SIG announced that it will construct a new plant in Queretaro, Mexico to serve North American markets. The plant will further expand SIG’s global production network and will enable the company to build on its strong track record of growth in North America.

Through its existing sales and service presence, SIG has been able to forge strong relationships with major dairies in Mexico, a large and growing milk market. In the USA, SIG has a well established co-manufacturing customer base and is ideally placed to serve innovative and expanding new categories.

SIG will invest around €40 million in the new plant over the period 2021-2023. The investment will cover state-of-the art production capacity for the printing, cutting and finishing of carton packs. The plant is expected to open in the first quarter of 2023 and will create around 200 jobs. It will have a highly flexible layout with a focus on ergonomics and the environment. Land and buildings will be financed through a long-term lease with an NPV of approximately €20 million.

SIG joins AIM-Progress to collaborate for positive impact through responsible sourcing

SIG announced it is the first in the beverage carton industry to become a member of AIM-Progress, a global forum of leading fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturers and common suppliers, assembled to enable and promote responsible sourcing practices and sustainable supply chains.

Collaborating for positive impact

Responsible sourcing has been a key pillar of SIG’s net positive ambition to go Way Beyond Good for society and the environment since the outset. This commitment is closely aligned with AIM-Progress’ focus on collaborating for positive impact through responsible sourcing, making membership a natural fit.

The goal of AIM-Progress is to positively impact people’s lives and ensure respect for human rights, while delivering value to its members and their supply chains. A priority is to build members’ and suppliers’ capability to adopt and implement the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights.

As the first beverage carton provider to join the organisation, SIG has an excellent opportunity to build strong partnerships with other members. The aim is to work together to co-create solutions and share best practices that can positively impact people’s lives and ensure human rights are respected through the supply chain.

Helping customers meet demand for responsible sourcing

FMCG brands are seeing increasing demand from consumers, investors and other stakeholders to demonstrate that they meet high ethical, environmental, labour and human rights standards – not only in their own operations, but throughout their products’ supply chain.

SIG’s solutions enable customers to clearly demonstrate that their packaging comes from responsible sources. The company has led the industry in the development and adoption of certifications for responsible sourcing for over a decade.

SIG is the only aseptic carton provider to offer packs with all three main materials certified as responsibly sourced – FSCTM-certified liquid packaging board, ASI-certified aluminium foil and ISCC PLUS-certified polymers. All three of these certifications include stringent requirements on human rights as well as other social and environmental criteria. SIG has also made a strong commitment to human rights in its business and supply chain as a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact.

About AIM-Progress
AIM-Progress is a forum of leading Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturers and common suppliers, assembled to enable and promote responsible sourcing practices and sustainable supply chains. It is a global initiative supported and sponsored by AIM – the European Brands Association.

SIG turns innovative food and beverage ideas into commercial reality

SIG is delighted to announce that the first of three application rounds in 2021 is now open for their SIGCUBATOR program. Food and drink start-ups and small companies eager for an amazing no-strings attached opportunity can apply at no-costs until February 28th at www.sigcubator.com.

SIGCUBATOR is SIG’s accelerator program for new businesses who need just the right spark to ignite the next novel food or drink innovation.

Anna Rabanus, Global Category Manager at SIG, explains the program: “We understand that getting a product off the ground is often a challenge for start-ups. The SIGCUBATOR program supports entrepreneurs with the production facilities, the knowledge and connections in the food and beverage industry. Our team of experts will be there to guide start-ups through the most crucial period of their innovation: from testing prototypes in SIG’s combiLab in Germany through to a final product and package concept that’s ready for consumers.”

SIG is keen to identify and engage with entrepreneurs at an early stage and attract potential like-minded partners who share the same vision for delivering nutritious food and beverages which excite and improve peoples’ lives in a sustainably packaged way. Forward-thinking food and beverage start-ups are one key to driving industry innovation and value creation. SIG will evaluate concepts based on their innovativeness within the space, their market entry strategy as well as principles of future acceleration in the market with co-manufacturing partners.

One new start-up business which has already successfully launched its exciting range of shakes to market via SIGCUBATOR is UK-based GROUNDED. Filling two SKUs in SIG’s combiLab, GROUNDED recently launched its innovative plant-based protein shakes in SIG’s unique carton bottle combidome. Products are now available online and in retailers such as Selfridges and Planet Organic – a UK based organic supermarket chain where they already are #1 selling protein drink range within 3 months of launching.

Gabriel Bean, Founder at GROUNDED: “Just one small idea can change an entire industry and we identified a gap in the market for a clean, genuinely natural, plant-based shake – with no compromise on natural ingredients and packaging. The team and people at SIG were just as aligned on values, and we couldn’t have found a better partner with which to launch these products. They supported us all the way, from our first contact with their UK team, through to their exceptional combiLab operation in Germany. We look forward to continuing our partnership with such professionals in their field.”

SIG announced another milestone in its ambition to go Way Beyond Good for society and the environment by offering ASI-certified aluminium as standard for all SIG packs in Europe.

SIG is the first in the industry to obtain certification to both the ASI (Aluminium Stewardship Initiative) Performance and Chain of Custody standards and is the only aseptic carton producer to offer ASI-certified aluminium in its packs.

The first ASI-labelled cartons were launched by customers such as B-Better^® (from Unilever’s Better Future Platform), Riedel and DRINKS³ in 2019. Now, ASI-certified aluminium will come as standard for all SIG packs in Europe.

