SIG has announced another industry first for responsible sourcing by purchasing 100% of the aluminum for SIG aseptic carton packs with certification to the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) standards globally from January 2023. SIG is the only packaging provider to offer aseptic cartons with ASI-certified aluminum and enable customers to include the ASI label on its packs.

“Achieving 100% ASI-certified aluminum for SIG aseptic carton packs marks another industry first from SIG and a significant milestone on the Way Beyond Good,” said Ian Wood, chief technology officer, SIG. “100% of our liquid packaging board is already purchased with FSCTM certification since 2021, and now we are continuing to deliver on our responsible sourcing ambitions by purchasing 100% ASI-certified aluminum. Customers can now include the ASI label, as well as the FSCTM label, on any SIG pack to show consumers these materials are sourced responsibly.”

Driving improved standards for aluminum production

SIG has led the way in offering the world’s first packaging materials without an aluminum layer for aseptic cartons since 2010, including a full barrier solution without an aluminum layer launched in 2022. But these are not yet available in all formats, and many of SIG’s aseptic carton packs still require an ultra-thin layer of aluminum foil to protect the food inside.

Through ASI certification, SIG is demonstrating its commitment to sourcing aluminum for its packs responsibly. ASI sets leading standards for responsible aluminum production and sourcing, covering a broad range of ethical, environmental, and social topics, including specific limits on carbon emissions in the production of aluminum.

By requiring all its aluminum suppliers to meet ASI standards, SIG is helping to improve performance in supply chains and drive lower-carbon aluminum production. This in turn supports reductions in the value chain carbon footprint for SIG and its customers.

Fiona Solomon, chief executive officer, ASI, said, “SIG was one of the first companies in the world to achieve certification to ASI’s Chain of Custody and Performance Standards. To now reach 100% ASI certification for all its aluminum suppliers is a great achievement that is supporting ongoing improvements in the aluminum supply chain. The option for on-pack ASI labeling also offers a further opportunity to spread the message about responsible aluminum production and sourcing to consumers.”

Leading the industry in responsible sourcing

SIG has led the industry on responsible sourcing certifications for more than a decade with a host of industry firsts related to Forest Stewardship CouncilTM (FSCTM) certification of liquid packaging board, including purchasing 100% of its liquid packaging board with FSCTM certification since the start of 2021.

Customers have been able to include the FSC label on any SIG aseptic carton pack since 2016. Now they can add the ASI label to any SIG aseptic carton pack to demonstrate their commitment to responsible sourcing to consumers. The FSC label, is included on nearly all SIG packs, and the ASI label was already included on nearly 1.4 billion SIG packs in 2022. Featuring these labels on product packaging can also have a wider positive impact by increasing consumer awareness and demand for responsibly sourced raw materials.

Responsible sourcing, verified through recognized third-party certifications, is central to SIG’s ambitions to go Way Beyond Good for people and the planet. The latest milestone on ASI certification further demonstrates its commitment to delivering a positive societal impact by offering customers the most sustainable packaging solutions on the market.

ASI-certified aluminum foil will be rolled out as the new standard for SIG aseptic carton packs, starting with new customers and existing customers that launch new SKUs or change their package design.