SIG supports aluminium initiative

SIG, a leading systems and solutions provider for aseptic packaging, is now part of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) in order to enhance responsibility and traceability in the aluminium supply chain.

The ASI is a global, multi-stakeholder, non-profit standards setting and certification organisation  consisting of producers, users and other stakeholders that aim to promote the responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminium.

SIG supports the ASI’s objectives to improve environmental and social aspects of the aluminium value chain as part of the companyi’s strong commitment to responsible sourcing.

Henrik Wagner, Global Sourcing & Procurement Director at SIG said: “SIG’s commitment to responsible sourcing is central to our ambition to go Way Beyond Good by putting more into society and the environment than we take out. Sourcing materials from suppliers that have been certified to strict ethical, environmental and social standards is one of the best ways we can demonstrate that commitment. By joining the ASI, we have the opportunity to enhance the environmental credentials of our cartons through the new ASI certification on the responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminium. This builds on our pioneering efforts within the industry to source raw materials, such as liquid packaging board and plant-based polymers, from certified sources.”

Responsible aluminium

Aluminium is the latest focus in SIG’s continued efforts to enhance traceability and responsibility in the sourcing of raw materials that go into its carton packs.

SIG has already pioneered the use of third-party verified certifications within the industry to enhance traceability in the supply chain and demonstrate that key materials such as liquid packaging board and plant-based polymers are responsibly sourced.

Most SIG packs include an ultra-thin barrier layer of aluminium foil. The new ASI certification, launched in December 2017, provides a robust way to audit aluminium suppliers against strict ethical, environmental and social standards. SIG has been working with one of its aluminium suppliers, Amcor, for over a year to assess readiness for the ASI certification through pilot assessments conducted by DNV GL, a third-party verification body.

Dr Fiona Solomon, CEO of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative said “We are delighted to welcome SIG to the ASI community.  Aluminium is a critical material for the packaging sector and ASI’s Certification program provides a platform to recognise and collaboratively foster global supply chain efforts towards enhanced sustainability. SIG’s ongoing actions to responsibly source raw materials are now being extended to aluminium, one of the world’s most widely used metals.  With the first ASI Certifications already announced, we look forward to an acceleration of efforts in the packaging sector in the coming months and years, with the support of SIG and other ASI members.”