SIG Combibloc cuts down CO2 in carton

Combibloc EcoPlus is an aseptic carton pack for liquid food that cuts down CO2 by 28 per cent compared to a 1-litre carton pack of the same format, thanks to a special new cardboard composite. This reduction in CO2 has now been confirmed by an independent, critically reviewed lifecycle assessment conducted by the Institut für Energie- und Umweltforschung (IFEU/Institute for Energy and Environmental Research) in Heidelberg, Germany. combibloc EcoPlus contains more than 80 per cent wood fibre, which is obtained from wood, a renewable resource. Milch-Union Hocheifel eG (MUH) is to be the first company in the world to launch combibloc EcoPlus. MUH, one of the biggest manufacturers of long-life dairy products in Europe, will initially be offering UHT milk in a range of fat content grades in combibloc EcoPlus, providing a plus for the environment.

Markus Boehm, Chief Market Officer of SIG Combibloc: "Our objective is to continuously improve our carton packs with respect to their environmental benefits, to make sure they continue to be among the most environmentally friendly packaging solutions for long-life packaged foods. In combibloc EcoPlus, we have developed a carton pack with a new cardboard composite that substantially reduces CO2, while at the same time, of course, guaranteeing product quality and product protection and also ensuring the food will keep for a prolonged period without refrigeration. The scientifically proven reduction in CO2 is a substantial plus for the environment".

To conduct the current lifecycle assessment in accordance with internationally binding ISO standards, SIG Combibloc commissioned the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IFEU) in Heidelberg to analyse and evaluate the environmental impacts of combibloc EcoPlus when compared against a conventional SIG Combibloc carton pack of the same format. The IFEU is one of the most renowned environmental research institutes, with a clientele including government ministries, international environmental and conservation organisations, Germany’s Federal Environmental Agency and numerous companies and corporations.