SIG and PulPac Collaborate to Scale-Up Paper Lids

SIG announced a strategic partnership with PulPac to leverage the company's dry-pressed fiber technology to develop large-scale paper lids for SIG's aseptic cartons.

SIG stated that it has been increasing the paper content of its aseptic cartons to improve the packaging's recyclability and reduce its carbon footprint and the use of fossil-based materials. By 2030, the company aims to achieve a milestone of 85% paper content for the carton body, excluding the lid, and exceeding 90% paper content with the addition of a paper lid.

PulPac's dry-pressed fiber technology forms products directly from a dry fiber web, rather than manufacturing materials from a fiber slurry (wet-laid). This process reportedly significantly reduces water usage during the molding process and significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to plastic solutions. The technology offers "unparalleled design flexibility" and is designed for high-volume production.

For its aseptic carton packs, SIG applies the cap after the package has been filled with product and the carton has been sealed within the aseptic zone of the SIG filler. The company says this post-application capping method does not interfere with the aseptic process and ensures product safety at all times.

According to SIG, this post-application capping process paves the way for a "plug-and-play" paper closure solution. In the future, paper closures can be applied to already sealed packages in exactly the same way as plastic closures, without requiring any adjustments to existing production processes.

In related news, Absolut recently announced the successful pilot production of an "industry-first" paper cap and bottle combination. This collaborative project, conducted with Blue Ocean Closures (BOC), is part of its goal to create a fully bio-based bottle. The first-generation cap design will reportedly feature a cap body composed of over 95% FSC-certified fiber, with a thin plastic top seal barrier; the long-term goal is to replace this plastic with a bio-based material.

Aptar Closures has recently launched three tamper-evident and recyclable closures specifically designed for sports drinks, aiming to achieve lightweight bottles, improve safety, and optimize the drinking experience. The NexTE 29.25 sports closure supports one-handed opening and features a visible, non-removable tamper-evident band that naturally rebounds with the bottle cap when opened.