Landliebe Molkereiprodukte GmbH is one of the first manufacturers globally to introduce SIG’s combiSwift closure with tethered cap. The German dairy company has launched UHT milk in combibloc Slimline carton packs with SIG’s combiSwift TC (tethered cap) under its Landliebe brand, with products on the shelf since the end of September 2022.

The strong partnership between Landliebe and SIG spans many years, as both companies strive to continuously improve and lead the way in both production technologies and product ranges, to find innovative sustainable solutions. Landliebe means “country love” and its products are inspired by the countryside and nature. The brand was also one of the first companies to market with SIG’s combibloc ECOPLUS packaging material without an aluminum layer, with less CO2 and a higher content of renewable raw material.

The retail launch comes well ahead of the deadline set by the EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive, which states that all single-use beverage containers must come with caps attached by July 2024, so they can be easily disposed of and recycled with the rest of the pack.

SIG’s combiSwift TC closure does not compromise on convenience for consumers and is super easy to use. Furthermore, it is compatible with SIG’s existing filling lines and closure applicators, demonstrating the true flexibility and adaptability of SIG’s packaging and filling solutions for customers at a minimum cost. This provides maximum planning and investment security for beverage producers in Europe, who must comply with the EU’s regulatory requirements.

Carola Knorr, marketing director – DACH, FrieslandCampina, “Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate strategy as well as of Landliebe's brand values. Optimizing the design of our packaging for recycling is a top priority for us, and that’s why we didn’t want to wait until 2024 to introduce tethered caps. Being the first to market globally with SIG’s combiSwift closure with tethered cap means, we are already now providing our consumers with a convenient drinking and pouring solution, which they can then dispose of and recycle with the carton pack. We have dedicated one side of the carton pack to easily explain the usage and environmental benefits of the new tethered cap.”

SIG’s combiSwift closure with a tethered cap can be firmly fixed to the desired position by pressing it down to the top of the pack until it ‘clicks’ into its ‘parking mode’. The cap doesn’t have to be held down and the consumer can easily pour and drink from the carton without any cap interference. For closing, the cap just needs to be lifted slightly before being closed the usual way. Tethering even adds convenience, as the closure is always at hand and never gets lost. High consumer acceptance for both drinking and pouring is already market research-proven.

Frederic Faber, senior marketing manager - DACH & ISEEI, SIG, “Our partner Landliebe is again the first to introduce another of our innovative sustainable packaging solutions. Being at the forefront of the food and beverage industry, together we can continuously improve and optimize solutions that benefit the environment. The first launch of our combiSwift TC closure is a great example. Our range of closures with tethered caps reassures customers like Landliebe that we remain the right partner to help them meet regulatory requirements and growing consumer and retailer demand for sustainable packaging. We’re proud to offer an effective and futureproof filling solution, which applies our new tethered caps, without any need for significant investment.”

SIG’s combiSwift TC is one of three closure innovations for SIG’s most popular packs in Europe. Additionally, the domeTwist TC is available for SIG’s carton bottle combidome and the combiMaxx TC is available for SIG’s family-size carton packs.