Packaging giant Sealed Air Corp. has selected Weber Shandwick as global communications agency of record for the $7.7B Charlotte-based operation.

sealed airThe Interpublic unit edged finalists MSLGroup and Gyro, in a competitive pitch, said Sealed Air spokesperson (and Weber Shandwick alum) Ken Aurichio. A dozen firms responded to the RFP.

Aurichio said Sealed Air works with dozens of agencies throughout the world and that work with transition to Weber Shandwick during the course of 2015.

Weber Shandwick will develop a range of PR, advertising and social media activities as Sealed Air works to position itself as a leading provider of sustainable solutions.

Last month, Sealed Air revamped its website to showcase its expertise as a knowledge-based innovator focused on sustainability.

The company believes its Bubble Wrap brand cushioning, Cryovac food packaging and Diversey cleaning/hygiene items ensure a safer and less wasteful food supply chain, protects good and improves health through clean environments.

Sealed Air, which will report full-year results Feb. 10, posted a 98 percent surge in net to $191.3M on flat earnings.

Weber Shandwick's win is one of its first global integrated assignments since the October launch of the Sawmill full-service advertising unit.

Paul Jensen heads Weber Shandwick's corporate practice.

Jim Whaley joined Sealed Air in late 2013 as SVP of corporate comms.