SIG has announced the global commercial launch of its aluminum-layer-free, full-barrier packaging material for multi-serve aseptic cartons—marking a new milestone in sustainable packaging.
The new solution, SIG Terra Alu-free + Full Barrier, eliminates the aluminum layer traditionally used in aseptic cartons while maintaining full barrier protection and shelf life of up to 12 months. The structure reduces the carbon footprint by up to 61% when combined with forest-based polymers and increases the paper content to over 80%.
The solution builds on SIG’s success in the single-serve category, where more than 300 million alu-free packs have already been sold in China since 2023. Now, the company is scaling this technology for global use in multi-serve formats.
“We are leading the industry transition to alu-layer-free aseptic carton packaging materials,” said Christoph Wegener, Chief Markets Officer at SIG. “With our full barrier material with no aluminum layer, we are offering a powerful differentiator and embodiment of sustainability in aseptic carton packaging.”
The new packaging material is fully compatible with existing SIG filling lines, requiring only minor, low-cost adaptations. It can operate at speeds of up to 15,000 packs per hour for multi-serve formats, making it a plug-and-play option for manufacturers looking to lower emissions without compromising efficiency.
Traditionally, aluminum accounts for just 5% of a standard aseptic carton’s weight but contributes up to 25% of its carbon footprint. Removing this layer simplifies the material structure and helps ease the recycling process.
“Sustainability is integral to our business, and we strive to create a regenerative food packaging system,” added Gavin Steiner, Chief Technology Officer at SIG. “We aim to raise the paper content in our cartons to at least 90% by 2030.”
Since 2010, SIG has sold over 4 billion alu-free packs, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable aseptic packaging.