SIG has entered a strategic partnership with PulPac to develop and scale the next generation of paper-based closures for aseptic carton packaging.
This collaboration aims to significantly reduce plastic use by introducing fully fiber-based caps and bases that maintain the same performance as plastic alternatives.
At the heart of the initiative is PulPac’s patented Dry Molded Fiber technology, which uses a dry forming process that minimizes water consumption and lowers CO₂ emissions compared to traditional plastic molding. The technique also supports high-volume manufacturing and offers extensive design flexibility.
The project supports SIG’s broader goal to increase the renewable content in its aseptic cartons. While SIG expects to reach 85% paper content (excluding closures) in 2025, the long-term target is to surpass 90% paper content by 2030, including both the carton and its closure.
“This is one of the most scalable fiber-based technologies available and a key enabler in our shift toward paper-based closures,” said Gavin Steiner, Chief Technology Officer at SIG. “Our ambition is to offer consumers the same convenience and opening performance, while significantly increasing the paper share in our cartons.”
The partnership also builds on SIG’s post-application technology—a process in which closures are applied only after the product has been filled and sealed aseptically. This approach enables plug-and-play integration, meaning the new paper-based closures can be added without altering existing filling and sealing equipment.
“For packaging innovations to be impactful, they must work with the current industrial setup,” added Christoph Wegener, Chief Markets Officer at SIG. “We design all of our solutions, including paper-based closures, to be compatible with our aluminum-free full-barrier structures, moving us closer to a truly circular packaging model.”
Once fully implemented, SIG expects the solution to replace a significant amount of plastic closures annually, reinforcing its commitment to a regenerative food packaging system.
SIG is a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions for food and beverages, specializing in aseptic cartons, spouted pouches, and bag-in-box systems. Headquartered in Switzerland, SIG operates in over 100 countries.
PulPac, based in Sweden, is a pioneer in sustainable packaging, specializing in Dry Molded Fiber technology. Their mission is to eliminate single-use plastics by providing scalable, eco-friendly packaging solutions that prioritize sustainability.
