SIG lands Massel as first Australian customer for Signature Full Barrier carton material

04 Feb 2022 --- SIG has secured its first customer in Australia for its Signature Full Barrier packaging material. Plant-based stock, bouillon and seasoning producer Massel will use the aseptic cartons to package its liquid stock range.

Signature Full Barrier material uses a minimal amount of polymers, certified and linked to forest-based renewable materials via a mass-balance system. The material also reduces the carbon footprint compared to a standard pack by substituting fossil polymers with the forest-based polymers made from tall oil – a by-product of paper manufacturing.

All three key raw materials are linked to certified responsible sources. The paperboard is from FSC-certified forests and other controlled sources, the forest-based renewable polymers are certified according to ISCC PLUS via a mass-balance system, and an ultra-thin layer of aluminum protecting against light and oxygen is covered by ASI (Aluminium Stewardship Initiative) certification.

“We’ve worked closely with Massel to offer one of the most [environmentally] sustainable packaging solutions for its high-quality, plant-based stocks and meet the demand for packaging that is better for both planet and people,” comments Adam Lipscomb, general manager SIG Australia and New Zealand.SIG Australia indicates it is keen to partner with more F&B companies and grow its packaging portfolio in different segments.

“This [launch] is a great step forward on the [environmental] sustainability journey of carton packs in Australia, in addition to the recent announcement of the first dedicated recycling facility for carton packs in the country.”

“Starting 2022 with an Australian first by offering consumers of our popular liquid stock range one of the most [environmentally] sustainable packaging solutions, continues our longstanding commitment to improving the overall sustainability of our products,” adds Michael Caine, managing director at Massel.

“Being 100% Australian-made and owned, Massel continues to adopt innovative solutions that benefit our consumers, the environment and local economy.”

SIG Australia says it is keen to partner with more food and beverage companies and grow its packaging portfolio in different segments within the industry, including liquid dairy and NCSD, which are focused areas of growth in Australia.

SIG’s latest moves
This week, SIG announced it is set to acquire bag-in-box producer Scholle IPN for €1.36 billion (US$1.54 billion). The transaction is expected to close before the end of Q3 2022, subject to customary closing conditions.

In January, SIG launched the world’s first aluminum-free full barrier packaging materials for aseptic carton packs, suitable for oxygen-sensitive products like fruit juices, nectars, flavored milk or plant-based beverages.

The company also unveiled what it says is the world’s fastest filling machine for family-size carton packs, capable of producing 18,000 packs per hour. Branded SIG Neo, the machine operates with an automated robotic arm and user interface designed to improve efficiency and avoid human error.

Edited by Joshua Poole