SIG and the SIG Foundation have officially transitioned their innovative “Cartons for Good” pilot initiative in Bangladesh to the Akij Monowara Trust. This marks a significant step in a successful approach to combatting food waste, malnutrition, and social disparity by utilizing SIG’s advanced filling technology and packaging solutions.
Initiated seven years ago, Cartons for Good transforms surplus vegetables into nutritious, shelf-stable meals through a compact mobile filling unit created by SIG specialists. This system allows for the local operation and maintenance of the process, ensuring that food can be stored safely in SIG carton packs for up to nine months without refrigeration. This effort significantly helps to mitigate post-harvest food losses and improve access to nutrient-rich foods in Bangladesh.
As of March 2026, the pilot phase has concluded successfully, with systems and processes running smoothly and equipment in optimal condition for further use. The handover to the Akij Monowara Trust, a part of the well-regarded Akij Group and a client of SIG since 2016, ensures sustained local involvement and continuity of the project.
Since 2019, the initiative has provided daily meals to underprivileged schoolchildren, allowing them to focus on their education instead of entering the workforce prematurely. During the pilot phase, a total of 119,070 meal packages were prepared and distributed, preventing the loss of 23.2 tons of vegetables. Additionally, the program has played a role in disaster relief efforts, including assistance during the 2022 floods, and distributing packages to those in need in both 2023 and 2024.
Holger Dickers, Managing Director of SIG Foundation, stated, “At the SIG Foundation, we collaborate with partners to promote initiatives that empower communities while fostering a positive environmental impact. The success of Cartons for Good in Bangladesh throughout the pilot phase confirms its value, and we are pleased to hand over the reins to Akij Monowara Trust to continue the important work for those in need and the environment.”
Dr. Tanvir Mahmud, Head of Operations at Akij Monowara Trust, expressed, “We are excited and honored to take on this meaningful project. Building on the strong foundation established by SIG and the SIG Foundation, we will continue to support vulnerable communities, provide nutritious meals for schoolchildren and families, and ensure that farmers benefit from produce that may otherwise go to waste.”
The process involves local farmers supplying surplus crops, which are then processed into meals. They receive compensation for their produce, transforming potential food waste into a source of income. These ingredients are prepared according to traditional local recipes and packed into SIG cartons. Used cartons are collected and recycled into new products, such as shoeboxes and book covers, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to circularity and its ESG credentials.
The “Cartons for Good” brand will persist in producing meals for those in need. The SIG Foundation will provide financial support over the next three years, covering the delivery of sleeves and spare parts, while SIG will offer service hours for ongoing assistance. Stora Enso will contribute liquid packaging board for the cartons used in this scheme.
This initiative aligns with SIG’s Food+ commitment to increase the volume of nutritious food and beverages delivered in its packaging by 50% by 2030 from a 2020 baseline, highlighting SIG’s broader goal of fostering a positive societal impact through sustainable packaging and innovative technology.
For further details about Cartons for Good and the SIG Foundation’s sustainability efforts, please visit SIG Foundation.