SIG introduces aluminium-free aseptic carton packs for juices

GERMANY – SIG, a leading packaging solutions provider, has launched one-litre aseptic carton packs made from its innovative Terra Alu-free + Full Barrier material, eliminating the need for an aluminium layer. 

According to the company, this development significantly reduces the environmental impact of its packaging, particularly for the juice category and larger multi-serve formats. 

The new cartons, already adopted by retailer Aldi in parts of Germany for its Rio d’oro grape juice, reportedly lower the carbon footprint of standard multi-serve cartons by 29%.

The aluminium-free material, comprising over 80% paper with a thin polymer coating, maintains the protective qualities and 12-month shelf life of traditional SIG aseptic cartons. 

It shields contents from oxygen, light, moisture, and aroma loss, making it suitable for products like juices, plant-based drinks, and flavoured milk. 

“This breakthrough innovation has the potential to streamline the recycling process for aseptic cartons, only requiring the separation of paperboard and polymers,”  José Matthijsse, SIG Europe president and general manager, said. 

“At SIG, one of our goals is to increase the paper content in our aseptic cartons to at least 90% by 2030, creating a regenerative food packaging system.”

Meanwhile, the cartons are filled by Quargentan, an Italian food and beverage producer, using existing SIG Midi 12 Aseptic filling machines, which can produce up to 15,000 multi-serve cartons per hour.

According to SIG, minimal adjustments to filling lines allow manufacturers to seamlessly switch between aluminium-free and standard materials, enhancing operational flexibility.

“When paired with wood-based polymers, the material can reduce the carbon footprint of multi-serve cartons by up to 61%, a significant step toward sustainable packaging.”

In a statement, SIG highlighted also the global availability of this packaging solution, which builds on the success of its aluminium-free single-serve cartons. 

The company’s focus on reducing raw materials from three to two aligns with growing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging. 

A recent industry report noted that sustainable packaging innovations are increasingly influencing purchasing decisions, with 68% of European consumers preferring products with minimal environmental impact.

In related news, SIG recently announced plans to expand its advanced aseptic carton production facility in Querétaro, Mexico, to meet rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions in the Americas. 

This expansion aims to enhance production capacity and incorporate the latest eco-friendly technologies, further solidifying SIG’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting recyclability in the packaging industry.

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