SIG’s fully recyclable and renewable paper straw solution for aseptic carton packs is being launched for the first time in Europe by Intermarché, one of the most popular retail chains in France.

Intermarché is the first company in France to launch paper straws with aseptic carton packs. By offering this solution across its three brands – Paquito, Look and top Budget – it will save 10 tonnes of virgin plastic per year.

The company will be offering the juices and beverages of these brands in combiblocMini packs with SIG’s 6 mm straight paper straw solution – one of several options available in SIG’s paper straw portfolio. The cartons are filled at Antartic, a production unit belonging to Agromousquetaires, a food-processing subsidiary of Groupement Les Mousquetaires.

SIG was the first in the industry to offer a market-ready paper straw solution for aseptic carton packs, enabling customers to meet the urgent need for alternatives to plastic drinking straws – which will be banned across Europe from the beginning of 2021 in line with the Single-Use Plastics Directive.

SIG’s paper straws offer a more sustainable solution that is renewable and fully recyclable. They are an ideal companion for SIG’s fully recyclable carton packs, which are mainly made of renewable paper board.

The paper used to make SIG’s paper straws originates from FSC^TM-certified forests and other controlled sources. The blister for the straw has also been redesigned to help prevent litter by remaining attached to the pack to be recycled together.

SIG offers both straight and U-shaped paper straws. Paper straws are available for use with SIG’s combiblocSmall or combiblocMini packs to maintain the convenience of small-size formats for consumers looking for on-the-go beverages.

The innovative structure and diagonal cut make the straw robust enough to pierce the closed straw hole of the carton. Positive results in consumer tests showed no compromises in convenience compared with conventional plastic straws. Customers can use existing straw applicators to attach them to packs.

SIG’s newly built, state-of-the-art and fully automated AutoStore^® spare parts warehouse for SIG filling machines, implemented by Hörmann Logistik, has now been put into operation and ensures that its customers receive highly efficient supplies. Located at the company’s machine assembly site in Linnich, Germany, the new AutoStore warehouse plays an integral part in SIG’s global spare parts management.

As food and beverage products continue to diversify, it is essential that production schedules run smoothly and to maximum capacity without downtime. The new AutoStore warehouse enables SIG to adapt and respond flexibly to changing customer needs in the quickest possible time, guaranteeing speedy delivery of spare parts to keep the versatile equipment running efficiently. This seamless service means continuous and optimum performance of SIG’s filling systems, maximum technical availability and precisely tailored maintenance.

The new warehouse uses a modular system, where stockable box containers are loaded, stored and then unloaded by robots, guided by routing software. The system comprises the storage, warehousing and order picking processes for all items that can be stored in containers. The storage processes and retrieval are performed vertically. This closed system prevents unwanted material removal and ensures effectual 24-hour operation. The robots are extremely energy efficient with a consumption of just 0.1 kW/h, saving energy by more than 90 percent compared to more conventional solutions.

Franz-Josef Mines, Global Assembly & SCM Director at SIG, commented: “With our new, fully automated warehouse system, SIG is well positioned for the future and is able to deliver spare parts quickly and efficiently. We’ve significantly reduced picking times compared to our previous system and can meet any customer order requirements at short notice, no matter how small.”

SIG’s AutoStore warehouse puts customers and their production targets as priority. The smooth running of equipment means maximum production capability and timely product delivery to retailers. Both are vitally important for future growth, profitability and competitive advantage.

SIG announced that it will fund breakthrough research into more sustainable materials at EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland, as part of a joint initiative with Nestlé, Logitech and other industry partners to tackle environmental challenges associated with plastic waste.

Driving research into sustainable materials

Together, the corporate partners have committed to provide 5 million Swiss francs over 10 years. The funding will support a new Chair for Sustainable Materials research within EPFL’s Institute of Materials.

The Chair, to be appointed as a tenure-track Assistant Professor, will be responsible for developing and implementing a new research programme on sustainable materials at EPFL, one of Europe’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan science and technology institutions.

Research areas of interest will address critical questions such as the overall environmental impact of materials, the exploration of bio-based, bio-degradable and recyclable materials, including high-performance paper-based barrier materials, that could help to address environmental concerns about plastic packaging.

Supporting customers with sustainable solutions

Beverage cartons are fully recyclable and have a much lower environmental footprint than many alternatives for long-life food and beverages such as milk, juice or soups. They are made mainly from renewable paperboard, but small amounts of polymers and aluminium foil are usually needed as barrier layers to contain and protect liquid food products, and for caps and closures.

SIG already offers an innovative aluminium-free aseptic packaging for dairy products, known as combibloc EcoPlus, and its SIGNATURE PACK solution uses a mass balance approach to link the polymers used in the carton to 100% renewable, forest-based feedstock. The company is now working to create an aseptic pack made out of 100% renewable materials – without mass balancing or aluminium – that can be used for a range of products, including juices that are more sensitive to light and oxygen.

Supporting research into more sustainable, high-performance barrier materials will help SIG drive progress towards this goal as it works in partnership with customers to bring food products to consumers around the world in a safe, sustainable and affordable way.

SIG’s Corporate Responsibility (CR) Performance Update for 2019 explores key aspects of the company’s Way Beyond Good ambition, highlights its sustainability stories of the year, and reports progress towards its targets for 2020 and beyond.

