CHINA – Aseptic packaging provider, SIG Combibloc Group will be investing US$198.65 million (€180 million) in establishing a new packaging production plant in Suzhou, China.

Expected to become operational in 2021, the 120,000 square-metre site will be the company’s second aseptic cartons facility in China as the company targets further growth in Asia.

According to SIG, the new site will enable the company to bring new packaging concepts to market in line with the changing consumer habits in the region.

SIG gave an upbeat outlook for the aseptic carton packaging market in Asia-Pacific, such as for beverage and dairy products, noting the region represents a “huge opportunity.”

With the new facility, the company seeks to consolidate its share in the region, as increased spending power and a growing preference for on-the-go consumption means that consumers are increasingly consuming packaged food and beverages.

The plant will be located on the Suzhou Industrial Park in close proximity to its existing production facility and its recently opened Tech Centre, reports Food Bev.

The company said the new plant is expected to achieve world-class environmental, safety and operational performance from the start.

Rolf Stangl, chief executive of SIG, said: “The food and beverage market in Asia has seen continuous growth and is expected to continue on that path.

“Our new production plant will ensure we continue to excel at bringing new and exciting product and packaging concepts to market, quickly and efficiently. Together with our Tech Centre close by, the new plant is another pivotal moment for SIG in Asia.

“We will grow our business in the APAC region, but also expedite true beverage and dairy innovation for our customers, so they can quickly adapt to the changing lifestyle needs of Asian consumers.”

The company notes that growing populations in the region are adopting modern lifestyles in urban areas, with more on-the-go consumption as well as growing demand for high-quality nutritional food and beverage products.

SIG, based in Switzerland, provides customers with end-to-end solutions for differentiated products, smarter factories and connected packs.

The company early this year developed a new digital monitoring and control solution in a bid to help food and beverage manufacturers optimise filling plant operations.