PEFC International is pleased to invite all stakeholders to comment on the enquire drafts of three of its core standards by 30 June 2010. With more than two-thirds of the world's certified forests managed in compliance with PEFC's Sustainability Benchmarks, PEFC is the world's largest forest certification system and the certification system of choice for small- and family forest owners.

"The sustainable management of the world's forest concerns all of us. Forests have a vast potential to contribute to tackling climate change, they are the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystem, and they directly or indirectly support the livelihoods of millions of people." said Ben Gunneberg, Secretary General of PEFC International.

"With PEFC's Sustainability Benchmarks defining the management of more than 220 million hectares of forests globally, it is our collective responsibility as forest stakeholders to integrate best practice, new scientific knowledge, societal expectations, as well as practical experiences on the ground, into standards that are globally relevant and locally applicable."

Led by multi-stakeholder working groups comprising representatives from a broad range of sectors including forest owners, industry, customers, the scientific community, environmental groups and trade unions, PEFC has been revising its standards defining requirements for sustainable forest management and the development of certification standards at national level over the last two years.

The efforts by the working group have been complemented by a series of workshops in which specialists in topics including labour rights, free informed consent, biodiversity conservation, pesticides, and GMOs participated to contribute expert knowledge to the revisions process.

The global public consultation is complemented by two Stakeholder Dialogue in Geneva, Switzerland (26 May 2010) and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (16-18 June 2010) to provide additional opportunities for all stakeholders to discuss and elaborate on the enquiry drafts.

In addition to the three standards published today, the PEFC requirements for sustainable forest management standards for tropical natural forests will become available for public consultation shortly.

"The opportunities that forest certification provides in improving and verifying sustainable forest management are enormous, though the barriers to a further expansion are increasing", Mr. Gunneberg explained. "With the vast majority of the world's certified forests located in the Global North, there is a real need to revisit forest certification requirements in detail and ensure their applicability in countries with less favorable structures, especially in the tropics, in Asia, South America and Africa – regions in which arguably the most vulnerable forests are located, and in which the potential of forest management to lift people out of poverty is greatest."

More Information

• Access PEFC's Online Consultation Tool
• PEFC ST 1001:200x – Standard setting (download document 120 kb or access consultation)
• PEFC ST 1002:200x – Group forest management certification (download document 101 kb or access consultation)
• PEFC ST 1003:200x Part 1 – Requirements for SFM in boreal and temperate forests and forest plantations (download document 187 kb or access consultation)

Suzano Papel e Celulose Ltda, Brazil, has awarded Pöyry a contract for pre-engineering and preparatory work for mill infrastructure for a 1.3 million t/a bleached eucalyptus market pulp mill to be built in the state of Maranhao, Brazil. The value of Pöyry's assignment is about EUR 7.3 million. The client is expected to make the final investment decision in spring next year.

The concept of the mill is based on the use of the best available technologies and the best environmental practices, which constitute a state-of-the-art level pulp mill. Using existing eucalyptus plantations as raw material, the mill is to produce more with less use of natural resources, at low production costs, progressive environmental impact reduction and minimum risk of accidents at work.

The assignment now received strengthens Pöyry's position as the leading engineering solutions provider for the pulp and paper sector in the world.

PÖYRY PLC

Additional information by:

Martin Kuzaj, President, Industry Business Group, Finland

Tel. +358 10 33 21179

Sanna Päiväniemi, Director, Investor Relations, Pöyry PLC, Finland

Tel. +358 10 33 23002

Pöyry is a global consulting and engineering company dedicated to balanced sustainability. We offer our clients integrated management consulting, total solutions for complex projects and efficient, best-in-class design and supervision. Our in-depth expertise extends to the fields of energy, industry, urban & mobility and water & environment. Pöyry has 7000 experts operating in about 50 countries, locally and globally. Pöyry's net sales in 2009 were EUR 674 million and the company's shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (Pöyry PLC: POY1V).

DISTRIBUTION:

NASDAQ OMX Helsinki

Major media

www.poyry.com

(UPM, Helsinki, 28 April 2010 at 09:40) – Interim Report for January–March 2010:

• Operating profit excluding special items was EUR 116 million (loss of EUR 78 million)
• Operating cash flow was EUR 209 million (EUR 274 million)
• Positive development in delivery volumes in all businesses – sales grew by 10%

Jussi Pesonen, UPM’s President and CEO, comments on the result of the first quarter of 2010:

"UPM's operating profit improved clearly from the same period last year due to higher delivery volumes across all of our businesses and lower raw material costs. The Uruguayan operations were for the first time reported for a full quarter and contributed positively to the result.

