Germany: Hochwald pioneers shift to alu-layer-free aseptic cartons in Europe with SIG Terra packaging material

As SIG experiences a shift and demand towards aseptic cartons without 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 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 alu 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% FSCTM-certified renewable paperboard, with ultra-thin polymer layers to protect food and beverage products over long periods of time, without the need for refrigeration.

 

Volker Kölsch, Head of Procurement at Hochwald: “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.”

 

 

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.

 

 

José Matthijsse, President & General Manager Europe at SIG: “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 was 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.”

 

 

* based on an independent ISO-compliant life-cycle assessment for SIG SlimlineBloc in Germany – IFEU LCA: CB-100734c.

 

About SIG

SIG (FSCTM trademark license code: FSCTM C020428) is a leading solutions provider of packaging for better – better for our customers, for consumers, and for the world. With our unique portfolio of aseptic carton, bag-in-box, and spouted pouch, we work in partnership with our customers to bring food and beverage products to consumers around the world in a safe, sustainable, and affordable way. Our technology and outstanding innovation capabilities enable us to provide our customers with end-to-end solutions for differentiated products, smarter factories, and connected packs, all to address the ever-changing needs of consumers. Sustainability is integral to our business, and we strive to create a regenerative food packaging system.

 

Founded in 1853, SIG is headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, and listed at the SIX Swiss Exchange. The skills and experience of our approximately 9,600 employees worldwide enable us to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our customers in over 100 countries. In 2024, SIG produced 57 billion packs and generated € 3.3 billion in revenue. SIG also has an AAA ESG rating by MSCI, a Platinum CSR rating by EcoVadis, and is included in the FTSE4Good Index. For more information, visit www.sig.biz.

 

 

 

Your contact for media inquiries:

Valentina Sahmkow

Communication Manager

Tel:     +34 606 99 65 96

email:  valentina.sahmkow@sig.biz