SIG has announced a strategic partnership with PulPac, aiming to utilize the company’s Dry Molded Fiber technology and establish a development program for large-scale production of paper-based closures for SIG’s aseptic cartons.
SIG states it has been increasing the paper content of its aseptic cartons in an effort to enhance renewability and reduce carbon footprints and the use of fossil-based materials. The company intends to reach an interim target of 85% paper content (excluding closures) and to incorporate paper-based closures to move beyond 90% paper content overall by 2030.
PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber technology is based on forming a dry web of fibres instead of creating materials from a fibre slurry, said to result in minimized water usage in the moulding process. The technology apparently delivers lower CO2 emissions compared to plastic solutions, ‘unparalleled design flexibility’ and is engineered for high-volume production.
For its aseptic carton packs, SIG applies its closures after the packaging has been filled with products and the cartons have been securely sealed in the aseptic zone of the SIG filling machine. The company says the post-application of the closures does not interfere with the aseptic process and ensures the products remain safely protected.
According to SIG, this post-application process lays the foundation for a ‘plug-and-play’ solution of paper-based closures, which in future will be applied to the closed packaging in the same way as plastic closures without changing the production process.
In related news, Absolut recently shared that it had successfully trialled an ‘industry-first’ paper-based cap and bottle duo in collaboration with Blue Ocean Closures (BOC), as part of its goal to create a fully biobased bottle. Apparently, in the first generation the cap’s design will combine a body made of over 95% FSC certified fibres with a thin top-seal barrier made of plastic, with the long-term ambition of replacing the plastic with a biobased material.
More recently, Aptar Closures unveiled three tamper-evident and recyclable closures for sports beverages, seeking to deliver lightweighted bottles, improved security and an enhanced drinking experience. The NexTE 29.25 Sport Closure facilitates one-hand opening and features a visible, non-detachable tamper-evidence band, which can be flexed back in an opening motion.
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