Our first quarter sales increased by 10% from the same period last year. What is especially positive is that despite the clear increase of delivery volumes our fixed costs remained the same. However, our profitability continues to be unsatisfactory and everyday efforts to improve the situation will continue.

In Paper, delivery volumes improved especially in Asia and North America. The Paper business made an operating loss with average paper prices decreasing and fibre costs increasing from the same period last year. However, we succeeded in increasing the prices of fine and speciality papers due to good demand.

The results of Energy and Pulp business areas improved as we were able to take advantage of the good market situation. Also Label business continued the positive development which started last summer.

The Finnish stevedores' strike in March impacted all of our businesses negatively. The estimated direct impact of the strike totals about EUR 20 million affecting the first and second quarters of the year. The strike also had significant indirect impacts and we lost orders.

The volatility of the fibre markets raises concerns. The Finnish wood market was inactive at the beginning of the year. If the situation continues, it will first affect our Timber and Plywood businesses.

The recovery of advertising in print media is slow. Increased investment activity has not yet started to fully impact our businesses. However, paper demand in Europe is forecast to recover from 2009 and our paper deliveries are expected to be higher than last year. A similar development is taking place also in our other businesses.

We seem to have passed the bottom of demand and price cycle in our businesses. Therefore we expect the operating profit for 2010 to improve clearly from last year. However, variable costs are expected to increase by about 2% from last year", says Pesonen.

For more information please contact:
Mr Jussi Pesonen, President and CEO, UPM, tel. +358 204 15 0001
Mr Jyrki Salo, Executive Vice President and CFO, UPM, tel. +358 204 15 0011

UPM, Corporate Communications
Media Desk, tel. +358 40 588 3284
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

***
Conference call and press conference

UPM's President and CEO Jussi Pesonen will present the Interim Report for January–March 2010 in a conference call and webcast for analysts and investors, held in English, on 28 April at 13:00 Finnish time (11:00 London time, 06:00 EST).

Jussi Pesonen will also present the Interim Report for January–March 2010 in a press conference held in Finnish at UPM Group Head Office in Helsinki (main entrance, Eteläesplanadi 2) on 28 April 2010, at 14:15 Finnish time (12:15 London time, 07:15 EST).

Conference call and webcast details:

You can participate in the conference call either by dialling a number in the list below or following the webcast online at www.upm.com. Only participants who wish to ask questions in the conference call need to dial in. All participants can view the webcast presentation online.

We recommend that participants start dialling in 5–10 minutes beforehand to ensure the conference starts on time.

Conference call title: UPM-Kymmene Corporation Interim Report January-March 2010
Conference ID: 863677

Phone numbers:
US: +1 334 323 6203
Australia: +61 (0)28 2239 540
Hong Kong: +852 300 278 23
India Free: 000 8001 0036 74
Singapore: +65 6823 2171
Austria: +43 (0)268 2205 6293
Belgium: +32 (0)2 290 14 11
Czech Rep. :+420 (2)3900 0636
Denmark: +45 3271 4611
UK: +44 (0)207 1620 177
France: +33 (0)1 7099 3212
Germany: +49 (0)695 8999 0509
Hungary: +36 (0)618 8932 17
Ireland: +353 (0)1 4364 108
Italy: +39 023 0350 9005
Luxembourg: +352 2700 0734 18
Netherlands: +31 (0)20 7965 012
Norway: +47 (0)2 156 31 22
Spain: +34 917 889 897
Sweden: +46 (0)8 5052 0114
CH (GE): +41 (0)2 2592 7011
CH (ZH): +41 (0)434 5692 63

The webcast can be replayed at www.upm.com for 12 months.

***
It should be noted that certain statements herein which are not historical facts, including, without limitation, those regarding expectations for market growth and developments; expectations for growth and profitability; and statements preceded by ‘believes’, ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘foresees’ or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Since these statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, they involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: (1) operating factors such as continued success of manufacturing activities and the achievement of efficiencies therein including the availability and cost of production inputs, continued success of product development, acceptance of new products or services by the Group’s targeted customers, success of the existing and future collaboration arrangements, changes in business strategy or development plans or targets, changes in the degree of protection created by the Group’s patents and other intellectual property rights, and the availability of capital on acceptable terms; (2) industry conditions, such as strength of product demand, intensity of competition, prevailing and future global market prices for the Group’s products and the pricing pressures thereto, financial condition of the customers and the competitors of the Group, the potential introduction of competing products and technologies by competitors; and (3) general economic conditions, such as rates of economic growth in the Group’s principal geographic markets or fluctuations in exchange and interest rates.

DS Smith Plc, the international packaging manufacturer and office products wholesaler, today issues the following trading update ahead of its full-year results announcement for the year to 30 April 2010.

DS Smith Group
The Group’s trading performance in the second half of 2009/10 has been slightly ahead of management’s expectations at the time of the Interim Management Statement (IMS) issued on 4 March 2010. The Group’s profits have been underpinned by the steps taken to reduce costs, raise productivity and generate cash, but in recent months we have also benefited from higher than expected sales, particularly in Office Products.

We continue to be faced by the uncertainty surrounding the strength of economic recovery and the ongoing need to recover rising input costs. Nevertheless, business performance remains encouraging.

In our First Half statement issued in December 2009, we advised that exceptional cash restructuring costs of £4.5 million would be incurred in the year. We now expect there to be an additional £9 million of non-cash exceptional costs, representing the impairment of the carrying value of certain assets within the Group.

Packaging
As noted in our March IMS, demand for corrugated packaging in the European market is recovering, although it is still below the level at this time in 2008. Input costs, predominantly for waste paper, continue to increase. In response we have implemented further corrugated
case material (CCM) and box price increases. We expect the usual delay in the timing of the recovery of these higher costs and it will be into our next financial year before full recovery is achieved.

Plastic Packaging has continued to achieve the better profits noted in the first half; benefiting from restructuring and sales into new markets.
Office Products Wholesaling Demand for office products across our markets has been significantly affected by last year’s slowdown in the European economy. Nevertheless, Spicers sales have been better than expected. The actions taken in the UK business have improved its performance and this is now reflected in the results. The profits for this Division in total are expected to be broadly in line with last year.

Appointment of new CEO
As confirmed on 15 April, Miles Roberts will be joining the Company as Group Chief Executive on 4 May and Tony Thorne will step down from the Board on the same date.The Group plans to announce its preliminary results for the financial year to 30 April 2010 on 24 June 2010.

Enquiries
DS Smith Plc +44(0)1628 583 400
Tony Thorne, Group Chief Executive
Steve Dryden, Group Finance Director
Liz Christie, Group Investor Relations Manager
Financial Dynamics +44(0)20 7831 3113
Andrew Dowler

ABB announced it is to engineer, deliver and commission the electrical systems to a new tissue production line supplied by Metso to SCA's new factory in Mexico. The delivery includes intelligent control and monitoring systems for power distribution, the new generation intelligent Motor Control Centers, frequency converters and high efficiency motors as well as a complete paper machine sectional drives system.

The delivery includes ABB's most recent application knowledge for the power distribution and motor control technique. The intelligent solution allows a higher degree of control and information transfer between the systems. ABB Process Industry unit from Vaasa, Finland, is responsible for the delivery, which it includes project management, engineering and site services.

START-UP 2010

"The electrical equipment, that drives the processes, is connected by modern field bus solutions into one functional system. By using the latest new generation products and applications know how the life cycle management and preventive maintenance of the system will be further enhanced", says Area Sales Manager Fredrik Grankull from ABB. The new line will produce 60,000 tons/yr of high-quality facial, toilet and towel tissue grades. The start-up is planned for summer and autumn 2010 and ABB deliveries are scheduled for the beginning of 2010. The production at the mill, which is situated close to Mexico City, will start at the end of 2010.

Georgia-Pacific announced that it intends to make significant investments, which could total more than $500 million, in an advanced, proprietary tissue-papermaking technology. The company expects this and subsequent investments to further strengthen its commitment to being the leader in tissue, towel and tabletop products.

The company said it has approved funding for final engineering for two paper machines incorporating the technology. These two paper machines and associated converting equipment will manufacture premium tissue products for the consumer market. Pending final site selection, start-up is expected for 2012.

