Pomurske Mlekarne has partnered with SIG to introduce its first milk product in aluminum-layer-free aseptic cartons, marking a significant step forward in sustainable dairy packaging.
The company has relaunched its Pomursko Mlejko 2.8% low-fat milk in SIG Terra MidiBloc Alu-free + Full barrier, becoming the first in Slovenia to adopt this advanced packaging solution.
Milestone in Sustainable Dairy Packaging
This launch reflects the growing global demand for aluminum-free aseptic cartons, offering a more sustainable alternative without compromising product protection.
Anthony Tomažin, Director at Pomurske Mlekarne, highlighted the significance of the move:
“Throughout our 80-year heritage, we have continuously focused on quality and innovation. Our close cooperation with SIG has enabled us to be first to market in Slovenia with this solution — a pivotal step forward in sustainable packaging as we celebrate our 80th anniversary.”
Innovation Without Compromise
The SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier eliminates the traditional aluminum layer, replacing it with an ultra-thin polymer coating that provides full barrier protection against:
- Oxygen
- Light
- Moisture
- Aroma loss
This innovation reduces the structure of aseptic cartons from three raw materials to two, significantly lowering the carbon footprint while maintaining product shelf life and safety.
With over 80% paper content (excluding closure), the packaging aligns strongly with circular economy goals and renewable material usage.
Operational Efficiency for Manufacturers
A key advantage for producers like Pomurske Mlekarne is the seamless integration into existing operations. The new material:
- Runs on existing SIG filling lines
- Maintains full performance efficiency
- Allows quick switching between standard and alu-free materials
This ensures sustainability improvements without requiring additional capital investment.
Expanding Applications Across Categories
While aluminum-free cartons were initially limited to oxygen-insensitive products, SIG’s latest innovation extends their use to oxygen-sensitive beverages, including:
- Fruit juices and nectars
- Flavored milk
- Plant-based drinks
Jovana Pinter, Head of Sales South-East Europe at SIG, commented:
“Our strong partnership with Pomurske Mlekarne reflects our shared commitment to innovation. This launch delivers a more sustainable packaging solution with no compromise on protection or shelf life.”
Driving the Future of Aseptic Packaging
SIG has been a pioneer in aluminum-free aseptic packaging since 2010. With the introduction of full barrier technology, the company has expanded its capabilities significantly.
To date, SIG has sold over 4 billion aluminum-free cartons, underscoring strong market adoption and industry confidence.
This latest launch not only strengthens Pomurske Mlekarne’s position as an innovation leader in Slovenia but also signals a broader shift toward low-carbon, high-performance packaging solutions in the global dairy and beverage sector.