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Achieving sustainability goals brings out the best in companies as they learn to foster collaboration and ingenuity. It takes a strong corporate commitment to attain a sustainable future, and this is what we see in SIG, the Swiss-based multinational company that holds a Platinum CSR ranking on the EcoVadis platform.
SIG specializes in aseptic carton packaging, bag-in-box, and spouted pouches for liquid food and beverage applications, as well as provides filling equipment and services to support these packaging solutions.
At this year's ProPak Vietnam exhibition held in Ho Chi Minh City, FoodPacific Manufacturing Journal met with SIG’s Sustainability Manager for the Asia Pacific South region, Ms. Huangyi Chen, to know more.
Ms. Huangyi Chen, Sustainability Manager for the Asia Pacific South region, SIG
Please tell us about your role as SIG’s Sustainability Manager for the Asia Pacific South region, as well as the company’s approach to sustainability.
I lead the integration of SIG’s ‘For better’ strategy across the region. This involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to reduce carbon emissions, advance circular packaging solutions, and ensure compliance with sustainability certifications like FSC™ and ASI. A key part of my role is engaging stakeholders—from suppliers to customers—to drive systemic change toward net-positive food systems.
SIG is committed to sustainability in all areas of our operations and our product development, whether it be environmental sustainability—such as carbon footprint reduction, waste management, or the use of renewable energy within our manufacturing operations. In addition, our commitment to supply chain sustainability means that we work closely with third parties to conduct comprehensive Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). These assessments help us evaluate and improve the sustainability of the materials we use by measuring their environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.
How does SIG collaborate with other companies or organizations to advance sustainable packaging?
SIG actively collaborates with various organizations to drive progress toward a regenerative packaging system and a circular economy. Recognizing that we cannot achieve this goal alone, we partner with governments, industry bodies, and Producer Responsibility Organizations to provide science-based insights and support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. This collaborative approach is key to reducing waste, preventing pollution, and aligning with global sustainability and zero-waste initiatives.
In our region, we have developed market specific game plans to improve circularity as each market requires different assistance. In the case of Thailand, we need to increase the used beverage carton collection rate and increase the capacity of the specialized paper mill partner. In the meantime, we also need to support the development of PolyAl recycler to create more pull through demand across the whole value chain. In Indonesia, the focus is also on increasing collection, improving local paper mills processing of used beverage cartons and generating more demand for the end products of PolyAl recycling.
In Vietnam, aside from the collection issue which hopefully will be improved with the household segregation mandate kicking in this year, we are also focusing on optimizing UBC process in paper mills. In Australia, the aim is to increase curbside collection of UBC since there is already such a developed system in place. The challenge lies more in proper sorting and increasing the demand for UBC recycled products.
Tell us about SIG’s participation at ProPak Vietnam 2025.
Attending ProPak in other parts of Southeast Asia is always a great experience, but ProPak Vietnam has something special to offer. The growth of the food and beverage industry in Vietnam is exciting. Here, we aim to strengthen partnerships with local recyclers and food and beverage brands and showcase our SIG Terra portfolio, specifically the SIG Terra Alu-free Full Barrier - the benchmark for low-carbon packaging. Additionally, we learn from regional innovators tackling food waste and recycling, which inspire a collective push toward net-positive packaging systems in Southeast Asia. SIG’s presence at ProPak Vietnam underscores our commitment to advancing sustainability through collaboration, innovation, and education, and to build a future where packaging protects both products and the planet.
How does SIG measure the impact of its sustainability initiatives on local communities and ecosystems in the APAC region?
In collaboration with WWF Switzerland, WWF Thailand and WWF Malaysia, we have launched projects to protect forest landscapes in Thailand and Malaysia, aligning with our commitment to create, restore, protect, or improve the management of 650,000 hectares of forest by 2030.
Alongside restoration and management activities, empowering local communities to champion conservation is a key component of achieving the goal to strengthen the resilience of the landscape that can continue to provide vital ecosystem services for them.
How is sustainability evolving in consumer behavior in Asia/Pacific?
Consumer demand for sustainability amongst APAC member countries has surged over the years. For example, 54.6% of APAC consumers now adopt sustainable purchasing practices, which is up from 51.9% in 2022, with the younger generations leading the shift. Southeast Asian markets like Vietnam and Thailand show over 60% engagement in sustainability practices. However, barriers like cost, with 35.7% citing affordability as one of the main factors for not adopting sustainability practices, remain significant. Although Southeast Asian consumers increasingly consider eco-friendly packaging options, the availability of information and clear guidance on recycling and certifications is still a significant barrier.
In what way does SIG see growth within the Vietnamese food and beverage market?
