SIG: Saving forests, helping mankind

Forests also play a critical role in tackling climate change because trees act as carbon sinks for carbon dioxide released into the environment. Various climate forums and experts have not only warned against further deforestation but have also urged nations to expand global forest cover by 3% – or around 120 million hectares – by 2030.

SIG, the Switzerland-headquartered global supplier of aseptic cartons, bag-in-box, and spouted pouch packaging and filling machines, strives to make a significant contribution to the well-being of forests and humanity through its outstanding commitment to sustainable forestry. The company is committed to sourcing renewable raw materials from sustainably managed forests, helping forests and the communities that depend on them to survive and thrive.

Back in 2009, SIG was the first in the industry to achieve FSC (Forest Stewardship Council™ - FSC™ trademark license code: FSC™ C020428) Chain of Custody certification at all its own operations ensuring full traceability in its sourcing. Soon after, SIG went on to introduce the FSC label in high volumes on dairy and non-carbonated soft drink carton packs for the first time. Since 2021, SIG is the first carton producer to purchase only FSC-certified paperboard, which sets high standards for sustainable forest management practices that support biodiversity and communities. All the wood used to make SIG’s carton packs is 100% FSC™-certified – which means it comes from FSC-certified forests and other controlled sources where biodiversity is protected, local communities are respected, and both are able to flourish.

SIG has also joined hands with WWF Switzerland and the World Wildlife Fund’s “Forests Forward” programme, thereby publicly committing to a series of actions designed to help build resilient forest ecosystems and support biodiversity globally by strengthening and expanding sustainable forest management, forest protection and landscape restoration. Engaging with suppliers, customers, and others, the company will boost the industry’s commitment to sustainable forestry. The company will invest directly in field projects to protect, restore or improve thousands of hectares of forests, with a strong focus on enhancing the positive impact on biodiversity.

The first of such projects on the ground will help support some of Mexico’s richest natural landscapes. The Central Pacific Landscape on the country’s western coast holds key ecosystems and biodiversity and provides a critical corridor for jaguars to move across forests and mangrove habitats. Through Forests Forward, SIG and WWF will work with local communities to improve the management of 100,000 hectares of forest landscape and restore a further 750 hectares of forests. The project will help secure threatened ecosystems, promote sustainable productive practices, and support habitable conditions in productive areas.

Thus, in the next five years, the company will work with the WWF to help build resilient forest ecosystems globally by strengthening and expanding sustainable forest management, protection, and landscape restoration.

SIG’s sustainability commitments are an integral part of the company’s business strategy. They represent how SIG will give back more than it takes. To have a net-positive impact on people and the planet. To create lasting change. Included in the strategy are industry-leading goals for each of the four positives: Climate+, Forest+, Resource+, and Food+.

Not only will the company protect 100% of the sustainable forests it sources from. By 2030 it will create, restore, protect, or improve management of an additional 100% of biodiverse sustainable forest area on top of that required to make our cartons. This will mean an additional 650,000 hectares of biodiverse sustainable forest by 2030.

* UN. Global Forests Global Report 2021