Seoul Dairy pioneers aseptic cartons recognized as recyclable under Korean regulations
Seoul Dairy Cooperative (SDC)
is Korea’s leading milk producer, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability in the dairy sector. Established in 1937 and headquartered in Seoul, SDC operates as a cooperative and is renowned for producing milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products. With multiple production facilities across South Korea, SDC serves both domestic and international markets. Today, SDC supplies its products to millions of consumers daily and continues to lead the market with a focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction.
Their challenge
SDC wanted to:
- Reduce the environmental impact of its packaging, especially the carbon footprint
- Respond to evolving Korean regulations and consumer demand for sustainable packaging
- Increase recycling rates and align with Korea’s recyclability grading system
- Ensure food safety, product protection, and long shelf life – without compromise
Solution
SDC partnered with SIG to become the first company in Korea to launch products in aseptic carton packs using SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier packaging material. This innovative packaging material:
- Completely removes the aluminum layer, replacing it with an ultra-thin polymer barrier
- Maintains the same high product protection and shelf life (up to 12 months) as standard aseptic cartons, that use an aluminum layer for barrier protection
- Uses only two main raw materials: FSC™-certified paperboard (FSC™ trademark license code: FSC™ C020428) and polymers
- Plug-and-play solution for beverage producers who want to future-proof their packaging and deliver on sustainability without compromising product quality or production performance
- Can seamlessly run on standard SIG carton filling lines, both new and installed ones, with full performance including high speed of up to 24,000 packs per hour for small-size cartons with only minor, low-cost adaptations
- Is officially recognized as “recyclable” under Korea’s recyclability grading system -making it the first aseptic carton in Korea to achieve this status
- Can be collected and recycled alongside chilled gable top cartons, which have a 10x higher recycling rate in Korea than conventional aseptic cartons1
Impact and benefits
Environmental leadership
Eliminating the aluminum layer in aseptic cartons – which accounts for about 25% of a standard aseptic carton’s carbon footprint – substantially reduces environmental impact2.
Regulatory compliance
SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier is the first aseptic carton in Korea to be officially labeled as recyclable.
Consumer appeal
SDC’s organic white milk comes in aseptic packaging that can be collected and recycled alongside chilled gable top cartons, supporting eco-conscious consumer choices.
Market differentiation
As a first mover, SDC strengthens its brand and sustainability credentials, setting a new industry standard in Korea.
Future readiness
SIG’s solution is scalable for all aseptic carton product categories, including oxygen-sensitive products like juices, nectars, flavored milk, and plant-based beverages.
At-a-glance
Product
Organic white milk
Packaging
Aseptic cartons made of SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier packaging material
Key feature
No aluminum layer, full barrier
Shelf life
Same as conventional aseptic cartons with aluminum layer
Regulatory milestone
First aseptic carton recognized as recyclable in Korea
Environmental impact
Significantly reduced carbon footprint
Launch location
South Korea
1 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
2 based on an independent ISO-compliant life-cycle assessment for SIG Terra MiniBloc Alu-free + Full barrier in China: https://go.sig.biz/l/251992/2024-08-26/7rhl6m/251992/1724677470q9DQ6lp5/LCA_SIG_Terra_Alu_free_Full…