Seoul Dairy introduces first recyclable carton under Korean regulations

In a landmark move to boost sustainability in packaging, Seoul Dairy Cooperative (SDC), Korea’s leading milk producer, has become the first company in the country to launch products in aluminium-layer-free full barrier aseptic carton packs that are recognised as recyclable under the country’s recyclability grading system. SDC plans to offer organic white milk in the newly introduced SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier, developed by SIG. Although aluminium represents about 5% of a standard aseptic carton's weight, it contributes significantly to its carbon footprint – roughly 25%. This innovation significantly decreases the environmental impact and simplifies recycling processes.

The cartons are recognized as recyclable by Korea's grading system, facilitating easier collection and recycling. Jinsup Moon, president & CEO of SDC, emphasized that "Seoul Dairy has always delivered the best products to Korean families," and this endeavor signifies a substantial leap towards supporting the country’s circular economy goals. SIG Korea’s Hans Cho called this development "a game-changer for the industry" since it allows seamless integration into existing production lines and supports a wide range of beverages. With over 400 million packs sold since 2023, this innovation also underlines SIG's commitment to realizing cartons with at least 90% paper content by 2030.