SIG unveils U-shaped paper straw as EU single-use plastic ban takes shape

05 Nov 2019 --- SIG, together with its joint venture partner SIG Combibloc Obeikan, has launched a U-shaped paper straw for use on carton packages. The company says that the launch supports its efforts to use more renewable sources with the paper originating from FSC-certified forests and other controlled sources. The straws are available in 4 and 6 mm diameters, and its wrappers have also been redesigned to remain attached to the package. This prevents littering, and they can also be recycled with the carton pack.

“The challenge was to develop a paper straw that is robust enough to pierce the closed straw hole of our aseptic cartons. Even though SIG does not manufacture plastic straws, we have been investing in the research and development of such a solution working closely with a manufacturing partner,” Henry Wang, Senior Product Manager at SIG, tells PackagingInsights.

“We are excited to launch the U-shaped paper straw during Gulfood Manufacturing trade-show. With plastic pollution being a major concern for businesses and consumers around the world, the food and beverage industry is under pressure to offer a viable and sustainable alternative,” adds Abdelghany Eladib, Chief Operating Officer, SIG Combibloc Obeikan.

Eladib adds that carton packs are sustainable by nature. The supplier’s carton packs consist of 70-80 percent paperboard. “With the introduction of the first paper straws for aseptic carton packs, SIG is leading the way in the industry.”

However, Wang explains that the paper straws retain their stability for at least 30 minutes if they come into contact with liquids. However, if they remain in contact with liquid for a longer period of time, they become soggy.

“The look and feel of paper also visibly reinforces its environmental credentials to consumers. We believe the paper straw solution is a strong complement to our product offering that answers to the market needs for a renewable alternative to plastic straws,” says Wang. 

In a similar move, BillerudKorsnäs launched a functional 180° bendable straw made out of paper in collaboration with The Paper Straw Co last July. The straws are for designed for individual drink cartons such as juice, milk and water. Made from BillerudKorsnäs’ shapeable patented paper – FibreForm – the collaboration says the patent-pending U-Bend has the potential for long-term market success and extensive, positive environmental impact.

SIG is determined to collaborate with customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to find new approaches to reduce single-use plastics, foster recycling and minimize waste, according to Markus Boehm, Chief Market Officer at SIG. This launch is also well planned in light of the EU’s upcoming 2021 ban on the ten most polluting single-use plastic items, including straws. 

Last February, the company launched a straight paper straw for carton packaging, which can be recycled via existing paper recycling streams. It is made from three layers of paperboard and two layers of adhesive. This came at the same time as the release of Huhtamaki’s PEFC-certified paper straws, made of fiber sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Last month, Nestlé announced it is swapping plastic straws for paper straws in its packaged drinks in Indonesia and Malaysia. The move represents another step forward in Nestlé’s ambition to make 100 percent of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.

By Katherine Durrell

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