SCGC (Siam Cement Group Chemicals) has unveiled a new partnership with SIG, a leading provider of aseptic packaging solutions, to drive innovation in sustainable food and beverage packaging in the ASEAN region. The collaboration aims to advance the circular economy through the development of fully recyclable and high-barrier paper-based aseptic packaging.

The initiative centers around SIG’s aseptic cartons, which are known for preserving perishable liquids without refrigeration. These packages are lightweight and composed primarily of renewable paperboard. By integrating SCGC’s expertise in advanced materials and recycling, both companies aim to further reduce the environmental impact of food and beverage packaging in Southeast Asia.

As part of the collaboration, SCGC will support local recycling infrastructure and work closely with SIG to optimize material recovery from used cartons. The project will also involve developing guidelines and systems that improve collection, sorting, and processing rates across the region, especially in countries where recycling penetration is still in early stages.

Mr. Suracha Udomsak, Chief Innovation Officer at SCGC, emphasized the importance of innovation and partnership in driving sustainability: “This collaboration with SIG brings together world-class technologies to meet regional sustainability challenges. We’re working to create packaging solutions that meet the highest standards in both performance and environmental responsibility.”

One key innovation is the focus on mono-material packaging, which simplifies recycling processes. Traditional aseptic cartons often include multiple layers of plastic and aluminum, which complicate recycling. SCGC and SIG aim to reduce or eliminate these layers without compromising product safety and shelf life.

The companies also announced plans to conduct consumer education campaigns and work with food producers to shift toward more sustainable packaging formats. By raising awareness of recycling practices and offering packaging that is easier to recycle, the partnership intends to create a closed-loop system that minimizes landfill waste.

“By joining forces, we can fast-track the transition to a circular economy and reduce the packaging industry's carbon footprint,” said Samuel Sigrist, CEO of SIG.

SCGC’s involvement complements its broader strategic goals, including investments in chemical recycling technologies and innovations in bioplastics. For SIG, this partnership enhances its presence in Southeast Asia, where demand for shelf-stable, sustainable packaging is growing rapidly due to urbanization and shifting consumer preferences.

This collaboration represents a model for cross-industry cooperation that addresses multiple packaging challenges — from material innovation and recyclability to infrastructure and consumer behavior. With both companies aligning on ESG principles, this partnership sets a new standard for sustainable packaging in the ASEAN market and beyond.