HARTSVILLE, S.C. -- Sonoco, one of the largest diversified global packaging and services companies, today unveiled its Sonoco Supplier Sustainability Award program. Recipients, including Arcelor Mittal,Buckman International, Staples and W.R. Grace, were recognized during a dinner at the 9th Annual Sonoco/JBE/MYCA Supplier Diversity Business Conference on Tuesday, May 7.

The new supplier sustainability program recognizes the Company's suppliers who demonstrate clear differentiation from their competitors with measurable, strategic and transparent social and environmental responsibility efforts. The idea for the program was first presented to Sonoco's Corporate Sustainability Team in late 2012. Sixty of Sonoco's top suppliers were contacted with a call for entries in January 2013 and candidates' entries were reviewed in April.

"Approximately 15 entrants participated this first year," said Marc Ensign, director, Strategic Sourcing, Sonoco. "We expect to have many more next year, and were very impressed with our suppliers' initiatives in the areas of sustainability, environmental responsibility and diversity.

Award recipients showed definitive leadership in various categories such as water, energy, emission and waste disposal reduction goals; environmental policies; social responsibility reports; and codes of conduct. Learn more about Sonoco's sustainability efforts at http://www.sonoco.com/sustainability.aspx.