SIG expands “Recycle for Good” program to Vietnam, mobilizing schools to collect and recycle used milk cartons

maj 19, 2026

SIG, a leading solutions provider of packaging systems with a unique portfolio of aseptic carton, bag-in-box, and spouted pouch, is expanding its “Recycle for Good” program to Vietnam, bringing a proven, education-led model for carton collection and recycling to Bac Ninh, one of the country’s fastest-growing regions. Supported by the SIG Foundation, the initiative is designed to drive behavioral changes, encourage the public to collect recyclable waste, to strengthen local recycling systems, and to contribute to a circular economy.

First launched in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2023, Recycle for Good is now entering additional countries where SIG operates. In Vietnam, SIG will collaborate with the Bac Ninh Province Department of Education and Training and Lagom as its waste management partner to help change behaviors related to waste and to collect emptied milk cartons at preschools and primary schools across Bac Ninh province.

Bac Ninh, widely regarded as an industrial hub of Northern Vietnam, is also home to a major school milk program launched in 2025, expected to run until at least 2030, with more than one million students anticipated to participate.

Enabled by SIG’s “Recycle for Good” program, used milk cartons will be collected at schools and then sent for recycling at a paper mill. The recycled paper can subsequently be used to manufacture recycled paper products. The separated PolyAl will be processed into clothing hangers, flowerpots, and building panels at Lagom’s PolyAl processing plant.

Enabled by SIG’s “Recycle for Good” program, used milk cartons will be collected at schools and then sent for recycling at a paper mill. Photo: SIG

The expansion of the “Recycle for Good” program to Vietnam comes as waste management grows into an increasingly urgent challenge in the country, shaped by rapid urbanization and rising consumption – driving higher volumes of waste, including product packaging. With much of the country’s waste currently landfilled or openly burned, environmental and health concerns persist, compounded by low public awareness of recycling. SIG’s program targets that gap by making collection practical and visible – starting where long-term habits are formed.

“At the SIG Foundation, we work with partners to advance initiatives that strengthen communities and support positive environmental impact,” said Holger Dickers, Managing Director, SIG Foundation. “With Recycle for Good now starting in Vietnam, we are creating an opportunity for young people to learn the value of collecting and returning used beverage cartons for recycling – a simple action that can inspire long term behavioral change. As the program grows, we aim to motivate even more people to join and help build a more circular future.”

Nicolas Tan Yuan Hsing, Head of Markets Malaysia, Vietnam and Philippines at SIG, added: “We are convinced that our project in Vietnam not only makes a difference for the students themselves, but that they also serve as advocates who spread the message of bringing about change and promoting recycling among their families and friends.”

Le Trung Thong, Director of Lagom, and Do Thanh Vinh, Project Manager of Lagom at Bac Ninh Province Department of Education and Training: “We are proud to be a key partner in SIG’s ‘Recycle for Good’ program in Vietnam. We are confident that, together, we can take important steps to promote recycling and encourage people to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.”

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 9,700 employees worldwide enable us to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our customers in over 100 countries. In 2025, SIG produced around 54 billion packs and generated €3.2 billion in revenue. SIG 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 .

About SIG Foundation

The SIG Foundation envisions a future in which good nutrition and clean water will be available to everyone and natural habitats will be preserved for future generations. The SIG Foundation’s purpose is to partner with others to identify, drive and promote activities and projects that strengthen civil society and create positive impacts for the environment. Cartons for Good was the foundation’s first initiative and is part of SIG's Food+ commitment. By using SIG technology and fostering collaboration, it aims to reduce food loss and ensure broad access to healthy nutrition for people in need. Recycle for Good is the Foundation's first initiative in the field of recycling and part of SIG's Resource+ commitment. It encourages people to collect recyclable materials. The overall purpose of the program is to change people's behavior and be mindful of natural resources. Established in 2018, the SIG For Better Foundation is based in Neuhausen, Switzerland. For more information, visit www.sig.biz/en/foundation