Sonoco announced September 15 that for the second year in a row it has been selected to join the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSI World). DJSI World comprises the leading global companies in terms of economic performance, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes are determined following an annual review by SAM, an investment boutique focused on sustainability investing, together with Dow Jones Indexes.
“We are very pleased to be one of only two U.S.-based containers and packaging companies to make this elite group of DJSI World companies. It recognizes the importance Sonoco places on being a leader in sustainable packaging and provider of recycling services to many of the largest consumer brands in the world,” said Harris E. DeLoach Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer.
Following SAM’s largest global analysis of corporate sustainability leadership, 48 companies will join DJSI World, while 46 firms will be deleted, resulting in a total of 318 index components. All changes will become effective with the opening of equity markets on September 20, 1010. The DJSI follows a best-in-class approach and includes sustainability leaders from each industry on a global and regional level. The annual review of the DJSI family is based on a thorough analysis of corporate sustainability efforts, assessing issues such as corporate governance, risk management, climate change mitigation, supply chain standards and branding. It accounts for general as well as industry specific sustainability criteria for each of the 57 sectors defined according to the Industry Classification Benchmark (ICB). For more on the results, see www.sustainability-indexes.com.
DeLoach pointed out that Sonoco’s selection to DJSI World for 2010/2011 was a result of significant improvement in its ranking in a number of economic, environmental stewardship and social responsibility factors. “Overall, the company’s 2010 score improved 14 percent from 2009, which reinforces the progress we’re making in all of our global operations. In addition, the company received best-in-class marks in our industry for advancements in product stewardship, climate strategy, customer relationship management, code of conduct and stakeholder engagement.”
About Sonoco
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a $3.6 billion global manufacturer of consumer and industrial products and provider of packaging services, with about 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in some 85 nations. Sonoco is a proud member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index