SIG, a leading systems and solutions provider for aseptic carton packaging, has announced the launch of a wide range of recyclable paper straws with a variety of dimensions, shapes, and utilities. As a potential solution to the massive environmental damage caused by plastic straws, and in line with the plastic ban in India, SIG says its paper straws offer biodegradable non-plastic alternatives focused on both functionality and sustainability. 

According to SIG, its paper straws are made using paper obtained from FSC-certified sources (licence code: FSC C020428), similar to its forest-based cartons, which are also made using renewable paperboard. The wide range of straws includes those in standard straight I-shapes and U-shapes, as well as those in a novel and innovative telescopic format, to address all the different needs and preferences of both brands and consumers.

The straws can be used with all SIG carton packs that have a straw hole, but they are usually teamed up with small-sized packs to make consumption easier. Among these, the combiblocXSlim cartons also happen to be SIG’s most popular pack in India.

SIG’s paper straws are built to provide a smooth drinking experience, with special straws having larger diameters also available for easy consumption of SIG’s value-added drinksplus product portfolio. These are beverages that contain particulates like fruit chunks, nata de coco, aloe vera strands, cereal, nuts, and other ingredients, making the wider straws their perfect companion.

One of the most important factors during development was whether the paper straws would be robust enough to breach the closed straw holes on the cartons. The straws also had to maintain their shape and usefulness while submerged in liquids for long periods of time.

Hence, SIG worked with and continues working with a number of partners to provide an innovative replacement that is both durable and environmentally sustainable without sacrificing functionality or the customer experience. The result is a straw that keeps its shape and doesn’t get wet or soggy even after long durations submerged in the beverage. What’s more, the straw blister has also been engineered to stay attached to the cartons, aimed at reducing littering.

Vandana Tandan of SIG said, “SIG’s paper straws give the added benefit of convenience for both brands and consumers and are in line with our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and environmental impact.”