„Our packaging has delivered food safely to billions of people all over the world. We want to help shape a sustainable food system that gets the most from what it uses and gives more than it takes,” said Rolf Stangl, CEO of SIG. “To do this, we need to go further than we’ve ever gone before. We took some more big steps forward this year and the increased uptake of our most sustainable packaging solutions shows we’re using growth as a driver for good.”

Highlights in 2019

SIG continues to build on its track record of sustainable innovation and industry firsts. Highlights this year include:

• Launching the world’s first Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) labelled packs and the first aseptic carton packs with all three key materials from certified sources – paperboard, plant-based polymers and aluminium foil
• Increasing uptake of SIG’s most sustainable products, such as SIGNATURE PACK and combibloc EcoPlus
• Introducing the first paper straws for carton packs – first straight and then U-shaped
• Accelerating the timeline to cut greenhouse gas emissions from SIG’s business – by 60 % by 2030 – with a new 1.5°C target approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative
• Engaging in new recycling partnerships around the world, including the innovative so+ma programme that is rewarding consumers in Brazil for recycling
• Turning food loss into over 9,200 school meals for underprivileged children in Bangladesh in the first year of the Cartons for Good programme run by the SIG Way Beyond Good Foundation
• Achieving a Platinum rating from EcoVadis that puts SIG in the top 1 % of businesses for sustainability.

Going further

The CR Performance Update includes a series of stories from the year, which bring to life some of the ways that SIG is realising its ambition to go Way Beyond Good for society and the environment.

The company is focusing on driving progress in the areas where it can make the biggest difference: helping forests thrive, tackling climate change, driving sustainable product innovation, contributing to a circular economy and delivering safe nutrition.

To pursue these opportunities, SIG is building on strong foundations. It is committed to doing business ethically, buying responsibly, supporting its people and keeping them safe, and partnering with communities to help them thrive.

Transparent reporting

SIG’s CR Performance Update is transparent about progress against targets and includes an update on key performance indicators related to the company’s most material social and environmental issues. It also includes direct feedback from SIG’s external Responsibility Advisory Group, together with the company’s response.

The interim CR Performance Update complements SIG’s full CR reports, which are published every other year. It covers the same focus areas and most material social and environmental issues as SIG’s award-winning full CR Report for 2018, which includes more detail on the way we manage these issues. The 2018 CR Report was produced in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards.

Please download SIG’s CR performance update under www.sig.biz/en/

SIG has set a bold new climate target that is one of the first in its industry to be approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) as being in line with the latest climate science to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to prevent the worst effects of climate change. SIG is committed to cutting its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 60 % by 2030 (from the 2016 baseline).

The ambitious new target places SIG among an elite group of companies leading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the global Paris Agreement to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.

Around 300 companies have targets approved by the SBTi. Fewer than 100 are currently approved as being in line with the 1.5°C goal. SIG is one of the first in its industry to have a 1.5°C target approved by the SBTi.

SIG’s new target compresses the timeline to achieve a 60 % absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by a full 10 years compared with its previous target, which was already approved by the SBTi as in line with keeping global warming well below 2°C.

A strong focus on renewable energy underpins the company’s efforts to achieve this target. SIG has already switched to 100 % renewable electricity for global production and is exploring opportunities to expand on-site renewables, such as its award-winning rooftop solar array in Thailand.

SIG is not only committed to cutting emissions from its own operations. The company also commits to reduce value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 25 % per litre packed by 2030 (from the 2016 baseline). This target includes scope 1, scope 2 & scope 3 emissions from Purchased Goods and Services, Use of Sold Products, and End of Life Treatment.

Moriyama first to run commercial production using SIG filling technology in Japan

Tokyo-based 50-50 joint venture DNP • SIG Combibloc Co., Ltd has announced that pioneering dairy manufacturer Moriyama is the first customer in Japan to run commercial production using SIG filling technology and the first to offer premium ready-to-drink (RTD) products in SIG carton packs locally filled in Japan.

Japan is one of the most competitive and highly developed markets for food and beverages in the world, with innovation being the key to success. Food safety and quality is of paramount importance with extremely high requirements on both aseptic and industrial standards. SIG’s market entry in Japan with Moriyama clearly demonstrates such high-quality standards, for both filling technology and packaging.

Moriyama’s new premium RTD products, in combifitMidi and combiblocMidi 1000 ml aseptic carton packs from SIG, will be filled at the company’s production plant in Kanagawa Prefecture on a CFA 812 filling machine from SIG. The new products, including cocoa, organic tea and organic coffee, and packaging fit perfectly within Moriyama’s extensive and diverse product portfolio, offering a high level of differentiation in such a mature and challenging environment.

Moriyama is also an important co-packer within the Japanese market and the new filling technology from SIG will benefit this side of its business, helping to expand its market position in the longer term.

DNP • SIG Combibloc Co., Ltd and Moriyama work together on product innovation and differentiation as part of SIG’s Value Proposition, which aims to deliver innovative product and packaging solutions that enable businesses to satisfy ever-changing needs.

SIG is a pioneer in the industry to offer a U-shaped paper straw to be used on carton packages. After introducing the world’s first straight paper straw for carton packaging in February 2019, SIG launches a U-shaped paper straw during Gulfood Manufacturing, together with its joint venture partner SIG Combibloc Obeikan. Gulfood Manufacturing is the world’s largest annual food and beverage technology trade exhibition. The new straw uses FSC™ certified paper and is now available globally.

