper recycling stream without any need to disassemble it. This makes it simple and convenient for the consumer and for the whole recycling process.

About DoggyLove

DoggyLove manufactures high-quality, veterinarian-approved canine snacks that combine health, joy and well-being. For happy dogs and satisfied owners. For more information, visit: doggylove.de/

For more information contact: [email protected]
Tel +44 (0)7747 235 616 or [email protected]
www.sonocoeurope.com

Learn more at DoggyLove and Sonoco Success Story

“GREENCAN® was unlike anything we saw from any other packaging provider, and it appealed to us on multiple levels because of the short delivery times, and because of its sustainability credentials, which are not only ethically important to us, but are also very important to our customers, giving us another angle to talk about in our marketing. Finally, the creative possibilities of being able to employ full-surface printing on the packaging, was also really appealing.”

Christoph Wirth, co-owner of Doggylove

Lasa Mohamad

March 20, 2025

GreenCan®, News, Product, Product Development Innovation

Company News, Consumer Packaging, Customer Solutions, DoggyLove, GreenCan®, new product, new product launch, News, Pet Packaging, petpaperpackaging, recyclability, Sonoco, Sustainability