SIG delivers three billionith aluminum-layer-free aseptic carton to the European dairy industry

In an important milestone in the company’s aluminum-free, more sustainable journey, SIG has delivered its three billionth aseptic carton using packaging material without an aluminum layer for use in the European dairy industry.

As a pioneer in the field of aseptic-carton packaging materials without an aluminum layer since 2010, 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 aluminum-free packaging materials set a precedent in sustainable packaging and are a 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.

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 a proven lower carbon-footprint choice compared to alternative packaging options, SIG’s packaging solutions, using materials without an aluminum layer, have set a high benchmark in sustainability. SIG Terra Alu-free cuts the carbon footprint of SIG’s standard packaging material by 23%. 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 material. In 2023 SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier further extended SIG’s range of lower-carbon packaging materials without an aluminum layer for use with oxygen-sensitive products such as fruit juices, nectars, and plant-based beverages.

SIG packaging materials without an 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 capital expense.