Sonoco, one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, honored five companies with Supplier Sustainability Awards at the annual Sonoco Supplier Conference, May 16, 2017. The 2017 award recipients are: Bristol Global Mobility, Pro Label Inc., Superior Group, Mondi Group and CARLSON WAGONLIT.

The Supplier Sustainability Awards recognize Sonoco suppliers who demonstrate clear differentiation from their competitors with measurable, strategic and transparent social, diversity and environmental responsibility efforts. Award recipients showed definitive leadership in various categories such as having strong environmental policies; specific goals and progress in water, energy, emission and waste disposal reduction; social responsibility reports; and codes of conduct for their suppliers.

“We were extremely impressed with our suppliers’ initiatives in the areas of sustainability, environmental responsibility and diversity, said Marc Ensign, director, Global Category Management, Sonoco. “These organizations are active in their communities, are innovative and consider their impacts on the Earth.”

The “Rookie of the Year” award in sustainability was presented to Bristol Global Mobility, who improved how Sonoco associates relocate, implementing a process where employees can intentionally review moveable items to determine what they no longer need, then choose if they wish to donate the items to charity. This initiative lightens the moving load, saves fuel and helps others.

The “Most Improved” honor went to Pro Label Inc., a Florida-based label manufacturer with a strong human rights policy that is part of its supplier code of conduct. The company also has strong waste reduction goals and a high percentage of recycling.

Superior Group was honored with a Sonoco Sustainability Award. A leader in diversity, Superior Group’s leadership is active on several national diversity boards and is changing their technology to keep up with the pace of global commerce.

Mondi Group was also honored with a Sonoco Sustainability Award. A repeat honoree, Mondi Group hosts an internal “Making a Difference Day” where employees are permitted to volunteer for one day at the cause of their choice.

Carlson Wagonlit received a Sonoco Sustainability Award as well. The company makes a real effort to take care of those who are most disadvantaged around the globe. Last year, the company supported the Carbon for Water project in Kenya that enabled 2,700 water filters to be distributed.