The new paper straw solution supports SIG’s efforts to use more renewable materials. The paper used to produce the straight paper straw and the new U-shaped paper-straws – available with 4 and 6 mm diameter – originates from FSCTM-certified forests and other controlled sources. The wrapper for the straw has also been redesigned to remain attached to the package preventing littering and can be recycled with the carton pack.

SIG is once again leading the industry on sustainable innovation by being the first to offer beverage cartons made with recycled polymers produced from post-consumer plastic waste.

SIG customers will be able to respond to consumer demand for packaging made with recycled plastics by choosing SIG cartons made with certified circular polymers. This innovation reinforces SIG’s contribution to the circular economy by making use of low quality, mixed plastic waste that would otherwise be incinerated or sent to landfill. The mixed plastic waste that is collected is treated in a process that enhances the material and transforms it into a high-quality food grade material.

Made primarily from renewable, FSCTM-certified paper board, SIG’s beverage cartons already support the circular economy by promoting the regeneration of vital natural resources in responsibly-managed forests.

Pioneering partnership

SIG is among a select group of companies – and the first in the beverage carton industry – to partner in the foundation stage of development of recycled polymers from post-consumer waste by its supplier, SABIC. This pioneering partnership highlights SIG’s commitment to a more sustainable future through new solutions that support a circular economy.

The recycled polymers offer the same high quality and have the same properties as polymers made entirely from virgin raw materials. Any contaminants are eliminated during processing, making the recycled content completely safe for food packaging.

Certified circular polymers

The recycled polymers offered by SIG will be certified to the ISCC PLUS standard to enable customers to trace recycled content throughout the value chain from post-consumer waste streams to processing and use in the production of new cartons.

SIG’s commitment to sourcing certified sustainable materials is part of its ambition to go Way Beyond Good by putting more into the environment and society than it takes out.

Bold idea becomes reality with mobile filling solution for communities

The SIG WAY BEYOND GOOD FOUNDATION has launched its flagship Cartons for Good project in Bangladesh. Cartons for Good applies SIG’s technology to empower communities to reduce food loss, support farmers’ livelihoods and promote children’s nutrition and education. The project will provide healthy school meals for underprivileged children in partnership with leading development NGO, BRAC.

Established in 2018, the SIG WAY BEYOND GOOD FOUNDATION envisions a future in which good nutrition and clean water will be available to everyone and natural habitats will be preserved for future generations. Cartons for Good is the foundation’s flagship project.

Turning food loss into nutritious school meals

Almost 20 % of the population in Bangladesh suffers from malnutrition and almost half the children are underweight. At the same time, food is going to waste because each harvest produces more than farmers can sell locally and they have no way of preserving surplus crops.

SIG set out to use its expertise as a leading systems and solutions provider for aseptic packaging to create an innovative mobile filling solution that communities can use to turn this food loss into nutritious meals that are preserved in SIG cartons for later use.

Rolf Stangl, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the SIG WAY BEYOND GOOD FOUNDATION and CEO of SIG said: “Our Cartons for Good project is a perfect example of turning a big dream into reality. This is a true innovation outside our traditional core business, but perfectly in line with SIG’s purpose of bringing nutritious food products to consumers around the world in a safe, sustainable and affordable way.”

The packaged food is distributed to BRAC’s schools to provide nutritious meals for underprivileged children. Named the world’s #1 NGO four years in a row, the SIG WAY BEYOND GOOD FOUNDATION’s project partner BRAC brings valuable expertise and insights into local development challenges, helping to enhance the impact of Cartons for Good.

Mohammad Anisur Rahman, Director Dairy and Food at BRAC, said: “We run schools for underprivileged children across the country. Often, they cannot afford to pay for their education or even for food. Most of them drop out of school because they need to go out and work to buy food for themselves and for their families. Giving them meals at school means that not only will they learn, they will also have something to eat. BRAC is happy to be partnering with the SIG WAY BEYOND GOOD FOUNDATION and we will work together to make this project successful on the ground.”

From concept to reality

In just two years, the SIG WAY BEYOND GOOD FOUNDATION has turned a bold idea into a practical solution to help communities prevent food loss and malnutrition.

SIG’s expert engineers adapted the company’s proven filling technology to create a mobile unit where meals can be cooked using local recipes and preserved in long-life cartons. Housed in a shipping container on a trailer, the unit is designed to travel from one community to the next to preserve surpluses at harvest time. The initial pilot is in the region of Balia.

Farmers are paid for their produce, providing them with much-needed income, and the packs of food are used by local schools to provide a healthy, hot meal for children every day.

The first meals created in this unique mobile filling unit are already being distributed to BRAC schools in impoverished communities in Dhaka, where many children drop out of school because they need to work to feed themselves and their families. After use, the empty cartons will be recycled at a local facility.

Cartons for Good is part of SIG’s commitment to go Way Beyond Good by contributing more to society and the environment than it takes out. Developing this flagship project is a key focus of the SIG WAY BEYOND GOOD FOUNDATION.

combidome makes Polish debut

Maspex Wadowice Group, one of the biggest food manufacturers in Central and Eastern Europe, continues its close partnership with SIG, as it rejuvenates its popular juice brand Tymbark, using the innovative combidome carton pack. This is the first time the unique carton bottle has been launched in Poland.

Looking for stand out on-shelf differentiation, Maspex has realized the opportunity to refresh consumer appeal for its natural Tymbark fruit juice range, with a packaging innovation never been produced in Poland before.

Consumer preference

A recent consumer survey showed a clear preference for combidome, with the carton performing four times better than a competitor package. Participants in the survey highlighted the convenient grip and centrally located spout that ensures an outstanding pouring experience – a feature highly valued by consumers.

