Sonoco - Retort Packaging Solutions

Responding to the demand for ready-to-eat foods and beverages with industry leading retort technology, Sonoco delivers domestic sourcing and manufacturing capacity, and ongoing product and process innovation.

PROCESSED FOOD AND BEVERAGE PACKAGING MADE SIMPLE

A global packaging company, Sonoco offers a complete line of packaging for processed foods and beverages including retort pouches, blow-molded plastic bottles and containers, thermoformed containers, retortable, easy-open closures and retortable lidstock.

SONOTORT™ RETORT POUCHES

The Sonotort retort pouch product portfolio includes four-ply and three-ply foil structures available in pre-made pouches or roll stock with advanced barrier properties that keep food fresh for up to 18 months. The company is in the process of qualifying a three-ply non-foil structure for microwave use, with plans for commercialisation in 2006. Both clear and opaque structures are available, providing the option to showcase package contents. Opening features include tear notches, laser scoring and re-seal zippers. Sonotort retort pouches comply with all FDA package integrity and stability requirements.

BLOW-MOLDED BOTTLES

Sonoco blow-molded plastic bottles are ideal for dairy and soy-based nutritional beverages, supplements or other drinks. Engineered to meet advanced barrier requirements of these sensitive products, the multi-layer bottles can withstand high processing temperatures. Choose from 10.5floz or 16floz stock sizes. Sonoco's HDPE and PP blow-molded bottle structures feature a threaded closure with shrink sleeve, pressure-sensitive or in-mold labeling options. Custom sizes and shapes are available.

BLOW-MOLDED CONTAINERS

Sized for single or multiple portions, Sonoco blow-molded containers provide barrier structures for extended shelf life and ambient storage. Available with heat-sealed membrane closures or seamed EZO closures, the microwavable plastic package comes with an optional overcap to allow contents to be resealed in the original container.

THERMOFORMED CONTAINERS

Convenient, portable and microwavable, Sonoco's thermoformed plastic containers are an ideal option for processed foods. Using designs with multiple layers to create optimum product performance and processing, the thermoformed containers are available in 5.5oz, 10oz, 12oz, 14oz and 32oz stock sizes. Custom sizes, shapes and colors are also available. Choose from a consumer-friendly heat-sealed membrane or EZO closure. An optional overcap enables leftovers to be stored in the original container.

RETORTABLE CLOSURES

As one of the world's largest producers of steel, aluminum and membrane convenience closures, Sonoco offers a variety of innovative, easy-to-open ends for processed food and beverage metal and plastic packaging.

PEELABLE RETORTABLE LIDSTOCK

For high-barrier and thermal stability in retort applications, Sonoco offers a high-performance closure option for rigid plastic containers. Peelable retort lidstock offers a high-barrier structure that is heat-sealed directly to the rim of the package.

TOTAL PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

Sonoco excels in total packaging solutions. From concept to commercialization, Sonoco can supply individual components for your processed food package or provide a container, a closure and label for your product, then design and fulfill point-of-purchase displays for maximum exposure in the store. With just one supplier you get your product in the package, to the store, and into the hands of consumers quickly and efficiently.

As more consumer products companies make the transition to retort packaging, they need a knowledgeable partner. Sonoco's global technology professionals utilize two research and development centers for retortable packaging: the Packaging Development Center (PDC) in Hartsville, S.C. and the Sonoco Phoenix retort lab in Canton, Ohio. In these high-tech facilities, technical experts apply the latest in materials science, package design, prototyping and testing technology to create customer and product-specific solutions. The PDC also includes a pilot plant to accelerate commercial scale-up. Manufacturing locations across North America ensure your volume requirements can be met.