SIG, a global leader in aseptic packaging and filling solutions, has inaugurated its first production plant for aseptic carton packs in India. Headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, SIG has made a €90 million investment in this state-of-the-art facility, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The plant was completed in just 20 months, marking a significant milestone in SIG’s expansion into one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the new plant has an initial annual production capacity of up to 4 billion aseptic carton packs. It adheres to the highest environmental standards while creating over 300 local jobs. The facility will supply SIG’s growing network of filler partners, which includes major players in India’s dairy and non-carbonated soft drink industries.
The official opening ceremony was attended by Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, along with a Swiss economic delegation. The event highlighted the strengthening partnership between India and Switzerland, reinforcing SIG’s commitment to sustainable packaging solutions in India.
Why India? Aseptic Packaging’s Role in a Rapidly Expanding Market
India is the world’s largest milk market and a leading juice producer. However, less than 10% of milk consumption in India is packaged, and the country lacks an extensive cold chain infrastructure. This makes aseptic cartons a critical solution—they enable long-term storage of food and beverages without preservatives or refrigeration, reducing energy consumption and food wastage.
With India’s growing demand for convenient, sustainable, and high-quality packaging, SIG’s new plant is expected to bring faster delivery times, increased market responsiveness, and stronger support for local producers.
Swiss-Indian Collaboration in Focus
During the inauguration, Swiss State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda praised SIG’s expansion, stating:
“India and Switzerland share a friendship spanning more than 75 years. It is inspiring to see SIG, a Swiss global leader, thriving in India. This new plant is a testament to our strong partnership and the role of Swiss engineering in India’s food and beverage sector.”
SIG CEO Samuel Sigrist emphasized the company’s commitment to the Indian market, saying:
“This new plant reflects our dedication to supporting Indian businesses with high-quality, innovative packaging. Our partnerships in this dynamic market are the foundation of our continued success.”
Future Growth & Expansion Plans
Since entering India in 2018, SIG has witnessed rapid business expansion, recording double-digit revenue growth in 2024. Looking ahead, the company is set to invest an additional €50 million in a local extrusion line, expected to be operational by 2027.
Abdelghany Eladib, President & General Manager, India, Middle East & Africa at SIG, stated:
“The launch of our 10th global aseptic carton plant in India is a major achievement. Producing within India allows us to meet growing customer demand more efficiently, while also driving innovation and sustainable packaging development.”
Vandana Tandan, Head of Market, India & Bangladesh at SIG, added:
“India’s dairy industry is one of the most significant in the world, and the beverage sector is growing rapidly. Our goal is to provide innovative and sustainable aseptic packaging solutions that align with evolving consumer needs.”
SIG’s Commitment to India’s Sustainable Packaging Future
With this investment, SIG strengthens its position as a key player in India’s packaging industry, contributing to sustainability, innovation, and efficiency in the country’s food and beverage sector. The company remains focused on expanding its footprint in India and neighboring regions, shaping the future of packaging with Swiss excellence. 🇨🇭
