Ace Fung: “The polymers used in the pack are linked to plant-based
materials through an innovative mass balance system that supports the
use of renewable feedstock in mainstream polymer production. SIG chose
tall oil – a residue extracted from wood in the paper making process – as
the plant-based feedstock because it’s a by-product from another industry
rather than an agricultural crop requiring land and resources that could be
used to produce food.”
Uptake of SIGNATURE PACK 100 is growing for dairy products with
well-established brands like CANDIA and Arla across Europe. Major brands,
such as Riedel, are also opting for SIGNATURE PACK for juice products.
Like SIGNATURE PACK 100, the Full Barrier option uses polymers linked to
plant-based materials, but it also includes a very thin aluminium foil barrier
layer to protect products like orange juice that are more sensitive to light
and oxygen. It has an around 45% lower carbon footprint than a standard
SIG carton pack of the same format. SIGNATURE PACK Full Barrier is now
offered with ASI-certified aluminium.
SIGNATURE PACK is supporting the transition away from conventional
plastics made with fossil fuels without compromising on the quality
of barrier protection. The World Packaging Organization recognised this
milestone for aseptic packaging by awarding SIGNATURE PACK the prestigious
WorldStar Packaging Award in 2019.
Cartons with circular polymers
SIG is also leading the industry by being the first to offer beverage cartons
made with recycled polymers produced from post-consumer plastic
waste. This means the beverage industry will be able to respond to consumer
demand for packaging made with recycled plastics by choosing SIG
cartons made with certified circular polymers.
This innovation reinforces SIG’s contribution to the circular economy
by making use of low quality, mixed plastic waste that would otherwise
be incinerated or sent to landfill. The mixed plastic waste that is collected
is treated in a process that enhances the material and transforms it into a
high-quality food grade material. Diverting plastic from the waste stream
and utilising innovative technologies supports keeping valuable resources
in use while reducing the need to rely on virgin fossil materials.
Alternative to plastic straws
The environmental impact of plastic
straws is also a major concern for businesses
and consumers around the world.
With many governments and cities beginning
to ban or phase out plastic straws,
the food and beverage industry is under
pressure to offer a viable alternative.
To help producers meet these demands
Packaging ¦ IDM
and reduce plastic waste, SIG developed
the first fully renewable and recyclable paper straw solution for
aseptic carton packs. The paper straw is designed to help the beverage
industry meet the growing demand for environmentally friendlier packaging,
prove their commitment to the environment, and maintain the convenience
of small-size, on-the-go packs.
Ace Fung: “We’ve worked closely with manufacturing partners to
develop innovative straw solutions that are made of paper and robust
enough to pierce the closed straw holes of our cartons. We’ve also redesigned
the straw wrapper so it stays attached to the pack and can easily
be recycled.”
Going Way Beyond Good
With solutions like SIGNATURE PACK, combibloc EcoPlus and carton
packs with circular polymers, SIG is leading the industry on sustainable
product innovation and the company has also achieved a host of other
industry firsts on its journey Way Beyond Good.
SIG was the first in the industry to enable customers to include the
Forest Stewardship Council (FSCTM trademark licence code: FSCTM
C020428) label on any of its packs. First to make all its packs with 100%
renewable energy. And, most recently, SIG was first to offer packs labelled
with the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) standard for responsible
aluminium.
Ace Fung: “We are partnering with customers to create a more sustainable
food system. We are committed to do more, to go Way Beyond
Good for people and the planet.”
SIG developed the first fully renewable and recyclable
paper straw solution for aseptic carton
packs (Photo: SIG)
SIGNATURE PACK is the world’s first aseptic carton
pack linked to 100% plant-based materials
(Photo: SIG)
Ace Fung, Marketing
Manager Sustainability
at SIG (Photo: SIG)
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