With a heritage that spans 85 years, the Tymbark brand is renowned for premium taste and quality, not only in its homeland of Poland but in many other European countries. The brand’s premium juice range requires a perfectly matched packaging solution, to impact on consumer purchasing decisions by standing out on shelf and providing clear usage benefits.

Maspex has a close relationship with SIG that goes back 20 years, which ensures the right product and packaging decision is made. This time combidome has been chosen for Maspex’ renowned Tymbark juice range.

As increasingly mobile consumers become more discerning about quality and convenience, packaging is playing more of an essential role. SIG relentlessly aims to drive Product Innovation and Differentiation, working in partnership with producers like Maspex to offer product and packaging solutions which perfectly match food and drink developments.

combidome convenience and on-shelf appeal

combidome perfectly complements Tymbark’s juice range, with its sturdy yet slim shape and modern design. The carton’s in store appeal, including a shelf ready tray, provides a point of difference to busy shoppers, clearly depicting the product’s premium quality and image. combidome also ensures safe product protection and consumers can benefit from its strong environmental credentials, plus secure reclosing and storage.

SIG set for growth with new state-of-the-art production plant in China

As the Asia-Pacific region continues to be one of the major growth engines for aseptic carton packaging, SIG has announced investment in the region with the construction of a second production plant in Suzhou, China.

To meet current and future customer demand, the new 120,000 square meter plant is expected to be operational in early 2021 and will be situated at the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), close to the company’s existing production facility and Tech Centre. With a total investment of EUR 180 million, the new plant will ensure exceptional delivery on outstanding opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, where most countries continue to grow significantly. The plant is expected to achieve world-class environmental, safety and operational performance right from the start.

The new production facility is testament to SIG’s strong partnership with SIP and the local government, as well as its unparalleled commitment to deliver world-class packaging, service and the most modern solutions to the rapidly growing Asian markets and to China in particular. SIG’s recently opened cutting-edge Tech Centre in Suzhou supports customer collaboration in the development and implementation of innovative product concepts and market-ready packaging solutions.

Across Asia, millions of people are only now starting to consume packaged food and beverages. The rise of new consumers, driven by increasing income, changing lifestyles and new consumption habits, represents a huge opportunity for aseptic carton packaging with its long shelf life without the need of a cooling chain.

At the same time, young and growing populations are adopting modern lifestyles in urban areas, with more on-the-go consumption, an increasing awareness of health and wellness, and a growing demand for high-quality nutritional food and beverage products.

First market launch in Belgium

SIG is making aseptic cartons with ASI-certified aluminium foil available to consumers for the first time in partnership with B-Better^®, a start-up brand from Unilever’s Future Platform.

Responsible aluminium sourcing

The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) standard is designed to enhance traceability and responsibility in the aluminium supply chain. SIG is promoting responsible sourcing throughout the value chain by using aluminium from ASI-certified sources for the ultra-thin layer of foil in its packs.

ASI certification adds value for customers by further enhancing the sustainability credentials of their packaging in the eyes of consumers. Customers can now choose to include the ASI logo on their packs alongside the FSC^TM logo for responsibly-sourced paper board which has been available on any SIG pack since 2016.

The first market launch for SIG’s ASI-certified cartons will be in Belgium by the B-Better brand.

SIG’s commitment to responsible sourcing is part of the company’s bold ambition to go Way Beyond Good by putting more into the environment and society than it takes out.

SIG partnership showcases recycling in action at Mexico fun park

SIG has teamed up with soft drink producer Sociedad Cooperativa Trabajadores de Pascual (SCTP) and fun park operator Ventura Entertainment to raise awareness of the importance of recycling through special collection bins made from recycled carton packs at La Feria de Chapultepec amusement park in Mexico.

Brand power to raise awareness

SIG’s aseptic beverage cartons are 100 % recyclable, but the rate of packs recycled remains low in Mexico due to low awareness of the value of recycling and a lack of suitable waste collection systems.

The new Coopera Recycling Campaign from SIG, SCTP and Ventura Entertainment aims to use the power of popular brands to raise awareness of the value of recycling among consumers of all ages. SCTP is one of Mexico’s largest soft drinks producers and the name behind Boing!^® fruit drinks. Ventura Entertainment is one of the country’s biggest attractions operators and its La Feria de Chapultepec fun park attracts over 1.5 million visitors a year.

In the first phase of the campaign, SIG will provide 15 recycling containers to be placed around the park. Each is made out of a mix of polymer and aluminium that comes from around 7,000 recycled carton packs, providing a tangible example of recycling in action. Accompanying signs promote recycling and Ventura Entertainment will offer discounts on ticket prices for amusement activities for visitors who use the recycling bins. The empty cartons will be recycled by specialist company Alcamare.

Keeping high-quality materials in use

Encouraging consumers to recycle beverage cartons supports the circular economy by returning more materials into the value chain to produce new products. SIG’s cartons are made from mainly renewable materials in the first place so recycling them keeps high-quality renewable materials in circulation.

Contributing to the circular economy by using renewable content, optimising use of materials and promoting recycling after use is part of the company’s commitment to go Way Beyond Good by putting more into society and the environment than it takes out.

SIG is the first in the industry to enable customers to demonstrate their commitment to responsible aluminium sourcing using the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certification.

