Sonoco’s EnviroCan Metal Bottom rigid paper container has been pre-qualified to carry the How2Recycle ‘Check Locally’ label.

The company claims that EnviroCan paper container body is made of 100% recycled fiber, with 90% derived from post-consumer resources, balancing responsible sourcing with safety. The metal bottom end is crafted from recycled steel.

The How2Recycle label provides consumers with clear recycling instructions and showcases Sonoco’s efforts in developing eco-friendly packaging for global customers.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) commissioned by the company reveals that recycling a paper container with a steel bottom end can reduce global warming potential by 23.5% compared to landfilling steel.

This is primarily due to the reduction in mining for new iron ore. Steel is not only the world’s most recycled material, but also a significant component in reducing environmental impact.

How2Recycle enables companies to convey the recyclability of their packaging precisely. The system was designed to offer transparent information to consumers in the US and Canada.

Sonoco Global Sustainability vice-president Scott Byrne said: “With the How2Recycle pre-qualification, the EnviroCan solution meets customers’ performance expectations while providing quantifiable sustainable improvements.

“It’s a smart, reliable choice for brand owners to meet their sustainability goals and help drive the circular economy forward.”

Sonoco notes that the EnviroCan Metal Bottom is available in various sizes.

GreenBlue is the parent company of How2Recycle, their executive director, Paul Nowak, said: “With this effort, Sonoco is advancing sustainable packaging by not only improving the recyclability of their packaging but also ensuring that its product’s disposal instructions are easily understood by consumers.”

In January 2025, Sonoco unveiled its plans to open its first global capability centre in Hyderabad, India.