AFL Announces Partnership with Sonoco’s EcoReel® Recycling Program

AFL Announces Partnership with Sonoco’s EcoReel® Recycling Program

Duncan, S.C. – July 31, 2023 | Industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and equipment manufacturer AFL announced its partnership with global packaging leader, Sonoco to provide a free wooden reel removal and recycling service for AFL customers. Sonoco’s EcoReel® Recycling Program is the industry’s most comprehensive and cost-effective nailed wood reel recycling program.

Through this program, AFL and Sonoco aim to address the growing concern of wooden reel waste in the telecommunications industry. AFL customers can now easily have their wooden reels picked up for reuse and recycling, effectively reducing waste and promoting responsible recycling practices.

“Environmental sustainability aligns with AFL’s core values, and this partnership reflects our commitment to preserving the environment while supporting our customers’ sustainability goals,” explained Geoff VanderVeen, Environment, Health and Safety Director at AFL. 

For more than two decades, the EcoReel Recycling Program has diverted wooden reels from landfills in the United States by picking up, repairing and refurbishing wood reels before returning to circulation for reuse.

In one five-year period, the EcoReel program has:

•      Received nearly two billion pounds of reels for recycling
•      Saved end-users more than $36 million in disposal costs
•      Protected more than 300,000 trees

This partnership between these companies signifies a significant step towards a greener future. By providing the option for recycling of wooden reels, AFL and its customers are actively contributing to reducing their carbon footprint.

Please visit our website for more information about AFL’s partnership with Sonoco’s EcoReel Recycling Program.

About AFL
Founded in 1984, AFL is an international manufacturer providing end-to-end solutions to the energy, service provider, enterprise, hyperscale and industrial markets. The company’s products are in use in over 130 countries and include fiber optic cable and hardware, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectivity, test and inspection equipment, fusion splicers and training. AFL also offers a wide variety of services supporting data center, enterprise, wireless and outside plant applications.

Headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and read our blog.

Contacts
Geoff VanderVeen
Environment, Health and Safety Director, AFL
864.433.5408
Geoff.Vanderveen@AFLglobal.com

Nancy Rice
Public Relations Specialist, AFL
Nancy.Rice@AFLglobal.com
864.486.7386