“We have seen growth in the premium segments of the bath tissue category, largely driven by the award-winning, successful introduction of our three-ply Quilted Northern Ultra Plush® product in 2008,” said Kathy Walters, executive vice president of Georgia-Pacific’s global consumer products business. “This new investment further reflects our commitment to being an innovation leader to drive further growth in this important segment.

“The advanced technology meets consumers’ demanding needs for premium qualities in tissue products - including softness and absorbency - while reducing combinations of fiber use, energy use or water use versus alternative papermaking processes,” said Walters.

Added Jim Hannan, chief executive officer and president, “This significant investment should be a clear indication to our customers of Georgia-Pacific’s focus on growing our global consumer products business. It also demonstrates our commitment to the global competitiveness of our skilled employees, to our asset base and to the communities where we operate.”

Headquartered at Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of building products, tissue, packaging, paper, cellulose and related chemicals. The company employs more than 40,000 people at approximately 300 locations in North America, South America and Europe. Georgia-Pacific creates long-term value by using resources efficiently to provide innovative products and solutions that meet the needs of customers and society, while operating in a manner that is environmentally and socially responsible and economically sound. The familiar consumer tissue brands of Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP include Quilted Northern®, Angel Soft®, Brawny®, Sparkle®, Mardi Gras®, and Vanity Fair®. Dixie Consumer Products LLC, a Georgia-Pacific company, manufactures the Dixie® brand of tabletop products. For more information, visit www.gp.com.

Media Contact:
James Malone 001 (404) 652-6031

ROTTNEROS: THE ROTTNEROS GROUP INTERIM REPORT JANUARY–MARCH 2010

• The result after net financial items for the first quarter of 2010 amounted to SEK 11 (-115) million. The operating result for the first quarter amounted to SEK 7 ( 110) million.

• The high price of electricity had a strong impact during the first few months of the year. Besides increasing the cost of electricity, the high price of energy also resulted in production stoppages with ensuing stoppage costs. Problems in the Swedish energy market had a negative impact on the overall result by approximately SEK 30 million.

• The cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 69 (29) million in the first quarter of 2010.

• On 22 January, Kjell Ormegard was appointed Chair of the Board up to and including the AGM in April 2010.

• In February, the Board of Rottneros approved an investment of SEK 45 million in a soda boiler at Vallvik Mill. This investment is a second step in the environmental and energy improvement measures being taken at Vallvik Mill.

• In February, Rottneros concluded an agreement with the Swiss packaging company SIG Combibloc regarding the transfer of intangible assets, primarily in the form of patents and patent applications, from Rottneros' subsidiary Rottneros Packaging AB. Rottneros Packaging's operation relating to food trays under the SilviPak brand does not form part of this agreement.

• As at 31 March 2010, an interest-bearing net receivable of SEK 54 million was reported compared with SEK 10 million at the beginning of the year.

• The pulp market remains strong, with a high level of demand. Global pulp stocks have remained at low levels. Further price increases have been announced for April and May 2010.

• The company is not providing a forecast for the full year 2010.

Rottneros in brief

Rottneros, a company that was originally established in the 1600s, is an independent and flexible supplier of customised paper pulp of high quality. Rottneros has been able to adapt in order to meet high customer expectations by continually developing its products and maintaining high levels of delivery reliability, technical support and service.

Rottneros has an annual production capacity of almost 400,000 tonnes of pulp at two mills in Sweden. Increasingly intensive product development in line with the requirements of customers will result in profitability that is higher and more stable throughout the business cycle.

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

New Chair of the Board
On 22 January 2010, the Board of Rottneros AB appointed board member Kjell Ormegard to chair the Board of Rottneros up to and including the AGM in April 2010. This change was brought about by former chair Rune Ingvarsson asking to resign from the Board of Rottneros with immediate effect for personal reasons.

Rottneros investing in Vallvik
On 2 February 2010, the Board of Rottneros approved an investment of SEK 45 million in the soda boiler at Vallvik Mill. This investment is a second step in the environmental and energy improvement measures that were previously communicated. Improving the soda boiler will in turn increase its incineration capacity, which will increase Vallvik's production of bioenergy. Installation is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2010 in conjunction with the annual maintenance shutdown.

