SIG opens new aseptic packaging plant in India

INDIA – SIG has officially inaugurated its first production plant for aseptic carton packs in India.

The €90 million facility, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, was completed in just 20 months and is set to strengthen SIG’s position in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. 

The plant has an initial annual production capacity of up to four billion aseptic carton packs and is expected to create over 300 local jobs while adhering to high environmental standards.

Reported by SIG, the facility will serve India’s leading dairy and non-carbonated soft drink producers, reducing delivery lead times and increasing market responsiveness. 

The opening ceremony was attended by Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda, alongside a Swiss economic delegation, highlighting the importance of the collaboration between the two countries. 

Artieda stated, “India and Switzerland unite a friendship for more than 75 years. It is great to see how successfully SIG, a Swiss global player, is developing in India, and it is a great honor for me to have the privilege of opening the new state-of-the-art packaging plant in Ahmedabad.”

According to a report by SIG, India, the world’s largest milk market and a significant juice producer, presents immense opportunities for aseptic packaging. 

With less than 10% of its milk consumption currently packaged and a lack of cold chain infrastructure, aseptic cartons offer a sustainable and efficient solution by enabling long-term storage of nutritious beverages without the need for preservatives or refrigeration. 

The company’s investment aims to support the country’s growing dairy and beverage sectors while enhancing packaging innovation.

SIG CEO Samuel Sigrist emphasized the company’s commitment to India, saying, “This new packaging plant is a testament to our commitment to India and its incredible growth potential. We are proud to support our Indian partners with high-quality packaging solutions and fast, flexible filling technology.”

Since its entry into the Indian market in 2018, SIG has reported rapid business expansion, achieving strong double-digit revenue growth in 2024. 

To meet rising demand, the company has announced plans to invest an additional €50 million in a local extrusion line, expected to be operational by 2027. 

The President & General Manager for India, the Middle East, and Africa at SIG, Abdelghany Eladib, noted that manufacturing within the country would improve efficiency in meeting customer needs and allow greater flexibility for innovation.

Vandana Tandan, Head of Market India and Bangladesh at SIG, highlighted the significance of the Indian dairy and beverage industries, emphasizing the company’s plans to expand its reach within the country and neighboring regions. 

The new plant is expected to play a key role in advancing sustainable and innovative aseptic packaging solutions in the Indian market.