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SIG Sparks Aseptic Packaging Growth with Gujarat Plant

Newzdaddy Business Updates

Customer supply from the Ahmedabad plant started SIG’s first aseptic carton plant in India, which is now fully operational

SIG, a leading aseptic packaging solutions provider, headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, announces that its first aseptic carton plant in India is now fully operational. The facility, located in Ahmedabad, completed in just 20 months, started production in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Industry experts note that India is now one of the fastest-growing food and beverage markets in the world. Many global packaging firms see India as a long-term investment hub because of its large population, increasing urbanisation, and rising demand for packaged food. Reports also show that India’s processed food market is expected to grow strongly through 2030. This growth creates high demand for safe and long-lasting packaging formats like aseptic cartons.

India, the world’s largest milk market and a major juice-producing country, presents growth opportunities for aseptic packaging solutions. SIG’s plant in the state of Gujarat will supply the company’s growing filler base serving leading dairy and non-carbonated soft drink producers in India. With its full operational capacity, it will also serve as an export hub for neighbouring countries in Asia, supporting increased regional trade and contributing to foreign-exchange revenues and export tax benefits for the nation.

Research shows that India produces more milk than any country in the world, but most of it is still sold loose. Only a small share is packed safely. Many milk companies are now shifting to aseptic packaging to reduce waste, improve hygiene, and reach far-off areas without needing cold storage. Gujarat itself is known as the milk capital of India because of the strong dairy network built by Amul and other cooperatives. This makes the state ideal for industries that support large-scale milk distribution.

“Bringing this facility into full operation is an important milestone for SIG and a strong reflection of our global strategy”, said Christoph Wegener, Chief Markets Officer at SIG. “At SIG, technology is meaningful only when it creates real value across the entire ecosystem – for customers, partners, and the planet. This plant will strengthen our ability to serve a fast-growing region with intelligent, future-ready packaging systems that combine speed, performance, and flexibility. We remain committed to building partnerships, unlocking new possibilities for our customers, and supporting India’s position as a rising hub for advanced food and beverage manufacturing.”

Industry reports highlight that modern packaging plants now use robotics, automation, and smart equipment to improve speed and safety. These technologies help companies reduce waste and energy use while increasing output. SIG is known for developing smart filling lines that help beverage companies deliver consistent quality at high volumes.

With production scaling up, the plant has the potential to create more than 300 employment opportunities in Gujarat and many more in ancillary services and supply chains. The facility is the tenth aseptic carton packaging plant in SIG’s global production network, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to India and the broader Asia region.

Studies show that every major packaging plant also supports hundreds of indirect jobs, including transport staff, carton suppliers, machinery services, and local vendors. Gujarat is one of India’s top industrial states and is known for offering strong logistics, stable power supply, and business-friendly policies. These factors often attract global manufacturers to set up long-term operations.

Since first entering the Indian market in 2018, SIG has experienced rapid business expansion. The Ahmedabad plant positions SIG to meet surging demand efficiently and provides greater flexibility to support both domestic needs and export growth across Asia.

Reports note that India’s growing middle class, rising income levels, and busy lifestyles have increased the demand for packaged drinks such as flavoured milk, energy drinks, juice boxes, and nutritional beverages. Aseptic packaging helps these drinks stay fresh for months at room temperature, which supports wider distribution across the country.

Abdelghany Eladib, President & General Manager, India, Middle East and Africa at SIG: “India is an important building block of our regional strategy – dynamic, ambitious, and filled with opportunity. With this world-class facility now running in full swing, we are able to support our customers with greater agility while creating meaningful employment and strengthening local value chains. The plant will not only meet India’s growing demand but also contribute to the country’s presence in regional dairy and beverage exports. This achievement reflects the dedication of our team and the strong partnerships that continue to drive SIG’s progress across IMEA.”

Economic surveys show that modern food-processing and packaging units help India boost export capacity. Many Asian and African countries import packaged dairy and juice from India because of the country’s strong production base and competitive pricing.

Vandana Tandan, Head of Market India and Bangladesh at SIG, added: “Seeing this plant fully operational is a moment of immense pride for all of us. The state-of-the-art facility strengthens our ability to serve India’s fast-evolving dairy and beverage sectors. The local operations allow us to respond to customer needs with greater speed, flexibility, and proximity – all essential in a market as dynamic as India. Over just seven years, SIG has built a strong and trusted presence here. Our commitment remains clear: to drive innovation, support job creation, and deliver sustainable, high-quality aseptic packaging solutions that meet the needs of consumers across India and neighbouring regions.”

Reports highlight that India’s beverage market is expected to grow strongly as companies move toward value-added products like fortified milk, plant-based drinks, fruit-based beverages, and ready-to-drink coffee. These categories depend heavily on safe, long-lasting packaging solutions.

Since only a small share of India’s milk is packaged as of today and cold-chain infrastructure remains limited, aseptic cartons offer a safe, sustainable, and practical way to deliver nutrition at scale. They keep food and beverages shelf-stable for long periods without preservatives or energy-intensive refrigeration. With SIG’s new plant now fully operational, the industry gains shorter delivery timelines, quicker response to market needs, and stronger support for India’s fast-growing dairy and non-carbonated beverages categories. Together, this investment and the start of full-scale operations reinforce SIG’s position in the country’s packaging landscape, contributing to sustainable manufacturing, export potential, and wider economic growth.