Transfer agreement concluded
In February 2010, Rottneros concluded an agreement with the Swiss packaging company SIG Combibloc regarding the transfer of intangible assets, primarily in the form of patents and patent applications, from Rottneros' subsidiary Rottneros Packaging AB. Rottneros Packaging's operation relating to food trays under the SilviPak brand does not form part of this agreement. The transaction will have a minor impact on Rottneros' income statement and a positive impact on the Group's cash flow.

New Chief Financial Officer
Tomas Hedström was appointed as CFO for Rottneros AB starting 1 May 2010. Tomas Hedström was most recently employed by the SCA Group, where he was in charge of the Group's accounting staff. Tomas Hedström will replace Karl Ove Grönqvist, who decided to leave Rottneros to take up another position as CFO.

THE PULP MARKET

Market and products
There has been a strong demand for all grades of pulp, and global pulp deliveries showed positive growth at the start of the year. The market has been characterised by a good balance, which has enabled pulp price increases. There have also been disruptions to the supply of pulp, mainly due to significant production capacity in Chile being shut down on account of the earthquake in February.

The USD pulp price rose at the beginning of the year. Further price increases were announced during the second quarter of 2010. Statistics for the total global market for bleached chemical market pulp showed that deliveries for the period January to February 2010 amounted to 6.4 (5.8) million tonnes, which was 10.3% higher than the same period in 2009. Ninety-one per cent (84% for the same period in 2009) of the global supply capacity for bleached chemical pulp was used for the period January to February. An estimated 93% (86%) of production capacity was utilised for the same period.

The average price of bleached long-fibre chemical pulp during the first quarter of 2010 amounted to USD 844 per tonne (USD 595 per tonne), an increase of 42%. The price of long-fibre chemical pulp (NBSK) at the end of March 2010 was USD 889, an increase of 11% from the beginning of the year when the price was USD 799.

The price of short-fibre chemical pulp increased from USD 700 at the beginning of the year to USD 789 at the end of March, an increase of 13%.

Global producer stocks of bleached chemical pulp amounted to 2.8 million tonnes in early 2010 and were estimated at 3.0 million tonnes at the end of February.

Long-fibre chemical pulp (NBSK) (produced in Vallvik)
The price was USD 799 per tonne at the beginning of the year and USD 889 at the end of March. The market for long-fibre chemical pulp is strong. The level of producer stocks of pulp remains low.

Delivery capacity utilisation for the period January to February 2010 was 93% (84% for the same period in 2009), and production capacity utilisation was around 96% (85%).

Mechanical pulp and CTMP (produced in Rottneros)
The price of short-fibre CTMP was around USD 600 per tonne in the Western European market at the start of the year. The price and demand for CTMP grew more slowly at the start of the year compared with chemical pulp. A recovery materialised toward the end of the first quarter and in April.

Delivery capacity utilisation for the period January to February was 86% (74%) and production capacity utilisation was 97% (66%).

PRODUCTION AND DELIVERIES

The Group's pulp mills in Rottneros and Vallvik have a combined production capacity of almost 400,000 tonnes per year. In 2009, a production level of 335,900 tonnes was achieved for the full year. Weak demand at the start of 2009 resulted in production restrictions of around 65,000 tonnes.

The level of production during the period January to March 2010 was lower than compared with the same period of the previous year and amounted to 81,400 (89,500) tonnes. The first quarter of 2009 included 11,100 tonnes that related to production at Rockhammar Mill, which has now been disposed of. The high price of electricity at the beginning of the year meant production disruptions and shutdowns corresponding to 6,000 tonnes at Rottneros Mill during the first quarter of 2010. During the first quarter of 2009, Group production was restricted by approximately 50,000 tonnes as a consequence of weak demand. Shutdowns for annual maintenance work will take place in the third quarter for Rottneros Mill and in the fourth quarter for Vallvik Mill. All costs relating to maintenance shutdowns are recognised in the period during which the shutdown takes place.

Deliveries during the first quarter of 2010 amounted to 87,300 (105,700) tonnes, corresponding to a reduction of 17%.

INVOICED SALES AND RESULTS

January to March 2010 compared with January to March 2009
The Group generated a net turnover of SEK 407 (433) million for the period January to March 2010.

The turnover for January to March 2010 was SEK 26 million less than for the corresponding period of the previous year. The main factors affecting turnover include: lower delivery levels, SEK 75 million; a weaker USD, SEK -69 million; higher pulp prices in USD, SEK 120 million; and other changes, SEK -2 million. The lower delivery levels are mainly the result of the sale of Rockhammar Mill and the closure of Rottneros Miranda in Spain.

