HARTSVILLE, S.C., Sept. 15, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sonoco (NYSE:SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, has been listed on the 2015 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI), marking the seventh consecutive year it has received the prestigious recognition – the longest consecutive streak of any packaging company currently listed on the index. Sonoco is one of only three global packaging companies to make the DJSI World Index and one of only 60 U.S. companies selected. The honor comes following an in-depth analysis of financial material and economic, environmental and social practices by RobecoSAM’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment of more than 3,500 invited companies.

“Only three global packaging companies were recognized with listings on DJSI World Index in 2015, and I’m proud to say that Sonoco has the longest consecutive streak of any packaging company currently listed,” said Jack Sanders, Sonoco president and CEO. “This honor recognizes our dedication to reducing the environmental footprint from our global operations, providing a safe and healthy workplace for our employees, developing innovative packaging and recycling solutions to meet our customers’ sustainability goals and contributing to the communities where we operate.”

In the assessment, Sonoco received industry-leading scores in Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy, Talent Attraction and Retention, Antitrust Policy, Corporate Governance and Code of Conduct Compliance. More details about Sonoco’s global corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts, including the Company’s recently released 2014-2015 Corporate Responsibility Report, are available at www.sonoco.com/sustainability.

Launched in 1999, DJSI was the first global indices to track the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide in terms of economic, environmental and social criteria. The indices serve as benchmarks for investors who integrate sustainability considerations into their investment strategies and provide an effective platform for companies who want to adopt sustainable best practices. 
 
About Sonoco:
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a global provider of a variety of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and displays and packaging supply chain services. With annualized net sales of approximately $5.0 billion, the Company has 20,800 employees working in more than 330 operations in 34 countries, serving some of the world’s best known brands in some 85 nations. Sonoco is a proud member of the 2015/2016 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information on the Company, visit our website at www.sonoco.com.