Added value through responsible sourcing

SIG offers the world’s first aseptic carton packs that use foil certified to the ASI standard. This add value for customers, brands and retailers by promoting responsible sourcing throughout the value chain – from suppliers all the way through to consumers.

SIG customers also have the option to include the ASI label on packs to show consumers that SIG sources responsibly the aluminium it uses in the cartons – in the same way they can already include the FSCTM label on any SIG pack to show that the liquid paper board comes from responsible sources.

First certification for responsible aluminium

SIG was the first in the industry – and one of the first companies in the world – to achieve certification to the ASI Performance Standard Material Stewardship Principle at the corporate level, together with the ASI Chain of Custody certification for its production site in Austria. The company has now extended ASI Chain of Custody certification to all its carton sleeve production sites in Europe.

The ASI certification enables companies to audit the aluminium supply chain against strict standards on a broad range of ethical, environmental and social topics. Previously, there was no such certification available to certify the ultra-thin layer of aluminium foil used in SIG packs. SIG’s ASI Chain of Custody certification has made it possible for the ASI Standard to be put into practice for the first time in aseptic carton packs.

Europe-wide ASI certification is an important step towards SIG’s target to source 100 % of its key materials from certified sources as part of its ambition to go Way Beyond Good for the environment and society.

Rolf Stangl, CEO of SIG, said: “In 2018 we successfully continued our growth strategy and achieved core revenue growth of 6.4 % at constant currencies, slightly exceeding our target range of 4 – 6 %. We saw growth across our global footprint and are reaping the rewards of our steady expansion into markets outside Europe, where growth in aseptic carton packaging is being driven by mega-trends including demographics, rising disposable income and urbanisation. The Asia Pacific region in particular delivered a strong performance during the year, with robust growth in the liquid dairy segment and growing demand for premium products.

“Our broad international presence continues to provide us with promising growth opportunities. These opportunities come with exposure to currency fluctuations, which in 2018 dampened growth in adjusted EBITDA. At constant currencies, adjusted EBITDA increased by 8 %. The adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 27.5 %, reflecting a positive business mix and ongoing cost efficiency measures. We achieved a significant increase in adjusted free cash flow, while continuing to expand our filler base in growth markets. The cash generative nature of our business underpins our intended mid-term dividend payout ratio of 50 – 60 % of adjusted net income. For 2018, we are proposing a Swiss franc dividend payout in 2019 equivalent to around €100m.”

2018 Annual Report

SIG has published its 2018 Annual Report, which includes the Group’s operating and financial results accompanied by SIG’s audited consolidated and statutory annual financial statements, the Compensation Report outlining the compensation policies of the Group and the Corporate Governance Report. All publications are available for download at https://investor.sig.biz/en-gb/home/.

SIG is the first in the industry to offer a market-ready alternative to plastic straws, announcing that a paper straw solution will be delivered to first customers in the first quarter of 2019.

With growing concern about the environmental impact of plastic straws, the food and beverage industry urgently needs an alternative solution. SIG’s new paper straw offers such a solution.

Nestlé is the first customer to introduce SIG’s paper straw solution and has already tested the market launch in the Dominican Republic.

Seeking a solution

SIG does not make straws, but some of its portion-size packs are designed to be used with a straw for convenience on the go and the company has been working with suppliers to develop alternatives.

Paper is renewable and recyclable. This forest-based material already makes up 70 – 80 % of SIG’s cartons on average, and the look and feel of paper also visibly reinforces its environmental credentials to consumers.

SIG worked closely with a manufacturing partner to develop an innovative and exclusive solution that makes the paper straw robust enough to pierce the closed straw hole of SIG’s aseptic cartons. The wrapper for the straw has also been redesigned to help prevent litter by remaining attached to the pack to be recycled along with the rest of the carton.

The new paper straws will be made of paperboard from FSCTM (Forest Stewardship CouncilTM)-certified forests or other controlled sources. Customers can already include the FSC label on any SIG carton and they will be able to add the label to the paper straws once the manufacturing partner has completed FSC Chain-of-Custody certification, which is expected during the second half of 2019.

The new paper straw solution supports SIG’s efforts to use more renewable materials. The initial volume of paper straws will be limited during the launch phase, as SIG ramps up capacity with its manufacturing partner. SIG is also continuing to invest in new ways to apply this alternative straw solution to a wider variety of packaging formats.

SIG has opened a new Tech Centre, close to its packaging plant in Suzhou in China, which will bring a new dimension in supporting customers with the development and implementation of new product concepts and market-ready packaging solutions.

In the 17,500 square meter building, a team of SIG experts will develop and manufacture filling technology, conduct filling tests for customers and offer training. By focusing on product innovation and differentiation, the new Tech Centre fits in perfectly with SIG’s Value Proposition, which aims to create added value for customers and consumers alike.

SIG’s Tech Centre accommodates a state-of-the-art test and training centre, with the latest filling machines, upstream food processing equipment and UHT systems, which can process products with a wide range of viscosities and pieces. SIG will work closely with customers and offer professional support on aseptic filling tests and product concepts. The Training Centre is the second largest worldwide for SIG and is suited to both internal and external technical training on aseptic filling machines and downstream lines. The Tech Centre also hosts SIG’s Asian filler and applicator assembly operation and two Global Technology departments: Research & Development and Engineering & Application.

SIG’s Tech Centre has the highest standard as a green building and SIG is only the ninth industrial company with onsite manufacturing in China to earn the LEED Platinum standard with a total of 83 points – the second highest score in the entire country.