The average price in USD of long-fibre sulphate pulp (NBSK) increased by 42% – from USD 595 to USD 844 – while the average price of NBSK pulp converted into SEK increased from SEK 4,997 to SEK 6,073 per tonne, an increase of 22%. The average price in USD of eucalyptus pulp (BEK) increased from USD 536 to USD 748 per tonne, or by 40%, while the corresponding average price converted into SEK rose from SEK 4,506 to SEK 5,380 per tonne, an increase of 19%.

As a result of the high price of electricity during the quarter, Rottneros Mill periodically stopped production, which had a strong negative impact on the results. The problems associated with the Swedish electricity market, including sharp increases in energy costs resulting in production stoppages, negatively affected the quarterly earnings by approximately SEK 30 million. The price of pulp in USD showed an increasing trend during the entire first quarter and further price increases have been announced. The stronger market and improved prices have created the necessary preconditions for profitability at the Group's pulp mills.

The average price of electricity on the Nord Pool exchange amounted to SEK 0.73 per kWh for the period January to March 2010, compared to SEK 0.42 per kWh for the same period of 2009. There is some uncertainty about the price trend for electricity. Electricity on Nord Pool will be traded at the current rate of SEK 0.40-0.45 per kWh for the remainder of 2010. For 2011 and beyond, electricity will be traded on Nord Pool at around SEK 0.40 - 0.41 per kWh.

The wood supply was reliable during the period. The cost of pulpwood increased during the first quarter of 2010 and a price increase of SEK 30 per m3 was announced with effect from 1 April. The Group's operating result for the period January to March 2010 amounted to SEK 7 (-110) million.

Hedging activities realised during the first quarter of 2010 resulted in a gain of SEK 3 (3) million.

The Group's result after net financial items amounted to SEK 11 ( 115) million, including net financial items totalling SEK 4 (5) million. Net financial items include financial exchange gains of SEK 6 (8) million. These amounts were largely countered by operating exchange losses on accounts receivable. Profit/loss after tax was SEK 11 (-115) million. Earnings per share after tax amounted to SEK 0.01 (-0.64). Cash flow per share was SEK 0.03 (0.09).

(For full report, including tables, see attached file)

Metso acquires Viconsys web inspection and web break system business. The acquired business, comprising around 30 persons, will be affiliated to Metso’s Energy and Environmental Technology Segment as of today.

The target of the acquisition is to complement Metso’s product and service offering to the paper and other process industry. The expanding product offering will fit well to Metso's global sales and service network. Through this network, Metso is able to improve customer service for existing and new customers of acquired business.

Viconsys is known as an industry benchmark and global market leader in the machine vision technology. Within three years, it has been able to get more than one hundred delivery references.

Metso is a global supplier of sustainable technology and services for mining, construction, power generation, automation, recycling and the pulp and paper industries. We have about 27,000 employees in more than 50 countries. www.metso.com

Further information for the press, please contact:
Pekka Vänni, Vice President, Business Development, Process Automation Systems Automation business line, Metso, tel. +358 40 552 8374

Further information for investors, please contact:
Marja Mäkinen, Investor Relations Manager, Metso Corporation, tel. +358 20 484 3211

Cash Dividend Raised for the 28th Consecutive Year

The Board of Directors of Sonoco yesturday declared a $.28 per share quarterly common stock dividend, an increase from the previous quarterly dividend of $.27 per share. The dividend will be payable June 10, 2010, to shareholders of record as of May 14, 2010.

According to Harris E. DeLoach Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer, this is the 28th consecutive year that Sonoco has increased common stock dividends and 340th consecutive quarter, dating back to 1925, that the Company has paid dividends to shareholders. If annualized, Sonoco's new dividend is projected to increase from $1.08 to $1.12 per share, an increase of 3.7 percent. The projected annual dividend of $1.12 per share would provide a yield of approximately 3.4 percent, based on the Company's closing stock price of $33.00 as of April 20, 2010.

About Sonoco

Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a $3.6 billion global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with more than 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in some 85 nations. Sonoco is a proud member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information on the Company, visit our Web site at www.sonoco.com

SOURCE: Sonoco

Sonoco
Roger Schrum, 001-843-339-6018, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.