Newsweek Ranks Sonoco One of the 100 Greenest Large American Companies


Hartsville, S.C., Sept. 23, 2009 - Sonoco (NYSE: SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, has been ranked as one of the 100 greenest large companies in the United States in Newsweek's inaugural Green Rankings, which evaluated the country's 500 largest companies on their environmental performance, green policies and reputation. Sonoco was listed 94th in the rankings.

Leading environmental researchers KLD Research & Analytics, Trucost, and CorporateRegister.com worked with Newsweek for more than a year to develop the list and rankings. To help level the playing field for companies in carbon-intensive businesses, more than half of each company's Green Score was based on its environmental policies and reputation. The 500 companies included in the rankings are the largest U.S. companies as measured by revenue, market capitalization and number of employees.

"When you look at the companies that made the top 100 and consider the in-depth research that was done in compiling the rankings, we're extremely proud to be recognized," said Harris E. DeLoach Jr., Sonoco chairman, president and chief executive officer, noting that Sonoco had the best ranking of any U.S. based packaging company. "It means that our commitment to sustainability is recognized by the best and that is very gratifying for our employees and all of our other stakeholders."

DeLoach said the recognition in Newsweek's rankings tops off an exciting week for the Company as it pertains to sustainability. Sonoco recently was selected to the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI), which tracks global leaders in corporate sustainability. Of the approximately 3,000 companies globally that were invited to participate in the program, only 10 percent were selected for the DJSI World. Sonoco also announced this week that it has launched a new brand - called True Blue(TM) - to serve as an umbrella brand for its sustainable products and services.

About Sonoco

Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a $4.1 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. For more information on the Company and its commitment to sustainability, visit our Web site at http://sonoco.com/.

About Newsweek

Trusted for more than 75 years, Newsweek provides in-depth analysis and insight into the most significant issues of the day. Its audience of loyal, educated, and engaged individuals is passionate about both national and international news. With some of the most influential journalists in the business, Newsweek speaks with one global voice through its 11 print editions and online at Newsweek.com. Bringing its audience well-reasoned opinions, expert voices, and incisive reporting, Newsweek drives and shapes global conversations every day, every week, every year.

About Our Data Partners

KLD Research & Analytics (www.kld.com): analysis of environmental, social and governance performance by companies worldwide, served as lead research partner, calculated the final rankings.

Trucost (www.trucost.com): specializes in quantitative environmental performance measurement.

CorporateRegister.com (www.corporateregister.com): the world's largest online directory of social responsibility, sustainability and environmental reporting.

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