SIG leads the industry in implementing new certification for responsible aluminium
SIG is the first in its industry – and the fifth company in the world – to achieve certification to the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative’s recently launched certification system to recognize and collaboratively foster responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminium.
World’s first certification for responsible aluminium
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certification program, launched in December 2017, is the first of its kind for aluminium.
SIG has achieved certification to the ASI Performance Standard Material Stewardship Principle at the corporate level at their head office in Switzerland as well as their main corporate units in Germany, together with ASI Chain of Custody certification at these locations and one of its key production sites in Saalfelden, Austria. Other SIG sites will follow soon. The certification will enable customers to have confidence that the aluminium foil in SIG packs supports a responsible aluminium value chain from responsible sourcing and processing of the raw material to responsible production of the finished packs.
This is an important step towards SIG’s target to source 100% of its key materials from certified sources by 2020 – part of the company’s bold ambition to go Way Beyond Good by putting more into the environment and society than it takes out.
“Achieving this certification enables SIG to lead the industry in offering carton packs made with ASI-certified aluminium foil from now on” says Samuel Sigrist, Chief Financial Officer of SIG. “Customers can already put the FSCTM logo on any of our packs to show that the paper board comes from sustainable forests and responsible sources. This new certification for aluminium will further enhance the environmental credentials of our cartons.”
Commitment to source certified materials
SIG has pioneered the use of third-party verified certifications within the industry to demonstrate that key materials are sourced responsibly.
Back in 2009, it was the first to achieve 100% global coverage of FSCTM chain of custody certification for liquid packaging board (licence code FSCTM C020428). And last year, its European sleeve and spout production plants achieved ISCC PLUS certification for the biopolymers used to link SIGNATURE PACK to 100% forest-based material.
There has previously been no such certification available to certify the ultra-thin layer of aluminium foil used in SIG packs. The new ASI certification offers a way to audit the aluminium supply chain against strict standards on a broad range of governance, environmental and social topics.
Prior to the launch of the ASI Performance Standard, SIG joined forces with aluminium supplier Amcor to understand whether the supply chain was ready to meet the requirements. Certification to the ASI Chain of Custody Standard enables SIG to demonstrate high performance standards in the supply chain to customers and consumers.
“We are delighted to congratulate SIG Combibloc on their dual ASI Certification, the first downstream company to do so”, says Fiona Solomon, ASI Chief Executive Officer. “Aluminium is a key raw material for the packaging sector, who have been important supporters of ASI since its inception. Material stewardship and product recycling principles are of critical importance in such a consumer-oriented sector. In seeking ASI Certification, SIG has been highly focused on both their own performance and that of their supply chains, and we commend them on their drive to this achievement.”
Working with suppliers
Establishing chain of custody certification at SIG’s production sites is essential to maintain the verification of responsible sourcing through the value chain. At the same time, SIG is encouraging suppliers to work towards ASI certification to help create a supply of aluminium foil from certified sources.
SIG’s early commitment to implementing the ASI certification will add value for customers by promoting responsible sourcing throughout the value chain – from suppliers to customers and, ultimately, to consumers.
About SIG
SIG (FSCTM trademark licence code: FSCTM C020428) is a leading systems and solutions provider for aseptic packaging. We work in partnership with our customers to bring food products to consumers around the world in a safe, sustainable and affordable way. Our unique technology and outstanding innovation capacity 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.
Founded 1853, SIG is headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland. The skills and experience of our 5,000-plus employees worldwide enable us to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our customers in more than 60 countries. In 2017, SIG produced 33.6 billion carton packs and generated €1.66 billion in revenue. For more information, visit www.sig.biz
MORE ON SIG JOINING ASI:
FURTHER INFORMATION OF PILOT WITH AMCOR:
http://www.sig.biz/en/media/press-releases/sig-and-amcor-push-responsible-aluminium-sourcing-further
MORE ON WAY BEYOND GOOD: www.waybeyondgood.com
SIG has achieved global certification to the ASI Performance Standard at company level, together with ASI Chain of Custody certification at one of its key production sites in Saalfelden, Austria. Other SIG sites will follow soon.
