Sonoco’s landmark acquisition of Eviosys for $3.9 billion marks a defining moment in the global packaging industry. This strategic move has established Sonoco as the worldwide leader in metal packaging, particularly in food cans and aerosol containers. The December 2024 transaction aligns perfectly with Sonoco’s portfolio transformation strategy, culminating in the rebranding of Eviosys as Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA on April 2, 2025. This business decision has dramatically shifted Sonoco’s EMEA sales contribution, expanding from a modest 14% to an impressive 40%+ of their global sales portfolio.
Transforming the Metal Packaging Landscape
The Sonoco-Eviosys deal represents more than a simple corporate acquisition—it’s a complete industry reshaping. By bringing together two packaging powerhouses, Sonoco has positioned itself at the forefront of innovation in an increasingly competitive market. The €3.615 billion transaction complements Sonoco’s existing capabilities while adding significant European market presence.
Prior to this acquisition, Sonoco had already established itself as a reliable packaging provider, but lacked the extensive European footprint needed for truly global operations. With the rebranding to Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA now complete, the company can leverage centuries of combined expertise. This strategic move strengthens Sonoco’s ability to serve multinational brands requiring consistent packaging solutions across multiple markets.
The timing couldn’t be better as consumer packaged goods companies increasingly seek sustainable packaging alternatives that maintain product integrity while reducing environmental impact. I’ve noticed this trend gaining momentum across food and beverage sectors, with metal packaging offering superior recyclability compared to many alternatives. This acquisition allows Sonoco to meet these growing demands on a global scale.
For packaging industry professionals, this move signals a shift toward greater consolidation and integration of technologies. Executives from both companies have emphasized the complementary nature of their operations, with minimal overlap in existing markets. This creates an opportunity for enhanced distribution channels worldwide, particularly as premium packaging solutions continue gaining market share.
Operational Excellence and Financial Growth
The acquisition has nearly quadrupled Sonoco’s metal packaging capabilities, establishing an impressive manufacturing network across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The combined entity now operates 45 manufacturing facilities spanning 17 countries throughout the EMEA region. With over 6,400 employees bringing diverse expertise and technical knowledge, Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA represents a formidable presence in the global packaging industry.
Financial projections for the newly formed division are equally impressive. Eviosys’ 2024 revenue is expected to reach $2.5 billion, accompanied by an adjusted EBITDA of approximately $430 million. This performance reflects over 50% growth since 2021, demonstrating the company’s resilience and expansion during challenging economic conditions. Such strong financial performance validates Sonoco’s investment decision and provides a solid foundation for future growth.
Operational synergies will play a crucial role in maximizing the acquisition’s value. Sonoco anticipates benefits exceeding $100 million through strategic optimization initiatives across the combined organization. These improvements will come from multiple areas, including coordinated sourcing strategies, streamlined supply chain operations, and manufacturing efficiencies achieved through shared best practices.
For industry observers, these projected synergies highlight the potential of thoughtful integration in creating value beyond simple market consolidation. The combined company can leverage economies of scale in raw material procurement while maintaining the specialty capabilities that make each facility unique. This balanced approach should preserve product quality while enhancing competitive positioning globally, particularly in premium packaging segments.
Market Expansion and Innovation Leadership
This strategic acquisition has dramatically expanded Sonoco’s addressable market for metal packaging solutions to approximately $25 billion worldwide. By combining complementary strengths, the new entity can serve a broader customer base with more diverse requirements. This expanded reach positions Sonoco to capture greater market share while developing new product categories.
The enhanced manufacturing and printing capabilities will directly benefit Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brands seeking consistent, high-quality packaging solutions across international markets. These capabilities are increasingly important as brands expand globally while maintaining strict quality standards. With facilities strategically located throughout EMEA, Sonoco can now provide responsive, localized service while ensuring consistent global standards.
Innovation stands at the forefront of this newly combined entity’s strategy. Proprietary technologies like Horizon™, Orbit™ 66, and Ecopeel™ demonstrate the commitment to packaging excellence and differentiation. These innovations address specific market needs while offering sustainable alternatives to traditional packaging methods.
