Republished by Newlife - Flexstone. All rights belong to the original publisher; see Source below.

Hartville, South Carolina-based Sonoco Products Co. has announced plans to invest USD 40 million over the next two years to modernize and expand production of its Richmond, Virginia paperboard mill. The mill supplies paperboard used in the company’s paper can packaging and produces lightweight tan bending chip grades.

The sustainable packaging company, which also produces uncoated recycled paperboard (URB), says the investment will enhance the mill’s manufacturing capabilities, improve product quality and operating efficiency and increase annual production capacity by approximately 9,000 tons.

“Richmond has long played an important role in supporting our consumer and industrial packaging businesses with quality paperboard that delivers value to our customers,” says Sonoco President and CEO Howard Coker. “This investment demonstrates our commitment to strengthening Sonoco’s paperboard system through targeted, high-return projects that enhance efficiency, improve product performance and positions us to meet growing customer demand. By adding state-of-the-art capabilities, we will further improve the quality and consistency of our products while increasing capacity that supports long-term growth.”

Sonoco says construction is expected to begin in early 2027, adding that the first phase of the project will focus on enhancing sheet formation, profile control, density and cleanliness while expanding the mill’s production capabilities. A second phase, which the company says it plans to complete by the end of 2028, will include investment in pulping operations, water systems, automation and employee experience improvements.

Sonoco says the project will cause minimal production disruption, allowing the mill to maintain its current annual output of approximately 120,000 tons during construction.

Source

- Recycling Today (2026-11-04) - Original article: Sonoco to invest USD 40M in Virginia paperboard mill - https://www.recyclingtoday.com/sonoco-to-invest-40-million-in-virginia-paperboard-mill