Sonoco Opens New Protective Packaging Testing Lab

Hartsville, South Carolina, USA, 21 August 2007 -- Sonoco (NYSE: SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, has opened a new testing laboratory in St. Joseph, Michigan, to provide protective packaging testing services for Whirlpool and Maytag laundry and other small appliances.

Through a new multi-year contract, Sonoco will conduct all testing services for Whirlpool at the state-of-the-art laboratory, including hydraulic vibration system analysis, compression testing, drop testing, horizontal impact testing, and simulated harsh environment testing. As a leading provider of custom-designed and engineered protective packaging solutions, Sonoco also operates an ISTA certified testing laboratory in Nashville, Tennessee, that is used to test protective packaging for a number of household appliances, heating and air conditioning units, office furnishings, automotive, fitness equipment, and lawn and garden products.

“Sonoco has been providing Whirlpool with custom-engineered protective packaging for many of its home appliances for more than a decade. This new facility is an extension of our relationship and is dedicated to providing accurate and timely lab testing to assure Whirlpool that the packaging used to protect its appliances has been successfully engineered to meet the rigors of transport, storage, and retail distribution,” said Jeffrey J. Stafford, vice president and general manager of Sonoco’s Protective Packaging division. “The facility has been strategically located near the Whirlpool Benton Harbor headquarters, so that the company can have direct access to the facility and our packaging engineers without having to manage its day-to-day operations.”

Sonoco’s protective packaging system is made from 100% recycled paperboard and is engineered to withstand the harshest environment. Using its proprietary Sonopost® cornerposts and Sonobase® carrier systems, Sonoco protective packaging provides advanced vertical compression strength for higher, safer product stacking; superior clamping protection with optional cross braces to help secure product integrity; exceptional beam strength; and cushioning, structure, and stability throughout distribution.

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/.