In a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing sustainability in food and beverage packaging, Seoul Dairy Cooperative (SDC), the leading milk producer in Korea, has become the first company in the country to introduce aluminum-layer-free full barrier aseptic carton packs. These innovative packs are officially recognized as recyclable under Korea’s recyclability grading system. As its initial offering, SDC will provide organic white milk in SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier. This pioneering design, developed by SIG, represents the world’s first full-barrier aseptic packaging without an aluminum layer, delivering the same level of protection and a shelf life of up to 12 months.
The environmental advantages of this development are significant. Although aluminum comprises only about 5% of a standard aseptic carton’s weight, it accounts for approximately 25% of its carbon footprint. By eliminating the aluminum layer, SDC substantially reduces the environmental impact and facilitates easier recycling. Under current environmental regulations in Korea, the new packaging has achieved an official recyclable label. These aseptic cartons are the first in the country to secure a recyclable grade, enabling them to be collected and recycled alongside chilled gable top cartons, which enjoy a recycling rate tenfold greater than that of conventional aseptic cartons.
Traditionally, aseptic cartons are constructed from three materials: paper, polymers, and an aluminum layer, ensuring long shelf life and full-barrier protection without refrigeration. However, SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier substitutes the aluminum layer with an ultra-thin polymer layer. This design simplifies the packaging structure from three to two primary materials: FSCTM-certified paperboard and polymers. This streamlined framework not only maintains full-barrier protection but is also fully compatible with South Korea’s existing recycling infrastructure.
As a pioneer in packaging solutions, SIG introduced the first aluminum-layer-free packaging for aseptic cartons in 2010 with SIG Terra Alu-free. Since then, the company has successfully sold over 4 billion packs utilizing this innovative design. Leveraging its extensive expertise and success with alu-layer-free structures, SIG has expanded its aluminum-layer-free aseptic carton portfolio, further decreasing the carbon footprint of its standard aseptic cartons.
With the introduction of SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier, SIG has broadened the application of aluminum-layer-free packaging to encompass oxygen-sensitive products, including fruit juices, nectars, flavored milk, and plant-based beverages. Having sold over 400 million packs since 2023, SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier has demonstrated its market readiness and scalability. The launch in Korea positions brands to differentiate themselves with tangible sustainability improvements while addressing the evolving demands of consumers and regulators, all without sacrificing product safety, barrier performance, or shelf life.
SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier marks a significant milestone in SIG’s ambition to create an aluminum-layer-free full-barrier aseptic carton comprised of at least 90% paper content—including the closure—by 2030.