SIG launches first recyclable aluminum-layer free aseptic carton in South Korea

SIG set a new benchmark for sustainability in South Korea by launching SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier, the world’s first full-barrier aseptic carton packaging material without an aluminum layer. This pioneering solution is the first aseptic carton to fully comply with Korea’s current recyclability grading system and receive a ‘Recyclable’ grade, allowing brands to immediately use the official ‘Recyclable’ label and strengthen their sustainability positioning.

 

Conventional aseptic cartons consist of three main materials – paper, polymers and an aluminum layer – to ensure full-barrier protection and shelf life without requiring refrigeration. SIG’s innovation changes it all: SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier offers full barrier protection for a wide range of beverage categories, including dairy, juices, flavored milk, and plant-based drinks, with a shelf life of up to 12 months without the need for an aluminum layer. This breakthrough means that in South Korea aseptic cartons made of SIG’s innovative packaging material can now be collected and recycled alongside chilled gable top cartons that currently have a 10 times higher recycling rate than conventional aseptic cartons*. The first South Korean products using this groundbreaking packaging material are expected to launch this year.

 

“South Korea’s regulatory landscape is rapidly evolving, and consumers are more vocal than ever about their desire for sustainable packaging. This is driving demand for packaging that is easier to recycle, and compliant with EPR policies,” said Myung-Hyun (Hans) Cho, Country Manager, South Korea at SIG. “By eliminating the aluminum layer from full barrier aseptic cartons – accounting for just 5% of a standard aseptic carton’s weight but making up to 25% of its carbon footprint – we’re helping brands reduce environmental impact while advancing the ease of recycling. With SIG Terra Alu-free + Full Barrier, our customers can also immediately comply with Korea’s recyclability labeling requirements, giving consumers greater confidence in how to recycle properly.”

 

SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier is fully compatible with existing SIG filling lines. With only minor adjustments required to existing filling machines, it is designed as a plug-and-play solution for brands and manufacturers seeking to make a rapid transition. The SIG filling lines maintain high speeds of up to 24,000 packs per hour for small-size cartons. The packaging material delivers up to 12 months of full-barrier protection for all major beverage categories. Switching between packaging material without an aluminum layer and standard packaging material is quick and easy at any time.

 

“Over 400 million packs using SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier packaging material have already been sold in China since 2023, proving both the scalability and market readiness of our solution,” said Angela Lu, President & General Manager, Asia Pacific at SIG. “We are excited to bring this solution to South Korea, empowering brands to lead on sustainable innovation, differentiate with visible sustainability gains, navigate regulatory changes smoothly, and meet growing consumer demand for lower impact and responsibly designed packaging.”

 

SIG’s commitment doesn’t stop at product innovation: the company is also collaborating with authorities, including the Seoul Metropolitan Government, to improve the country’s carton collection infrastructure and EPR systems, supporting a more circular economy.

 

*based on recycling rates for aseptic carton packs and gable top cartons for chilled products in South Korea: http://www.kora.or.kr/epr/record.do

 

 

 

About SIG

 

SIG 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:

Simon Kwon

Marketing Manager, South Korea

Email: simon.kwon@sig.biz