SIG’s pioneering innovation has positioned Seoul Dairy Cooperative (SDC) as the first in Korea to utilise aluminium-layer-free full barrier aseptic cartons, officially recognised as recyclable by Korean standards. This development represents a major stride in sustainable packaging.
SDC will initially launch its organic white milk in the SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier carton. This packaging, developed by SIG, is the world’s first to offer full-barrier aseptic protection without aluminium, maintaining a shelf life of up to 12 months akin to conventional aseptic cartons. The removal of the aluminium layer significantly reduces the environmental impact, as aluminium comprises only 5% of a standard aseptic carton’s weight but contributes 25% to its carbon footprint.
The carton’s design enhances recyclability by replacing the aluminium with a high-performance, ultra-thin polymer, simplifying the structure to two main materials: FSC-certified paperboard and polymers. This streamlined design is fully compatible with South Korea’s existing recycling systems. The innovation has achieved the first-ever recyclable grade from Korea’s recyclability grading system for aseptic cartons, allowing these packs to be recycled alongside chilled gable top cartons, which have a recycling rate ten times higher than traditional aseptic options.
“This is more than just an incremental improvement — it’s a game-changer for the industry,” stated Hans Cho, country manager at SIG Korea. SIG engineered this solution to operate on existing SIG filling lines with minimal adaptations, maintaining high-speed outputs of up to 24,000 packs per hour.
Building on the success of SIG Terra Alu-free, introduced in 2010, this advancement expands alu-layer-free options to include a full barrier, making this sustainable solution available for a broader range of oxygen-sensitive products, such as juices, flavoured milk, and plant-based beverages. SDC’s adoption marks a crucial step, with SDC president & CEO Jinsup Moon stating: “By adopting SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier, we are taking a significant step toward enhanced recycling and supporting Korea’s drive for a circular economy.”
This launch moves SIG closer to its ambitious target of developing an aluminium-layer-free, full-barrier aseptic carton with at least 90% paper content by 2030.
