Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA makes UK debut at London Packaging Week

Sonoco is to make its first UK appearance as Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA at London Packaging Week 2025, on 15 to 16 October at ExCeL London. This debut follows the company’s strategic acquisition of Eviosys in December 2024 and marks a significant milestone in expanding its offering a global scale.

Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA is launching an interactive AR tool that enables brands to visualise packaging in 3D, customise colours, designs and finishes in real time, and generate bespoke concepts using AI. By streamlining the design to production journey, the tool accelerates decision making, reduces waste and improves customer engagement. It offers a smarter, more sustainable approach to packaging development.

At the event, the company will showcase its portfolio of sustainable food, premium and gift packaging solutions produced in the UK.

With over 200 years of expertise and an expanded global footprint, the company is inviting visitors to explore its technologies in metal packaging, combining creativity with circular design, including:

• GenZ gift packaging trends – new concepts for confectionery, biscuits, perfumery, spirits, tea and coffee premium or gift packaging. Sonoco partners with the trend agency Caramel to anticipate future consumer trends and packaging expectations. It will showcase how these trends can be translated into packaging concepts to recruit new consumers among the generation Z.

• Ecopeel – a breakthrough three piece can that reduces CO₂ emissions by 20%, offering waste free, fully recyclable food packaging combined with an improved consumer experience.

• Horizon Overcap – a lightweight, infinitely recyclable metal overcap for all cans, that cuts CO₂ by 33%.

• Orbit 66 – an exclusive, high performance closure that reduces opening force by 50%.

These innovations underscore the company’s commitment to sustainability, recognised with a perfect 100/100 Ecovadis Platinum rating for environmental performance for two consecutive years.

Beyond product showcases, it will host live demonstrations, interactive sessions and networking opportunities aimed at connecting directly with brand owners, retailers and media. A key focus will be on its ‘Made in the UK’ manufacturing capabilities with dedicated sessions exploring the benefits of local production. These activities will highlight the full benefits of metal packaging, from recyclability and durability to food waste reduction and premium design flexibility.

Matt Brimble, promotional new product development manager, said: ‘London Packaging Week provides the perfect stage to debut under our new identity and share our latest innovations with the industry. We are proud to introduce our augmented reality tool, which reflects our commitment to combining sustainability, technology and design to better support our customers. Events like London Packaging Week are crucial in driving collaboration and sparking conversations that move the industry forward.’

Aidan Ruddock, commercial director North Europe, added: ‘A strong part of Sonoco’s offer is our ability to manufacture locally in the UK, which gives our customers greater flexibility, shorter lead times and more sustainable supply chains. London Packaging Week is the perfect opportunity to showcase how this local approach, combined with our ongoing investment in innovation and sustainability, helps brands bring packaging concepts to market more efficiently while reducing environmental impact.’

The company will be on stand G20.