As SIG experiences a shift in demand towards aseptic cartons without an aluminum layer, Hochwald, one of the leading dairies in Europe, is at the forefront of this move as it launches UHT milk in SIG cartons without an aluminum layer. Using the packaging material SIG Terra Alu-free further reduces the already low carbon footprint of SIG standard packaging material by up to 34%.
SIG was the first in its industry to launch a packaging material without an aluminum layer for aseptic carton packs, and SIG customers have now filled more than 3.6 billion liters of food in aluminum-layer-free aseptic cartons from SIG. The company has used this broad expertise and experience to constantly expand its SIG Terra portfolio of sustainable packaging innovations. With the choice of SIG Terra Alu-free, Hochwald sets an example of enabling consumers to make a more sustainable choice, including reducing CO2e emissions by simplifying the carton’s material structure. The environmental advantages are clearly communicated to consumers on the outside of the carton pack.
SIG Terra Alu-free packaging material is made from up to 82% FSC™-certified renewable paperboard, with ultra-thin polymer layers to protect food and beverage products over long periods of time, without the need for refrigeration.
“We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions by at least 50% within ten years, as we continuously strive to protect the environment. Our partnership with SIG is a building block in achieving this goal—by using SIG Terra Alu-free packaging material for our UHT milk products in SIG MidiBloc and SIG SlimlineBloc carton packs, the renewable share of the packaging is increased, and CO2e emissions are significantly reduced, as no aluminum layer is used.”
– Volker Kölsch, Head of Procurement at Hochwald.
Both SIG and Hochwald have joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and have their sustainability targets SBTi approved. This includes SIG’s commitment to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2050.
“Across our packaging portfolio, we have now sold enough packs with SIG Terra solutions to fill around 6 billion liters of food. In 2024 alone, approximately 1.7 billion liters of food were packed in aseptic cartons with SIG Terra packaging material. Sales of SIG Terra packaging materials increased by 15.1%, with further expansion in Europe, where SIG Terra solutions accounted for 9.3% of food packed in SIG aseptic cartons. Our pioneering SIG Terra Alu-free solutions have created a benchmark in the industry, accelerating innovation on sustainability without compromising convenience. We have ambitious future plans for SIG Terra Alu-free options, which include developing a full-barrier aseptic carton with at least 90% paper content, including closure, by 2030.”
– José Matthijsse, President & General Manager Europe at SIG.