Packaging

Bowen Named Senior Vice President of Sonoco Recycling and Internal Supply

Monday 24. November 2008 - Sonoco (NYSE: SON), one of the largest global packaging companies, today announced that Jim Bowen has been named senior vice president, Sonoco Recycling and Internal Supply, according to Jack Sanders, executive vice president, Industrial. The move is effective immediately.

In this new assignment, Bowen will focus on expanding Sonoco Recycling’s business through market development, acquisitions and new services offerings. Sonoco Recycling collects and processes recyclable materials through 46 locations throughout North America including a fleet of trucks and 1,300 trailers. He will also have responsibility for the Company’s internal supply businesses including the Adhesives, Machinery Manufacturing and Forest Products divisions.

“Jim helped build Sonoco Recycling and is the best person to lead its future growth,” said Sanders. “The fact is Sonoco’s recycling capabilities have grown far beyond the original intent of collecting paper to meet our own internal mill supply needs. Today, we also provide residential and commercial recycling services for several communities and even manage the recycling needs of many of Sonoco’s packaging customers. Jim’s leadership and experience will help us successfully manage growth and meet the changing needs of our customers.”

Bowen has been senior vice president since 2002, holding various senior management positions. Prior to that, he served as vice president and general manager, Paper; division vice president, manufacturing, Paper North America; and director of manufacturing. He joined the Company in 1972. Bowen is a graduate of the Pulp and Paper engineering program at North Carolina State University and received an MBA from Duke University.