March 29, 2023. Sonoco has upgraded its Hartsville wastewater treatment site to significantly reduce carbon emissions. The company began treating wastewater from its paper operations in the 1950’s and in 1987, an anaerobic lagoon was added to improve the system’s efficiency.
In partnership with renewable natural gas (RNG) developer GreenGasUSA, new biogas equipment now converts any gaseous methane to pipeline quality renewable natural gas for use in homes and businesses using the existing interstate pipeline system. It’s expected to reduce Sonoco’s greenhouse gas emissions by 8,000 metric tons per year and provide renewable energy to South Carolina.
“This GreenGasUSA partnership allows us to take our efforts one step further by turning a waste gas into a valuable resource for the community while reducing our carbon footprint,” said Sonoco Vice President of Environmental, Sustainability, & Technical Services Elizabeth Rhue.
“We are excited about Sonoco’s latest efforts to further reduce methane emissions, one of the most potent greenhouse gases, and condition it to a valuable, renewable fuel for end-users. Sonoco’s Sustainability Team is setting the standard for environmental stewardship, sustainability and closing emission loops to create a circular economy,” said CEO and Founder of GreenGasUSA Marc Fetten.
South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers, a champion of GreenGasUSA’s work to capture emissions from agribusiness, also applauded the project and partnership.
“GreenGas and Sonoco are leading the way in reducing our state’s carbon footprint. Innovative projects like this strengthen South Carolina’s agribusiness industry and lead us to a more sustainable future,” said South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers.