Innovative solutions without aluminum layer

For decades, light, flexible and easily recyclable aluminum foils were a critical component of the packaging industry, and rightly so. They act as barriers against light, oxygen and external odours. Hence, many packaging solutions for food and pharmaceutical products had a layer of aluminum foil, including aseptic cartons for beverages and dairy products.

The efficient storage of aseptic food and beverages in packaging with aluminum layer reduces the need for cooling. The positive properties of aluminum made it attractive for manufacturers who put special emphasis on durability. Additionally, the comparatively low weight of aluminum has a fairly good effect on transport costs.

However, in a world seeking to reach net zero carbon dioxide emissions in the next few decades, sustainable packaging has become even more important. Companies are increasingly looking at more sustainable packaging materials not just to reduce their emission levels but also to help their own countries achieve net-zero targets.

In a standard aseptic carton pack, for example, the ultra-thin aluminum layer produces the greatest share of greenhouse gases compared to the main material paperboard. Aluminum is produced from bauxite mining, which is a highly energy-intensive process. But the quantum of carbon emissions is highly dependent on the energy source, whether from fossil fuels or renewable sources of energy. If produced by burning coal, it will have much higher emissions than those powered by renewables. Even when produced from renewable sources, “Aluminium foil, Europe” currently has a climate footprint of 3.1 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent per kg, according to a study by Carboncloud.

However, the global packaging giant SIG brought to market a portfolio of packaging materials for aseptic carton packs without aluminum layer and thereby scored over its rival packaging players, with a much-reduced carbon footprint.

The SIG Terra portfolio provides a range of industry-leading firsts and exclusives that offer both unrivalled on-shelf appeal and stand-out environmental credentials. The world’s first aseptic carton with no aluminum layer, SIG Terra Alu-free, was an example of SIG’s commitment to lead the way to a more sustainable future. Recently, the company added SIG Terra Alu-free + Forest-based polymers, which is also an option with no aluminum layer and additionally 100% linked to forest -based renewable materials via a mass-balance system.

Now, with a full barrier and suitable for all kinds of products, SIG Terra Alu-free + Full Barrier is the evolution of aseptic carton with no aluminum layer. A perfect innovation for a world moving towards a decarbonised future.