SIG takes aim at plastic waste with eco-friendly carton pack

06-Oct-2023 - Last updated on 12-Oct-2023 at 08:26 GMT

SIG DomeMini is first launching in China. Image: SIG

Related tags Carton Packaging Sustainability plant-based Dairy

The packaging giant says its on-the-go carton bottle offers ‘all the convenience of a plastic bottle and the sustainability benefits of a carton pack’ – but can this concept fly in the minds of consumers?

SIG DomeMini is a small-size carton pack designed as an alternative to single-use plastic bottles. Launching in China initially with plans for expansion to other countries, the product caters to the ‘paperization’ trend, where packaging manufacturers are increasingly switching from plastic to paper. SIG DomeMini is made from FSC-certified paperboard and manufactured using renewable electricity; it can be recycled and is available in a range of seven sizes, from 180ml to 350ml, with a centrally-positioned cap opening similar to that in plastic bottles.

SIG says that a single filling machine can handle all sizes, while the company’s sleeve system drinksplus makes it possible to fill liquid dairy and products containing real pieces of fruits, vegetables or cereals.

Christoph Wegener, CMO at SIG: “The market for on-the-go beverages continues to grow and offers immense potential. By combining convenience with sustainability, SIG DomeMini sets the stage and offers a new drinking experience for consumers, who can now enjoy their favorite drink on the move while helping to reduce plastic waste.”

“We can now offer food & beverage companies a bottle-shaped carton product family for the on-the-go and at-home occasion that does not compromise on convenience and delivers superior sustainability performance.”

Packaging trends: No specific material leads the pack

According to March 2023 research into packaging trends published by McKinsey, no single packaging type – whether plastic, glass, metal or paper – appears to be an undisputed leader when it comes to every attribute of packaging sustainability. “Our survey indicates consumers around the world are not fully aligned in their views on what the most sustainable packaging materials might be,” the market intelligence agency said.

For example, compostable options such as those made from cane sugar rank higher in some countries, but not in Japan, where shoppers consider plastics made from recycled content and fully recyclable plastics just as sustainable as compostable packaging. Globally, plastic films from renewable or compostable sources also rank high according to the research, while paper scores high on average, particularly in countries such as India and the UK.

But in most markets, compostable and plant-based packaging types are seen most favorably by consumers globally.