Hochwald adopts eco-friendly Alu-Free SIG Terra aseptic cartons

GERMANY – European dairy processor Hochwald has adopted SIG Terra Alu-free packaging for its UHT milk products, marking a significant milestone in the shift toward aluminum-free aseptic cartons.

The transition not only supports Hochwald’s ambitious carbon reduction goals but also highlights the growing momentum behind SIG’s sustainable packaging solutions.

The SIG Terra Alu-free material eliminates the need for an aluminum layer, long a standard in aseptic packaging, without compromising food protection or shelf life.

Made from up to 82% FSC-certified renewable paperboard and ultra-thin polymer layers, the packaging ensures long-lasting food safety while minimizing environmental impact.

Compared to SIG’s conventional aseptic cartons, the Alu-free variant cuts the carbon footprint by up to 34%.

“We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions by at least 50% within ten years,” said Volker Kölsch, Head of Procurement at Hochwald.

“Partnering with SIG and using Terra Alu-free for our UHT milk is a major step forward. Not only are we increasing the renewable share in our packaging, but we’re also drastically cutting CO2e emissions by eliminating aluminum.”

The rollout includes products packaged in SIG MidiBloc and SlimlineBloc cartons, both widely used formats in the European dairy market.

The packaging also communicates its sustainability benefits clearly to consumers, helping them make informed choices.

SIG, a trailblazer in aseptic technology, was the first in the industry to introduce aluminum-free packaging and has since supplied over 3.6 billion liters of food in such cartons.

In 2024 alone, 1.7 billion liters were packed in SIG Terra materials, a 15.1% increase from the previous year. In Europe, Terra packaging now accounts for 9.3% of all food packed in SIG aseptic cartons.

Both SIG and Hochwald are part of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and have validated sustainability goals, including SIG’s net-zero target across its value chain by 2050.

This collaboration echoes similar sustainability-driven packaging transitions in recent years. For instance, Arla Foods began trialing aluminum-free caps and lightweight cartons for milk in 2022, while Lactalis expanded its renewable packaging lines in 2023 using bio-based polyethylene layers.

Looking ahead, SIG plans to develop a full-barrier aseptic carton with at least 90% paper content, including the closure, by 2030, setting a new benchmark for renewable food packaging.

For Hochwald, this partnership is more than just packaging—it’s a commitment to climate-conscious innovation in dairy.

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