SIG opens first aseptic carton production plant in India

SWITZERLAND – Swiss-based SIG, a global leader in aseptic packaging and filling solutions, has inaugurated its first production plant for aseptic carton packs in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. 

This €90 million (US$94.1M) investment, completed within just 20 months, marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion into one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing markets. 

The state-of-the-art facility, designed with cutting-edge technology, boasts an initial annual production capacity of up to 4 billion aseptic carton packs while adhering to the highest environmental standards. 

The plant also brings substantial economic benefits to the local community, generating over 300 jobs.

“Manufacturing the packages within the country will help us cater to the surging demand of customers and consumers more efficiently,” Abdelghany Eladib, President and General Manager for India, the Middle East, and Africa at SIG, emphasized the importance of local manufacturing.

“It will also provide us with the opportunity to innovate and experiment with our designs and packages in line with market trends more conveniently.”

Strengthening presence in India’s growing market

India, the world’s largest milk market and a leading juice producer, presents vast growth opportunities for aseptic packaging solutions. 

With less than 10% of its milk consumption packaged and limited cold chain infrastructure, the demand for aseptic cartons is rapidly increasing. 

These cartons provide a safe, sustainable, and convenient solution for long-term storage of nutritious food and beverages without preservatives or energy-intensive refrigeration during distribution and storage. 

“India is one of the most crucial dairy markets in the world, and over the years, the beverage processing industry has also witnessed remarkable growth. This presents an incredible opportunity for us to cater to customers with innovative and sustainable aseptic packages to meet the evolving needs of consumers,” Vandana Tandan, Head of Market India and Bangladesh at SIG, noted.

By establishing this facility in India, SIG aims to shorten delivery lead times, enhance market responsiveness, and better support the country’s dairy and non-carbonated soft drink producers.

The opening ceremony was attended by Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda, along with a Swiss economic delegation, underlining the significance of this development for both SIG and the Indian-Swiss partnership. 

“It’s inspiring to see Swiss engineering at the heart of India’s food and beverage industry,” Artieda emphasized the long-standing friendship between India and Switzerland.

Commitment to growth and innovation

Samuel Sigrist, CEO of SIG, highlighted the strategic importance of this new facility.

“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. Our strong partnerships in this vibrant market are the foundation of our continued success,” he noted.

Since entering the Indian market in 2018, SIG has experienced rapid business expansion, achieving robust double-digit revenue growth in 2024.

Looking forward, SIG is already planning further investments to enhance its production capabilities in India. 

The company’s Board of Directors has approved an additional €50 million (US$52.3M) investment in a local extrusion line, scheduled to be operational by 2027. This expansion will enable SIG to efficiently meet the rising demand for aseptic packaging in India and neighboring regions.