Sonoco

Hartsville, South Carolina, USA, 21 March 2007 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Sonoco (NYSE:SON), a global packaging company, today announced that its 2006 Annual Report to shareholders is now available on the company's Web site at http://www.sonoco.com/, in the investor relations section. The annual report entitled, "Sustainability: Balancing Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibility," reviews Sonoco's 2006 record financial performance and provides an overview of strategic priorities for sustained, profitable growth in 2007.

"Throughout its history, Sonoco has pursued sustainability by working to enhance the 'triple bottom line'," said Harris E. DeLoach, Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer. "By balancing economic performance, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship within our business strategy and culture, Sonoco is becoming more competitive and better prepared to meet the challenges of the future."

The annual report features an overview of Sonoco's sustainability strategy and focuses on the company's efforts in the areas of economic performance, community service, environmental stewardship, governance and ethics, workplace and customer satisfaction, and product quality. To illustrate its commitment to sustainability, Sonoco used its EcoTect(R) tan bending chip paper to cover the annual report. The paper, which is produced at its Hutchinson, Kansas, mill and primarily sold to manufacturers of folding cartons, is produced from 100% recycled paper with a minimum of 80% post consumer content.

In addition to reviewing Sonoco's sustainability strategy and actions, the 2006 annual report provides useful disclosure of financial information, including detailed discussion of the company's financial results and various aspects of its financial statements.

Sonoco has mailed the 2006 annual report and proxy statement to its shareholders in preparation of its annual meeting, which will be held 18 April 2007, at the Center Theater, 212 North Fifth Street, Hartsville, South Carolina, beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern Time.

About Sonoco

Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a USD 3.7 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, visit http://www.sonoco.com/.

Source: Sonoco