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Sonoco Debuts Injection-Molded 3-Piece Plastic Can

Food-grade polypropylene cans provide a domestic alternative to overseas procurement.

Rick Lingle, Senior Technical Editor

July 30, 2024

1 Min Read
Sonoco's 3-piece polypropylene can
Sonoco Industrial & Specialty Plastics

Sonoco Industrial & Specialty Plastics, a division of Sonoco Products Company and manufacturer of custom and proprietary plastic solutions, has introduced a three-piece can.

Injection-molded using food-grade polypropylene, the can is designed to address the evolving packaging and shipment needs of the energy, coffee, tobacco, and tobacco-free markets.

“The inspiration behind the 3-Piece Can stems from the challenges we’ve learned that many manufacturers face, particularly in the chewing tobacco industry,” says Curtis Bares, global director of sales and marketing for Sonoco Industrial & Specialty Plastics. “The burden of ordering cans from overseas results in extensive lead times, increased inventory levels, and excess packaging waste. That’s why we’ve embarked on a journey to develop a locally molded polypropylene can to alleviate these pain points.”

FDA-compliant injection-molding.

The can is to be manufactured entirely in North Carolina. The company’s Forest City plant is FDA-registered and ISO-9001 certified, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and a robust quality management system to guarantee adherence to specifications and sustainability standards.

  • It’s made using a single-resin material that’s recyclable in areas with proper collection infrastructure.

  • The “made in-the-USA” attribute supports domestic manufacturing and reduces the carbon footprint versus imported cans.

  • Just-in-time supply ensures optimal inventory levels and minimizes storage costs.

  • Efficient packaging design reduces waste and minimizes use of corrugated board.

  • Stackable design makes for enhanced and storage to ensure product integrity.

PlasticsToday learned that production will start in Q1 2025.

About the Author

Rick Lingle

Senior Technical Editor, Packaging Digest and PlasticsToday

Rick Lingle is Senior Technical Editor, PlasticsToday. He’s been a packaging media journalist since 1985 specializing in food, beverage and plastic markets. He has a chemistry degree from Clarke College and has worked in food industry R&D for Standard Brands/Nabisco and the R.T. French Co. Reach him at [email protected] or 630-408-7184.

https://twitter.com/PackmanRick[email protected]

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