SIG has announced that from now on, it will only utilise ASI-certified aluminium to make its flagship packaging solutions eradicating production-based carbon emissions and acquiring extreme transparency within its supply chain.

The company has emphasised using 100% ASI-certified aluminium to create its patented aseptic cartons. Though the company has been developing metal-free packaging solutions lately, the commercialisation of those forms has not been fully achieved. Until SIG finds a way to discard aluminium from its product’s concoction, the packaging leader will promote the use of Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) approved aluminium in its aseptic cartons.

The thin layer of aluminium that protects food and liquid from spillage is immensely crucial to the formation of a packaging solution; it basically increases the shelf life of a product.

SIG has decided to source ASI-certified aluminium only because they are sourced responsibly, and unlike other raw materials, they maintain a carbon emission quota during the production process. ASI-approved aluminium can be deemed as the most ethical form of non-ferrous metal, as the organisation devotes its entire time to the safe transmission of good quality aluminium.

Each SIG aseptic carton fresh from the packaging plant will now display an ASI label to demonstrate that its raw material has responsible origins. SIG predicts that by decoding the aluminium suppliers’ ability under the protocols of ASI, the company will be able to induce a carbon-free circular economy across its products’ value chain.

The chief technology officer at SIG, Ian Wood, exclaimed: “Achieving 100% ASI-certified aluminium for SIG aseptic carton packs marks another industry first from SIG and a significant milestone on the Way Beyond Good. 100% of our liquid packaging board is already purchased with FSC certification since 2021, and now we are continuing to deliver on our responsible sourcing ambitions by purchasing 100% ASI-certified aluminium.”

“Customers can now include the ASI label, as well as the FSC label, on any SIG pack to show consumers these materials are sourced responsibly,” Wood added.

The CEO at ASI, Dr Fiona Solomon, commented: “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 aluminium suppliers is a great achievement that supports ongoing improvements in the aluminium supply chain. The option for on-pack ASI labelling also offers a further opportunity to spread the message about responsible aluminium production and sourcing to consumers.”

For any existing or new customer trying to introduce new SKUs or alter their packaging designs, SIG will send in ASI-certified aluminium foil matching their profiles and bespoke style.

As early as 2019, SIG had anchored on the promise of supplying ASI-certified aluminium to its customers, declaring all of its European packages would be formulated by responsibly sourced aluminium in 2020.

While giving a broader purview, it can be mentioned that leading aluminium producers like Rio Tinto, Emirates Aluminium and Alcoa could be listed among the 200 industry participants who had laid a supportive arm towards the Mission Possible Partnership’s programme to successfully decarbonise the trucking, aviation, logistics and steel industries within the next ten years.