SIG, a leading player in aseptic and sustainable packaging solutions, presented a wide range of its products and sustainable solutions at the 49th Dairy Industry Conference organized by the Indian Dairy Association (IDA) in collaboration with Gujarat. The 3-day conference began on 16 March 2023, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.  

Known for high-quality and sustainable packaging solutions, SIG showcased and displayed several innovations – aseptic packaging solutions for portion sizes; for example, the flagship CFA 1224 filling machine for combiblocXSlim with a capacity to fill up to 24,000 packs per hour and the flexibility to fill 9 volumes (80 ml to 200 ml) on the same filling machine.

SIG also promoted family pack solutions that can be filled on SIG’s CFA 312 and CFA 812 filling machines, allowing multiple packaging formats and volume options (500 to 1.1 liter).

SIG also showcased combismile, a premium portion size solution for dairy and juice products available with straw or closure – both versions with future-ready drinks plus the option to aseptically fill beverages with particulates in carton packs with various volume sizes (180 ml to 350 ml). SIG also displayed its most advanced high-tech filling machine SIG NEO, making its debut with the innovative combivita family pack available in three volume sizes (500, 750 and 1,000 ml).

Vandana Tandan, head of markets for India, and Bangladesh at SIG said, “The dairy sector is one of the strongest sectors in India’s vast FMCG industry, undergoing impactful developments. SIG’s world-leading filling technology and wide range of specialized aseptic cartons in multiple sizes and formats, made using sustainably sourced materials, are uniquely positioned to support in the expansion of India’s dairy sector.”

This year’s conference was the first post-pandemic physical meet, themed Indian Dairy to the World: Opportunities & Challenges. Leaders from the dairy industry, experienced farmers, milk producers, and exhibitors from across the country came together to discuss dairy trends, sustainability in the sector, climate change, nutrition, and health in India to make India the mecca of dairy innovations and solutions.

SIG entered the Indian market in 2018 and has seen a rapid expansion of its business. Expanding its Indian operations, the company recently announced the construction of its first aseptic carton plant in Ahmedabad, India. The plant will supply its growing filler base, serving all leading dairy and non-carbonated soft drink players. SIG will invest approximately €60 million over the period of 2023–2025 to reach a production capacity of up to 4 billion packs per annum.

With a 6% increase, three times the global growth rate, and a per capita availability of 427 grams daily, India now dominates the global dairy business. The Indian dairy industry is the largest in the world, accounting for 23% of the global milk production, contributing 5.2% to the national economy, and directly supporting 100 million farmers.