3 billionth SIG aseptic carton pack with no aluminum layer delivered to the European dairy industry
This month sees SIG hit another important milestone in the company’s aluminum-free journey and achieve another first for the industry, as the 3 billionth SIG aseptic carton pack using packaging material without an aluminum layer is delivered for use in the European dairy industry.
SIG is the pioneer in the field of aseptic carton packaging materials without aluminum layer since 2010, as it strives to create ‘packaging for better’, which gives more to people and the planet than it takes out. Expanding its aluminum-free solutions is key to SIG’s strategy for lowering the carbon footprint of its aseptic cartons even further and achieving higher recyclability of carton packs, by simplifying the material structure and increasing the proportion of paper.
Three billion SIG carton packs with no aluminum layer have now been sold to the dairy industry with SIG Terra Alu-free and SIG Terra Alu-free + Forest-based polymers packaging material. Both of these unique aluminum-free packaging materials set a precedent in sustainable packaging and are a huge step forward for the dairy sector. Growing consumer demand for sustainable yet convenient packaging options continues to create an important pull factor for food and beverage companies to transition to even more sustainable packaging solutions as part of the product lifecycle.
Robert Kummer, Sales Director Aseptic Cartons Europe at SIG: “Our customers want to minimize the footprint of their products every step of the way and we work closely together to innovate even more sustainable food and beverage packaging solutions for their needs. Having now delivered our 3 billionth carton pack without an aluminum layer to the dairy industry, this is a first and important milestone on our journey to end the use of aluminum in our packs."
With a high share of forest-based renewable materials, a lightweight and space-saving design, designed for full recyclability, and produced using 100% renewable electricity, SIG carton packs are the proven lowest carbon footprint choice compared with alternative packaging options1. SIG’s packaging solutions, using unique packaging materials without aluminum layer, have set the high benchmark in sustainability even further. SIG Terra Alu-free cuts the carbon footprint of SIG’s standard packaging material by 23%2. SIG Terra Alu-free + Forest-based polymers, which is 100% linked to renewable, forest-based materials via a certified mass-balancing system, takes this even further, offering a 63% lower carbon footprint compared to SIG’s standard packaging material2. In 2023 SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier further extended SIG’s range of lower carbon packaging materials without aluminum layer for use with oxygen-sensitive products such as fruit juices, nectars, and plant-based beverages.
José Matthijsse, President & General Manager Europe at SIG: “The benefits of our pioneering aluminum-free packaging solutions push the boundaries when it comes to mixing sustainability and convenience. We continue to strive to develop our alu-free options further, including ambitious future plans to develop a full-barrier aluminum-free aseptic packaging structure with at least 90% paper content by 2030, with an interim target of at least 85% by 2025.”
SIG packaging materials without aluminum layer can be run on installed SIG filling lines, enabling customers to react quickly to changing market requirements. Only minor modifications are required, without the need for additional CAPEX.
1 https://www.sig.biz/en/carton-packaging/sustainability/life-cycle-assessments
About SIG
SIG is a leading solutions provider of packaging for better – better for our customers, for consumers, and for the world. With our unique portfolio of aseptic carton, bag-in-box, and spouted pouch, we work in partnership with our customers to bring food and beverage products to consumers around the world in a safe, sustainable, and affordable way. Our technology and outstanding innovation capabilities enable us to provide our customers with versatile packaging systems and solutions for innovative products and smart operations, all to address the ever-changing needs of consumers. Sustainability is integral to our business and guides us on our journey to create packaging for better – packaging that gives more to people and the planet than it takes out.
Founded in 1853, SIG is headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. The skills and experience of our approximately 9,000 employees worldwide enable us to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our customers in over 100 countries. In 2023, SIG produced 53 billion packs and generated €3.2 billion in revenue. SIG also has an AA ESG rating by MSCI, a 13.9 (low risk) score by Sustainalytics, Platinum CSR rating by EcoVadis, and is included in the FTSE4Good Index. For more information, visit our website.
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