Sonoco unveils next generation circular packaging innovations at Interpack

At Interpack, Sonoco unveiled a new generation of packaging innovations as brands rethink packaging choices in response to tighter regulation, evolving consumer expectations and growing demand for materials already recycled at scale.

As the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation raises the bar for packaging recyclability, brands are under growing pressure to redesign packaging portfolios around formats that are simpler, more circular and future ready.

Leading the announcements was the first public reveal of CapOnCan, a breakthrough resealable metal can designed to offer brands a lighter alternative to glass packaging. Developed in response to growing demand for resealable formats, CapOnCan combines a metal body with a hermetically sealed metal cap in a monomaterial design that helps reduce costs and EPR fees in many markets and improve supply efficiency, while still benefiting from the durability and recyclability of metal. The resealable steel can offers brands a lighter alternative to the traditional glass jar and metal closure combination, while enhancing consumer convenience through easy resealing and fridge storage after opening, particularly for family size and pet food applications.

The company also introduced its new AFNOR certified microwaveable metal bowls, bringing convenience to ready meals while offering a highly recyclable alternative to conventional plastic trays. As brands face growing pressure to incorporate recycled content into plastics while many black plastic trays continue to face sorting challenges, the new solution offers a practical alternative aligned with emerging regulatory requirements.

In paper packaging, Sonoco highlighted growing momentum behind GreenCan, as more brands join the paper movement to replace unnecessary plastic in dry food applications. Made with up to 98% paper content using 100% recycled paperboard, GreenCan was showcased through new customer success stories, including Your Coffee Taste, which served its custom coffee blends to visitors at the booth. Another strong example came from Cristal Union and its iconic Daddy brand, which joined Sonoco on stage at Interpack to discuss how packaging decisions are being reshaped by regulation and changing consumer expectations, with its new paper based packaging for icing sugar. Completing the paper portfolio was the company’s multi-purpose paper membrane innovation designed to replace traditional plastic sprinklers with a paper based alternative.

The company also highlighted accelerating demand for Orbit, its easy open metal end technology gains traction as retailers increasingly encourage brands and fillers to adopt it. Orbit reduces the force required to open glass jars by 50%, improving accessibility for the widest possible range of consumers. At Interpack, Sonoco showcased newly converted products such as Olispania’s now easy to open olives jars. From paper for dry applications to metal for products requiring long shelf life, these innovations based on materials already recycled at scale. With new regulation taking effect from August this year, the company’s mission is to help brands convert to efficient, innovative and circular packaging solutions designed for what comes next.