HARTSVILLE, S.C., Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sonoco Products Company (“Sonoco” or the “Company”) (NYSE: SON), a global leader in high-value sustainable packaging, today announced that Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) Rodger Fuller plans to retire after a 40-year career in Company leadership effective February 28, 2026. Since becoming Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2020, Fuller has been responsible for the Company’s global consumer and industrial operations as well as its diversified businesses and I ...

Core Insights - Amcor has launched the Amcor Lift-Off Winter 2025/26 Challenge to invite global start-ups to develop sustainable packaging solutions, focusing on flexible and paper-based packaging [1][3] - The initiative aims to build on previous successful collaborations in areas such as AI-powered waste analytics and bio-based materials [1][3] Challenge Details - Start-ups are encouraged to submit solutions in three areas: home-compostable adhesives for flexible packaging, high-performance compostable oxygen transmission barriers for paper packaging, and nature-based barrier additives for film formulation [2] - The challenge will occur in three phases, with selected start-ups presenting their technologies to Amcor's R&D team for potential joint development and investment opportunities of up to $500,000 [2] Company Performance - Amcor reported a net income of $262 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2025, an increase from $191 million year-over-year, with net sales rising 68% to $5.74 billion at constant currency [4] - The company reaffirmed its earnings outlook for fiscal 2026, indicating strong financial performance [4] Strategic Focus - Amcor's vice-president of corporate venturing and open innovation emphasized the company's commitment to advancing circularity and environmental responsibility through collaboration with start-ups [3] - In early November 2025, Amcor announced an expansion of its printing, lamination, and converting capabilities in North America to better serve the protein packaging market [3]

Core Viewpoint - Sonoco Products Company reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, with significant increases in net sales and net income, primarily driven by acquisitions and operational efficiencies [5][10][19]. Financial Performance - Consolidated net sales reached $1.91 billion, a 49% increase from the prior year, largely due to acquisitions [4][5]. - GAAP net income attributable to Sonoco was $493 million, up 443% from $91 million in the same period in 2024 [4][5]. - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased to $4.96, a 439% rise compared to $0.92 in the previous year [4][5]. - Adjusted operating profit for the quarter was $247 million, a 74% increase year-over-year [4][5]. - Adjusted EBITDA was $328 million, reflecting a 25% increase from the prior year [4][5]. Segment Performance - Consumer Packaging segment net sales grew by 110% to $1.23 billion, driven by the acquisition of Metal Packaging EMEA and strong performance in the U.S. [9][11]. - Industrial Paper Packaging segment net sales decreased by 2% to $588 million, impacted by volume declines [12][16]. - The Consumer Packaging segment achieved an adjusted EBITDA margin of 17%, while the Industrial segment's adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 19% [9][12]. Cash Flow and Debt Management - Operating cash flow for the second quarter was $193 million, with a year-to-date outflow of $15 million [5][18]. - Total debt was reduced by approximately $1.7 billion during the quarter, primarily through divestiture proceeds [5][18]. - The company maintained available liquidity of $1.225 billion, consisting of cash and borrowing capacity [18]. Guidance and Outlook - Sonoco expects continued strong performance in the Consumer Packaging segment for the second half of 2025, with adjusted EBITDA guidance set between $1.3 billion to $1.4 billion [5][19]. - The company anticipates adjusted diluted EPS to target approximately $6.00 for the full year [5][19].

Core Viewpoint - International Paper has completed the divestiture of five European plants to PALM Group to meet regulatory commitments from its acquisition of DS Smith Plc [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - International Paper is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, with operations in over 30 countries and more than 65,000 employees [3]. - The company reported net sales of $18.6 billion for 2024 and acquired DS Smith in 2025, enhancing its position in the North American and EMEA regions [3]. Group 2: Details of the Divestiture - The divestiture includes three plants in Normandy, France, one box plant in Ovar, Portugal, and one box plant in Bilbao, Spain [1]. - This sale was part of the agreement with the European Commission to satisfy obligations related to the acquisition of DS Smith Plc [2]. Group 3: About PALM Group - PALM is a family-owned company based in Aalen, Germany, and is a leading European producer of containerboard, graphic paper, and corrugated packaging [4]. - In 2024, PALM operated five paper mills and 33 corrugated box plants in Europe, employing 4,200 people and achieving a turnover of €2 billion [4].

Core Viewpoint - International Paper is strategically exploring the development of a new sustainable packaging facility in Salt Lake City, Utah, to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions in the U.S. market [1][3]. Group 1: Strategic Growth Plans - The exploration of the new facility is part of International Paper's strategic growth initiative aimed at expanding its manufacturing footprint in the United States [1][3]. - The company recently celebrated the groundbreaking of another sustainable packaging facility in Waterloo, Iowa, indicating a broader commitment to growth in this sector [2]. Group 2: Market Opportunities - Salt Lake City represents a new market for International Paper, providing an opportunity to better serve existing customers and attract new ones in the region [3]. - The proposed facility will utilize cutting-edge technology and equipment to deliver innovative and sustainable packaging solutions to a growing customer base in the western U.S. [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - International Paper is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, and operations in over 30 countries [5]. - The company reported net sales of $18.6 billion for 2024 and acquired DS Smith in 2025, strengthening its position in the North American and EMEA regions [5].