Sonoco-Alcore S.a.r.l., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sonoco (NYSE:SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, is making multi-million dollar investments in three of its European uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) mills to improve their energy efficiency, product range and environmental performance. The projects will be completed during scheduled downtime in August and September 2011.

According to Adam Wood, division vice president and general manager of Sonoco-Alcore, "These investments are part of a continuing program to improve the product quality and cost competitiveness of our European mills, which are the largest producers of coreboard in Europe. Our commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction are at the forefront of our thinking during our capital planning process."

"Our Cirie (TO), Italy, mill will benefit from a new DCS, a new energy-from-biogas system, and CHP upgrades and we are improving our effluent treatment system," said Dino Kiriakopoulos, director of Sonoco-Alcore's European Operations. "Our investment in Cirie continues our 2010 capital investment efforts, which are focused on lowering energy costs and continuing to be good stewards of the environment."

Kiriakopoulos said that Sonoco-Alcore also will be making additional investments at its Kilkis, Greece, and Nordhorn, Germany, mills this summer.

"At Kilkis, we will be installing a new high-efficiency boiler, heat recovery system and drive upgrades that will significantly lower energy costs and provide some capacity expansion. At Nordhorn, we are upgrading our refining and press sections to further reduce the steam and electricity consumption for each tonne of the high quality specialty board produced there."

SOURCE: Sonoco-Alcore S.a.r.l.