Case Study: Sonoco boosts recovery of rigid paper containers with AMP's AI sorting technology

Sonoco, a global packaging solutions leader, partnered with AMP Robotics to create a new material category within AMP’s neural network specific to rigid paper containers

Sonoco, a global packaging solutions leader, sought to enhance the recovery of its highly recyclable rigid paper containers at materials recovery facilities (MRFs). The challenge was that these unique items were often misunderstood and not collected due to a lack of sorting capability. Sonoco partnered with vendor AMP to find a technology solution that could be easily integrated into existing MRF operations.

AMP implemented its AI platform, AMP Neuron, and developed a new material category specific to Sonoco's rigid paper containers. Through a collaborative training process, the neural network was taught to accurately identify the containers despite physical deformations. This solution enabled MRFs with AMP Cortex™ systems to efficiently sort the material. As a result, Sonoco is now recovering an additional 11 tons of material per month, creating more post-consumer recycled content and earning a 2022 Innovator Award for the partnership with AMP.

Sonoco

Elizabeth Rhue

Vice President of Environemntal, Sustainability, and Technical Services