One of the long-standing problems with aseptic carton packs for liquids is that, to provide the necessary barrier properties, they are typically produced as a laminate, often including an aluminum layer.
Packaging giant SIG has recently launched a new package, reportedly the world’s first (for this package size), that does not require an aluminum layer.
This material has been available in single-serve cartons for some time and is now also available in the 1-liter package size.
SIG Terra Alu-free material replaces the aluminum layer with an extremely thin polymer coating, which is said to allow a product shelf life of up to 12 months, while reducing the carbon footprint of the package
German supermarket chain Aldi is the launch customer for the new material, using it to package 1-liter-size cartons of grape juice aseptically.
SIG states that the new, more sustainable material will be compatible with existing SIG aseptic packaging systems, although some minor modifications may be required.
“At SIG, one of our goals is to increase the paper content in our aseptic cartons to at least 90% — including the closure — by 2030, allowing further reduction of carbon emissions, and creating a regenerative food packaging system.”
José Matthijsse, President and General Manager, SIG Europe.
The new package is said to be 80% paper (including the closure) and reduces the carbon footprint, compared to traditional 1-liter cartons, by 29% (up to 61% when combined with forest-based polymers).
This looks to be a good step forward for making aseptic packaging more sustainable, and you can read more at the SIG site, here.