SIG's reputation is well known throughout the Asia-Pacific region for offering a unique packaging solutions portfolio to our customers. Not only do we provide the packaging materials and the filling machines, but we also advise our customers on the right type of product suitable for their operations. We also offer technical and digital services alongside a strong global R&D network. The Vietnamese food and beverage industry has matured significantly over the years, and brands here are focused more on quality that genuinely addresses consumer demands. There is also a greater awareness of the need for sustainability within their operations and the finished products they offer, particularly within the growing Vietnamese export market.
How often do end-product consumers choose food and beverage products based on packaging that is considered eco-friendly?
Recent data shows that 70% of consumers globally prioritize sustainable packaging when choosing food and beverage products, with 42% willing to pay more for eco-friendly options. In APAC, 67.9% are open to paying premiums, especially among Gen Z and Millennials demographics.
Can you share any success stories where SIG’s sustainable packaging solutions have made a significant environmental impact?
In 2024 alone, approximately 1.7 billion liters of food were packed in packs made with SIG Terra packaging materials. Since its introduction, SIG has now sold enough packs with SIG Terra solutions to fill around 6 billion liters of food, marking a milestone in SIG’s mission to drive sustainable innovation. Market expansion in Europe and a successful sales ramp-up of the SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier packaging material in China further highlight the growing preference for SIG’s even more sustainable offerings. This has allowed us to offer to the food and beverage industry packaging solutions that reduce CO2 emissions without compromising on product protection.
SIG Terra family
How does sustainability play a role in the development of the company’s future products?
SIG invests a lot of time and money into assessing the future needs of our customers, particularly relating to sustainability. We develop next-generation materials that enhance recyclability, lower carbon footprints and maximize renewability all while maintaining product quality. We also focus on creating products that are not only cutting-edge but also ahead of the evolving demands of the market.
What are some of the innovations the company has developed over the years?
SIG has a long history of pioneering sustainable packaging innovations. For example, we launched the world's first aseptic cartons completely aluminum-free over 10 years ago.
To understand the significance of this, you need to know how a conventional aseptic carton pack is constructed and what functions the materials have. Standard aseptic cartons are designed to protect the high nutritional value of liquid food products like milk and typically consist of three main elements: paperboard, polymers and a thin aluminum layer. Each of these components fulfills an important task. The paperboard made from the renewable resource wood accounts for around 75 percent of the pack and provides stability. Polymers keep the pack leak proof, and the thin layer of aluminum protects the products against light, oxygen, external odors, preserving its flavor. Although aluminum makes up only about 5% of a standard aseptic carton, it accounts for around 25% of the packaging's carbon footprint. By removing the aluminum layer, we can significantly reduce the packaging’s environmental impact.
We are focused on making our packaging even more sustainable. Creating a circular economy for packaging is not just about incorporating more renewable or recycled content into our packaging but also about ensuring our packaging gets recycled. In 2025, we are planning a market test of the world’s first aseptic beverage carton that is designed for the paper recycling stream. This breakthrough is especially important for regions with limited recycling infrastructure. Ultimately, we will continue to provide solutions that are not only good for the consumer but also for the planet.
(Photo: Kaja Maideen Rh I Dreamstime.com)
On advocating social responsibility
Consumers can take key actions that truly make a real difference, according to Huangyi Chen. She said:
Prioritize brands with credible certifications. Look for labels like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or ASI (Aluminum Stewardship Initiative). These certifications ensure that the materials used are responsibly sourced, which is crucial for reducing environmental impact. For instance, when you see the FSC logo on a product, you know that the wood or paper used comes from forests that are managed in a way that respects the environment and local communities.
Recycle packaging. SIG strongly encourages responsible recycling of our beverage cartons. To make recycling as easy as possible, consumers can refer to the recycling instructions on the packaging—these may include QR codes or label information that guides them to nearby recycling drop-off points. Also, make sure to separate waste properly. This helps ensure that recyclable materials are separated correctly and don’t end up in landfills.
Stay informed. Demand transparency from companies about their sustainability claims. It's easy to get caught up in greenwashing, but by doing your research and asking questions, you can hold companies accountable for their actions. Look for detailed sustainability reports and third-party audits that verify their claims.
Advocate for change. Use social media to raise awareness about sustainability issues and push for systemic change. The younger generation has a powerful voice, and platforms like Instagram and TikTok can be incredibly effective tools for mobilizing support and driving action. Whether it's sharing articles, participating in online campaigns, or simply spreading awareness among friends and family, every bit counts.
READ MORE: Better packaging, more beverage options where Ms. Cheryl Yong, Head of Marketing Asia Pacific-South at SIG, shares her perspective of the ready to drink (RTD) market