Sonoco invests USD 40m to add 9,000 t of paperboard capacity at Richmond mill
Sonoco will invest USD 40m over two years to modernise its uncoated recycled paperboard mill in Richmond, Virginia, adding about 9,000 tonnes of annual capacity. Work starts in early 2027 in two phases; the second, covering pulping, water systems and automation, is due for completion by end-2028. The mill supplies board for Sonoco's paper cans and lightweight tan bending chip grades sold to outside customers.
Why this mattersA targeted upgrade rather than a new machine, the project adds quality and modest volume to Sonoco's 1.2m-tonne recycled board network feeding its paper cans and external buyers.
- Sonoco will invest USD 40m over two years at its Richmond, Virginia uncoated recycled paperboard mill
- The project adds about 9,000 tonnes of annual capacity
- Construction starts in early 2027; the first phase covers sheet formation, profile control, density and cleanliness
- The second phase, due by end-2028, covers pulping, water systems, automation and employee facilities
- Planned equipment includes a new wet-end pulper, a profiling calender stack, stock preparation upgrades and new automation controls
- Sonoco's North American URB business runs 10 mills with 16 paper machines producing about 1.2m tonnes a year