Biggest privately financed rooftop solar panel on the east coast of Thailand

It is one of the biggest and most impressive innovations in Eastern Seaboard Industrial Park. The gigantic rooftop solar panel on the SIG packaging plant in Rayong, Thailand, is the largest of its kind in the entire region and has now been officially opened.

According to its Power Development Plan, Thailand wants to cover 40 % of its electricity requirements from renewable energy sources by 2036 – a goal that SIG has already achieved. All SIG production plants worldwide are already powered by green electricity. In order to produce some of this itself, the Rayong packaging plant built its own photovoltaic system in cooperation with Symbior Solar.

Solar cells are one of the most environmentally friendly energy sources. To install this huge solar roof supports SIG’s commitment to becoming a net-positive company by contributing more to the society and the environment than it takes out across the value chain.

The installation of the solar roof on the SIG production plant is a result of the close cooperation between SIG and Symbior Solar, who designed and installed an effective solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the roof the SIG production plant in Rayong. Covering an area of 17,664 sqm, this solar project with 9,048 solar panels can produce up to 4,431 megawatt hours of electricity per year which in turn reduces CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) emissions by up to 90 %, whilst also saving electricity cost. SIG packaging plant in Rayong can now proudly claim the title of being the biggest solar PV installation in the entire Eastern Seaboard Industrial Park. It is thus the largest privately financed photovoltaic system on an industrial site on the entire east coast of Thailand.

Some key facts:

• The production plant in Rayong is the first in the world of our SIG production plants to use a solar roof to generate energy.
• Installation Capacity: 3.3 MW
• Power generation 4,431 MWh/year
• CO₂ reduction: 2,242 tons/year (0.506 kg/kWh)
• Total solar cells: 9,048 panels installed
• The solar PV module covers 17,664 sqm on SIG Rayong plant’s roof.

On-the-go combidome convenience for Pfanner’s range of ‘Supersäfte’ lifestyle drinks

SIG continues to fulfil its ongoing promise to turn the challenges of food and beverage manufacturers into viable commercial solutions. Pfanner, an internationally active premium manufacturer of juices and fruit juice drinks, is progressing its close cooperation with SIG as it chooses the innovative carton bottle combidome 500 ml for its new range of ‘Supersäfte’ healthy on-the-go drinks.

Pfanner’s recently launched Supersäfte not-from-concentrate range comprises of three unique drinks:

• Augenöffner (Eye Opener), a stimulating multi-juice energy drink, with added Guarana and caffeine for a natural boost.
• Pausenfüller (Pause Filler), ideal for hunger in between meals, is a mix of strengthening almonds, acerola cherries and bananas as well as other valuable fruits, with niacin to provide energy.
• Stresskiller (Stress Killer), a relaxing mix of direct-pressed apples, sour cherries, blackcurrants, elderberries, raspberries with added hemp, fragrant cinnamon and magnesium to support normal function of the nervous system.

Targeted at busy Millennials, who prefer to consume healthily on-the-go, Pfanner’s innovative Supersäfte range of lifestyle drinks is a stand out product that appeals to a younger, highly motivated and mobile demographic. Working jointly with SIG to create a complete product concept, from product ideas and recipes to overall marketing, the decision was made use combidome 500 ml as the perfect packaging solution. Pfanner first started to use combidome in its 1.0 litre fruit juice range back in 2016, moving from the gable-top carton for the first time in 18 years.

An increasingly mobile generation is making food and beverage manufacturers take important NPD decisions and packaging is playing an ever more integral role. SIG aims to drive Product Innovation and Differentiation, working in partnership with producers to offer product and packaging solutions which perfectly match food and drink innovations.

Millennials driving market change

Millennials are looking for healthy, nutritious and convenient snacking options which can be easily consumed on-the-go, expecting great taste and high quality to fit in with their busy lifestyles. combidome perfectly complements Pfanner’s new range, with its distinctive sturdy yet slim shape and modern design. It’s perfect for commuters who can enjoy the benefits of a carton pack in terms of product protection and environmental considerations. The packaging can be easily held and be resealed and stored neatly in a bag, just like a bottle. With a 28 mm single action screw cap positioned centrally on top of the carton, it creates the perfect angle for easy drinking straight from the pack.

Market research commissioned by Pfanner in spring 2017, with 20 to 35 age group, found that a staggering 98% of respondents thought the 500 ml packaging volume of combidome was the perfect on- the-go solution.

Standing out from the crowd

Pfanner also has the flexibility benefits of using the corresponding combidome filling machine, which can fill three different volumes on just one machine.

Peter Pfanner, Managing Partner of Hermann Pfanner Getränke GmbH, commented: “Different generations have changing needs and the mobile Millennial prefers to snack on the move, rather than taking regular meals. By working closely with SIG, we were able to develop a complete product solution for this health-conscious group, who like to maximise their time by consuming on-the-go. From developing initial product and packaging ideas through to the final concept, we now believe that together we’ve achieved the ideal range of drinks for this mobile generation.”

Pfanner continued: “combidome itself really stands out and helps us to differentiate our brand. We were able to create a dynamic, modern design, using the four display panels on the carton bottle, with fun colors and messaging which appeals to younger consumers and has excellent shelf appeal. At Pfanner, we value the reliability and high-quality production of SIG carton packs and we’re looking forward to developing our fruitful collaboration over many years to come.”

