SIG announces commercial launch of Paper U-straw with Capsa Food’s whole milk brand

22 Apr 2021 --- SIG’s Paper U-straw has made its commercial debut with Capsa Food’s “Central Lechera Asturiana” whole milk, a leading Spanish dairy brand. 

Paper-based alternatives continue to gain momentum due to the EU Waste Legislation and growing concerns about the environmental impact of plastic straws.

According to the EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), plastic straws in Europe must be replaced by July 2021.

Innova Market Insights recently revealed “Fiber-Based Frenzy” as its third top packaging trend for 2021. Innovation in plastic-replacement fiber-based solutions is booming as brands explore plastic waste escape routes and new connections with the enlarging eco-conscious consumer base.

Capsa Food launched its Central Lechera Asturiana whole milk with the new SIG Paper U-straw on SIG’s combiblocSmall 200 ml carton packs.

FSC-certified paper
The Paper U-straw supports SIG’s ongoing efforts to use more renewable materials. The paper used to produce SIG paper straws, including straight and U-shaped in 4 and 6 mm diameter, is FSC-certified.

The EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive will ban plastic straws from July 2021.Since January 2021, SIG has been sourcing 100 percent of its paperboard from FSC-certified sources.

The wrapper for the straw has also been redesigned to remain attached to the packaging to prevent littering and can be disposed of with the carton.

“Our strong partnership with SIG has ensured we are well prepared for this important change in EU legislation,” says Juan Povedano, marketing director at Capsa Food.

“We are proud to be the first to use the new Paper U-straw and the environmental benefits this will bring. It will also respond to growing demand from our consumers for more sustainable packaging solutions.”

Ana Ruiz del Árbol, marketing director Iberia at SIG, adds: “Carton packs are sustainable by nature, consisting of 70-80 percent paperboard.”

“With the introduction of our new Paper U-straw for aseptic carton packs, we continue to lead the way in the industry.”

“Our close cooperation with Capsa Food has ensured they are now ready for the requirements of the SUPD directive with our renewable and recyclable innovation, as well as giving their consumers the best sustainable alternative to plastic straws.”

Way Beyond Good
The new Paper U-straw is another milestone on SIG’s Way Beyond Good journey to “put more back into society and the environment than it takes out.”

PackagingInsights recently spoke in-depth with Dr. Christian Bauer, manager for environmental sustainability at SIG, about the COVID-19 challenge, carbon reduction and the collaborative culture needed to drive regenerative change.SIG first launched paper straws in June 2020 with French retail chain Intermarché.

SIG first launched paper straws in June 2020. Its fully recyclable 6 mm paper straw for aseptic carton packs was launched in Europe by French retail chain Intermarché.

Charter of Trust for Paper Drinking Straws
To support a coherent and correct transition from plastic to paper straws this summer, European industry body 360° Foodservice is launching a quality initiative called the Charter of Trust for Paper Drinking Straws. 

According to 360° Foodservice, paper straws circulating on the EU market do not always comply with European legislation aimed at protecting consumers.

Meanwhile, small- and middle-sized distributors and retailers do not always have the capacity to make informed decisions about the quality of the paper drinking straws they buy, the organization points out.

The initiative therefore brings 15 companies together to ensure compliant, safe paper drinking straws are marketed across Europe.

Speaking with PackagingInsights, Arnaud Dufour, quality program manager at 360° Foodservice, explains why paper straw providers sometimes struggle to put safety first and outlines other compliance obstacles.

By Joshua Poole