Responding to strong consumer demand for more sustainable products, Euromilk, located in Southern Slovakia, has worked closely with SIG to be the first in Eastern Europe to launch products in carton packs with pioneering SIGNATURE packaging material, where the polymers used to laminate the paperboard are 100% linked to renewable, forest-based raw materials.

Euromilk decided to switch from PET bottles to carton packs for its Kukkonia UHT milk brand to appeal to a younger, eco-conscious consumer. The launch is a key milestone for Eastern Europe, as Euromilk ‘breaks the ice’ with SIGNATURE packaging material in the region - a pivotal move for the dairy industry. It is also an important strategic project in the close relationship between SIG and Euromilk, which spans more than 20 years.

According to the company, SIG’s standard carton packs, made with around 70-80 % renewable paper board from FSCTM-certified sustainable sources, already offer a significantly better environmental performance than alternative types of packaging. The carbon footprint of a carton pack is up to 70% lower than other types of packaging. SIGNATURE packaging material from SIG goes another step further.

Up to 95% of the packaging material components of SIGNATURE Full Barrier are linked to forest-based renewable material, and 100% are responsibly sourced. Next to the FSC-certified paperboard, the polymers are also certified by an independent organization ISCC Plus. Via a mass balancing system, the polymers used are 100% linked to tall oil, a residue extracted from wood in the paper-making process.

Tibor Balogh, managing director, Euromilk, said, “As part of our new positioning for Kukkonia brand, which also includes a new identity, we have decided to switch from PET to carton packs to meet the growing needs and sustainability demands of young conscious consumers. 2021 has certainly been a year of change and innovation at Euromilk as we strive to make important changes that will make life better for our consumers and the planet. Being the first in Eastern Europe to launch products in SIG carton packs with SIGNATURE packaging material is a big first for our region.”

Kukkonia standard UHT milk in 500ml and 1,000ml and flavored milk (chocolate and vanilla) in 500ml combiblocSlimline carton packs from SIG are now available on shelf in Slovakia.

Sarka Kaplanova, head of Sales CZ-SK at SIG, said, “Our latest strategic partnership with Euromilk demonstrates how we’ve been able to address the latest consumer trends with sustainable and convenient packaging solutions. Working together, we can deliver a truly positive impact on our partners with an innovative and focused approach.”

Innovative partnerships leverage the potential of SIG’s Product Innovation and Differentiation platform – a drive to deliver innovative product and packaging solutions that enable businesses to satisfy the ever-changing needs of consumers.

Growing demand for SIGNATURE packaging material is also an important milestone in SIG’s journey to go Way Beyond Good by putting more into society and the environment than it takes out.