Sonoco has begun receiving renewable power under a long-term virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with ENGIE North America, marking a major step in the company’s U.S. decarbonization strategy.
The agreement covers an estimated 140 megawatts of wind power annually from ENGIE’s Big Sampson Wind Project in Crockett County, Texas. Power deliveries commenced following the project’s entry into commercial operation, with the 15-year contract expected to supply more than 83% of Sonoco’s U.S. electricity needs based on 2025 consumption levels.
The VPPA is tied to approximately 52% of the wind project’s expected output and supports Sonoco’s science-based climate targets, which call for a 25% reduction in global Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030 compared with a 2020 baseline. Renewable energy credits associated with the agreement are projected to lower the company’s baseline carbon emissions by roughly 19%.
Completed in late 2025, the Big Sampson Wind Project comprises 60 turbines rated at 4.5 MW each, for a total installed capacity of 270 MW. Beyond its environmental impact, the project is expected to generate more than $60 million in local tax revenues over its operating life and supports long-term employment in the region.
For Sonoco, the VPPA represents its first off-site renewable energy project, reinforcing a broader sustainability strategy that also includes energy efficiency initiatives and packaging innovation. For ENGIE, the project adds to its expanding North American renewable portfolio, as corporate buyers increasingly turn to long-term power agreements to secure clean energy and manage emissions exposure.
Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a global provider of sustainable metal and fiber-based packaging for consumer and industrial markets. Headquartered in the United States, the company operates in more than 40 countries and employs approximately 22,500 people worldwide.
ENGIE North America is a leading developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy and energy infrastructure assets across the United States and Canada, supporting customers’ decarbonization and energy transition strategies.
Source: Sonoco
