Novel Products, Steady Growth

"2011 proved to be a challenging year," said Sonoco's Chairman and CEO Harris E. DeLoach, Jr. "In addition to the unexpected decline in industrial-related volumes at year end, we faced escalating raw material, energy, freight, and other costs during the year and productivity was well below our historical standards. Despite these significant headwinds, Sonoco achieved record sales, while achieving our second highest base earnings before interest and taxes and the third highest base earnings in Company history."