Pfanner continued: “combidome itself really stands out and helps us to differentiate our brand. We were able to create a dynamic, modern design, using the four display panels on the carton bottle, with fun colors and messaging which appeals to younger consumers and has excellent shelf appeal. At Pfanner, we value the reliability and high-quality production of SIG carton packs and we’re looking forward to developing our fruitful collaboration over many years to come.”

Marketing and Testimonials

Pfanner plans to promote its new Supersäfte on-the-go juice range on Facebook and Instagram, in a fun and engaging campaign. Influencer marketing will also be underway with target bloggers and opinion leaders. Pfanner has also implemented product tastings and sampling in 20 stores in Germany and Austria so far, with merchandised displays in many outlets.

Arla Foods Germany is the first company to opt for the innovative SIGNATURE PACK from SIG – the world’s first aseptic carton pack that is 100 % linked to plant-based renewable material. Arla now offers its 1 litre 1.5 % and 3.8 % organic milk (Arla^® BIO Weidemilch) in the SIGNATURE PACK.

Responding to consumer demand

By choosing SIG’s innovative SIGNATURE PACK, Arla is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability as it strives to increase the market share of its organic dairy products. Arla’s organic milk cartons now carry a clear message to consumers: buying this pack promotes the use of renewable raw materials to protect fossil resources while making a positive impact in reducing the CO₂ level compared with a standard carton pack.

Promoting environmental sustainability

SIGNATURE PACK cartons are made from 77 % paper board from wood and 23 % plant-based polymers through mass balancing. This means that for the polymers used in the SIGNATURE PACK, an equivalent amount of bio-based feedstock went into the manufacturing of the polymers. To ensure the integrity of this process, the mass balancing is certified through internationally recognised third-parties.

The packs are aluminium-free, while maintaining product quality. Their carbon footprint is 72 % lower than a standard SIG carton pack of the same format, based on a life cycle assessment (CB-100732 of 02.03.2018) carried out by independent experts using the ISO 14040 international standard.

These credentials are displayed on Arla’s organic milk packs, together with the FSCTM label which shows consumers that the wood-based content comes from well-managed forests and other controlled sources in accordance to FSC requirements.

The polymers that make up the rest of the SIGNATURE PACK cartons, including the barrier and the spout, are linked to 100 % plant-based material using recognised and audited certification schemes (ISCC PLUS and TÜV SÜD CMS71) to ensure strict traceability and accountability.

Greater differentiation and added value in the Japanese aseptic carton market

Tokyo-based Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) and SIG have signed a joint venture agreement which will bring new value added carton packaging and filling technology solutions to the Japanese food and beverage industry. The 50-50 joint venture will be established as of April 1, 2018, under the name of DNP • SIG Combibloc Co., Ltd., located in Tokyo.

More differentiation

The main focus of the partnership is to provide greater differentiation and added value in the field of carton packaging, technology and services for the food and beverages industry in Japan.

Souichiro Nishitani, Corporate Officer and General Manager of Packaging Operations at DNP said: “The huge variety offered by the packaging system from SIG will enrich the Japanese market and offer clear added value for beverage manufacturers and consumers alike. The aim of our joint venture is to be Japan’s number 2 in aseptic carton packs by 2022.”

Rolf Stangl, Chief Executive Officer at SIG added: “It is an exciting moment in our company’s history. For many years we’ve looked into entering this big and promising market together with a perfect partner. We’ve now found this with DNP. Together with DNP, we are bringing innovative solutions to the food and beverage industry in Japan for current and next generation products.”

Throughout its history DNP, one of the world’s largest printing industry manufacturers, has successfully established a multitude of business operations. For example, DNP has been developing and marketing carton packs and filling systems for alcoholic beverages and soft drinks in Japan since 1978. Many food and beverage manufacturers are also using DNP’s aseptic PET filling system. The company is ideally positioned in Japan, with substantial experience in the field of aseptic technology through its network of highly-qualified service technicians and established connections with all major companies in the food and beverage industry.

Global initiative for responsibly managed forests

The Forest Stewardship CouncilTM (FSC^TM) has launched an ambitious new initiative to increase the use of materials from responsibly managed forests. The Vancouver Declaration allows businesses who use these natural products to pledge their commitment to responsible sourcing.

The Vancouver Declaration is part of the FSC’s wider ambition to help businesses achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The declaration has now been presented at the FSC General Assembly 2017, which took place from 8 to 13 October in Vancouver, by Samuel Sigrist, SIG CFO designate.
Kim Carstensen, Director General of FSC: “It’s fantastic to see so many great businesses supporting this declaration. Our forests are a wonderful yet delicate natural resource, and a lot of people’s lives depend of their sustainable and responsible use. By committing to using FSC-certified wood and forest products, our partners are helping to protect our forests – and the planet – for future generations.”

Samuel Sigrist: “It was a great honour for me to present the Vancouver Declaration at the FSC’s 2017 General Assembly. We believe that this initiative, with its commitment to FSC certification, is a key tool in achieving parts of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We are the first in our industry to be able to display the FSC label on 100 % of our packs. This is a major milestone for SIG on its journey to become a ‘net positive’ business, helping to create more natural resources than we use.”

In addition to SIG, other well-known companies such as IKEA, H&M, Marks and Spencer, Carillion, Jysk, Mitsubishi Paper Mill or Fuji Xerox have already signed the Vancouver Declaration. For example, IKEA has committed itself to only use wood from more sustainable sources by 2020 and promote sustainable forest management beyond their own needs to make it an industry norm. The aim of the FSC is to bring companies on board across the entire supply chain.