Prevent pollution
Preventing pollution is a key mitigation strategy addressing biodiversity loss drivers and reducing harm to human health and ecosystems across our value chain. SIG product life-cycle assessments cover all relevant environmental impacts including air and water emissions allowing us to detect hotspots along the value chain and react. By tackling major pollution sources – from raw material sourcing to water and waste management – our commitment supports a just transition that protects both nature and the communities connected to it.
In our operations
While the majority of pollution impacts stem from other parts of our value chain, we remain committed to improving by continuously implementing robust measures across our operations. We use relatively little water, and it is not identified as a material topic for our operations, however we ensure the responsible use and discharge of water.
We conduct regular SEDEX SMETA audits and maintain ISO 14001 certifications to uphold environmental standards.
Our responsible water use is maintained by assessing water quantity, quality, and stress risks, while striving to minimize consumption in all possible cases.
Waste reduction at SIG focuses on:
- eliminating landfill waste through reuse, recycling, or energy recovery when other options are not feasible; and
- ensuring responsible disposal of hazardous and electronic waste to prevent environmental harm, including from macro- and microplastics in areas where household waste is not properly managed.
The measures taken to decarbonize our operations , particularly those that include renewable energy generation, electrification and intensity reduction, also contribute to our efforts to prevent pollution.
Downstream
Our efforts to prevent pollution in the downstream value chain include both internal, customer and community actions.
Every new filling machine is designed to use less electricity and resources, including water, therefore reducing the potential output of pollutant by our customers.
We support customers to reduce emissions through the SIG EcoFill Consulting program, tools and support on their product footprint and efficiency projects, including direct investments.
To support the prevention of downstream pollution we commit to:
- Designing our packaging for recyclability, enabling integration into traditional recycling systems.
- Enhancing end-of-life collection and recycling at scale.
Upstream
With a significant portion of pollution impacts occurring upstream, supplier engagement is vital to the success of commitment.
Certification of our A-materials set standards on preventing pollution.
Established supplier collaborations measures drive adoption of sustainability practices, including discussion and support on pollution reduction.
Paperboard
FSC™ certification ensures all our paperboard originates from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources. This guarantees that biodiversity is safeguarded, deforestation is prevented, water is used efficiently, water pollution is avoided, local communities, Indigenous peoples and workers’ rights are protected, and forest carbon storage and ecosystem services are maintained.
Aluminum foil
All of our aluminum foil supply chain meets Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standards and Chain of Custody Certification, promoting responsible sourcing and production. This includes criteria for labor rights, greenhouse gas emissions, water and waste management, and a material accounting system – with links to industry waste input.
Polymers and films
We apply a mass balance system verified by International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS for polymers and films, supporting the shift from fossil-based to recycled and renewable forest-based feedstocks. This certification ensures full traceability of certified materials across the supply chain and aligns with our goal to increase recycled and renewable forest-based polymers in packaging.