Sonoco Invests $40M to Modernize Richmond Paperboard Mill
Paper Recycling | 2026-11-04 06:00:41
The investment reinforces Sonoco's efforts to enhance its North American recycled paperboard, to meet evolving customer requirements.
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SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Sonoco Products Company (NYSE: SON) has committed $40 million to upgrade and expand its uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) manufacturing operations in Richmond, Virginia, over the next two years. The project is expected to strengthen production efficiency, improve product quality and add approximately 9,000 tons to the mill's annual capacity.
The investment reinforces Sonoco's efforts to enhance its North American recycled paperboard, to meet evolving customer requirements. The Richmond facility plays an important role in supplying materials for the company's paper-based can packaging business. In addition, it also produces lightweight Tan Bending Chip (TBC) grades used across various industrial applications.
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Work on the modernization programme is scheduled to begin in early 2027. The initial phase of the programme will focus mainly on sheet formation, profile control, board density and cleanliness, alongside upgrades to manufacturing capabilities. A second phase, expected to conclude by the end of 2028, will cover pulping operations, water management systems, automation and workplace improvements.
Sonoco plans to carry out the work without significant production interruptions. The mill's existing annual output of approximately 120,000 tons will be maintained throughout the construction period, it said.
The Richmond expansion represents another strategic investment by the company in recycled fibre-based packaging production and manufacturing.
POLL
What is the primary objective of Sonoco's $40 million investment in its Richmond mill?
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much is Sonoco investing in its Richmond recycled paperboard mill?
Sonoco Products Company has committed $40 million over the next two years to modernize and expand its uncoated recycled paperboard manufacturing operations in Richmond, Virginia. The investment is intended to improve manufacturing efficiency, enhance product quality and strengthen the facility's competitiveness.
- How much additional production capacity will the Sonoco expansion create?
The modernization and expansion project is expected to add approximately 9,000 tons to the Richmond mill's annual production capacity. Its existing annual output of around 120,000 tons will be maintained during the construction period.
- What upgrades are planned under Sonoco's Richmond mill modernization programme?
The first phase will focus on sheet formation, profile control, board density, cleanliness and manufacturing capabilities. The second phase will involve improvements to pulping operations, water management systems, automation and workplace facilities. The overall programme is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.
