A new composite board can produce a one-litre aseptic liquid food carton that is 28% lower in CO2, according to SIG Combibloc.
An independent lifecycle assessment (LCA) by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IFEU) in Germany has confirmed its claim for EcoPlus board, says the manufacturer.
European long-life dairy product producer Milch-Union Hocheifel (MUH) will be the first in the world to launch EcoPlus, for UHT milk in a range of fat content grades.
The LCA with respect to CO2 balance covered the sourcing and processing of the raw materials to produce the packaging material and the manufacturing of carton and carton sleeves.
The pack’s rigidity comes from using ‘an unprocessed form’ of board made from 82% renewable wood, says SIG Combibloc. As well as a barrier to light, an ultra-thin polyamide layer protects against flavour impairment and external odours. Fine internal and external layers of polyethylene form a liquid barrier for the product and keep moisture out.
The concept will initially target the long-life milk and dairy products segments then be expanded to include non-carbonated juice products.
EcoPlus is being introduced for combiblocSlimline one-litre pack with for further formats in the future. They can be processed using standard filling machines from SIG Combibloc.