The company’s R&D capabilities now benefit from combined expertise and resources, accelerating the development of next-generation packaging solutions. This enhanced innovation pipeline will help consumer products companies address changing market demands and regulatory requirements. Particularly noteworthy is the focus on premium packaging designs that enhance shelf appeal while maintaining functional benefits like extended shelf life and product protection.
Sustainable Packaging Solutions at Scale
Both Sonoco and Eviosys have historically prioritized sustainability, making their combination particularly powerful in advancing environmentally responsible packaging. The merged entity emphasizes 100% recyclable metal cans as core offerings that reduce waste and emissions throughout the product lifecycle. This focus aligns with growing consumer and regulatory pressure for more sustainable packaging options.
The achievement of Ecovadis platinum rating for environmental practices by Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA represents exceptional commitment to sustainability. Scoring a perfect 100/100, this recognition places the company among the elite 1% of organizations globally for environmental performance. Such third-party validation demonstrates the genuine commitment beyond mere marketing claims.
This shared dedication to sustainability and innovation aligns perfectly with Sonoco’s corporate purpose of driving impactful solutions for customers and the planet. The combined resources allow for greater investment in sustainable technologies and processes that might be financially challenging for smaller companies. This scale enables more aggressive pursuit of environmental improvement initiatives while maintaining business viability.
For consumer goods companies seeking improved environmental performance without sacrificing packaging functionality, the expanded Sonoco represents an ideal partner. The company can now offer sustainable options across more product categories and geographic regions than ever before. This comprehensive approach makes implementing sustainable packaging strategies more straightforward for global brands looking to meet diverse regional requirements.
Leadership Vision and Future Growth
The leadership structure of Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA reflects a thoughtful approach to integration and future growth. Tomás López serves as CEO of the division, bringing continuity and regional expertise to the operation. Meanwhile, Sonoco COO Rodger Fuller oversees the integration process to ensure operational excellence and the realization of projected synergies.
Sonoco CEO Howard Coker’s statement captures the strategic vision behind this acquisition: “This combination creates a global leader in metal packaging with significant opportunities to unlock additional capabilities.” This perspective emphasizes that the transaction represents more than market consolidation—it creates a platform for innovative growth and expanded service offerings. The integration honors over 200 years of combined expertise in metal packaging excellence.
This leadership approach balances respect for established practices with the drive for continuous improvement. By preserving regional expertise while implementing global best practices, the company can maintain customer relationships while enhancing operational performance. The leadership team has emphasized that cultural integration remains a priority, recognizing that people drive ultimate success.
Looking ahead, Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA is positioned to capitalize on multiple growth trends. The shift toward sustainable packaging, premiumization in consumer goods, and increasing demand for extended shelf life all favor metal packaging solutions. With its expanded capabilities and geographic reach, the company can address these trends more effectively than either predecessor organization could independently. For those interested in innovative packaging trends, this newly formed entity represents a significant force in shaping future developments.
Connect and Learn More
The formation of Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA represents a transformative industry development with implications for packaging suppliers, consumer goods manufacturers, and sustainability initiatives. For media inquiries related to this acquisition, contact eviosys@grayling.com or reach out to Isabelle Le Graët, Corporate Communication and Customer Experience Manager, at isabelle.legraet@eviosys.com.
For comprehensive information about Sonoco Metal Packaging EMEA’s capabilities and innovations, visit their dedicated website at metalpackagingemea.sonoco.com. Additional resources include Sonoco’s corporate website (www.sonoco.com) and the legacy Eviosys website (www.eviosys.com), which provides historical context for this industry-changing combination.
This strategic acquisition highlights the dynamic nature of the global packaging industry, where innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence increasingly determine market leadership. As consumer preferences and regulatory requirements continue evolving, companies like Sonoco are positioning themselves to deliver packaging solutions that meet these changing demands while supporting brand owners’ business objectives and sustainability goals.
The integration of these two packaging leaders embodies Sonoco’s vision of “Better Packaging. Better Life,” reflecting the belief that packaging plays an essential role in protecting products, reducing waste, and enhancing consumer experiences. As the integration continues, industry observers will watch closely to see how this newly formed powerhouse shapes the future of metal packaging globally.