SIG is taking its aluminium-layer-free packaging beyond single-serve cartons and into the multi-serve segment. The company has introduced SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier material, which it says can cut the carbon footprint of its aseptic cartons by up to 61 per cent when combined with forest-based polymers.
The new material consists of over 80 per cent paper, eliminating the aluminium layer typically used to shield products from oxygen and light. SIG points out that while aluminium makes up about five per cent of a standard aseptic carton, it can account for up to a quarter of its carbon footprint. By reducing the packaging to two key raw materials, both linked to renewable sources, the company aims to enhance sustainability without compromising function.
SIG assures that the new material retains full shelf life of up to 12 months and provides the same level of protection as traditional aseptic cartons. It is compatible with existing SIG filling lines, requiring only minor, low-cost modifications. Performance remains unchanged, with small-size cartons reaching speeds of up to 24,000 packs per hour and multi-serve formats hitting 15,000 per hour.
Christoph Wegener, chief markets officer at SIG, said, “With our full barrier material with no aluminium layer, we are offering a powerful differentiator and embodiment of sustainability in aseptic carton packaging, unlocking new opportunities for packaging sensitive product categories such as plant-based products, juices, and nutritional beverages.”
The company first introduced Alu-free aseptic cartons in 2010, originally for plain liquid dairy. This latest version expands their suitability to more oxygen-sensitive products like fruit juices, nectars, flavoured milk and plant-based beverages.
Since 2010, SIG has sold over four billion Alu-layer-free packs, including 300 million featuring full-barrier protection.
Looking ahead, SIG’s chief technology officer, Gavin Steiner, outlined ambitions to increase the paper content in its cartons to at least 90 per cent, including closures, by 2030. The company has set an interim goal of 85 per cent without closure this year, aiming to improve both renewability and recyclability.
