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Aseptic packaging producer SIG Combibloc will invest €180 million to build a new packaging production plant in Suzhou, China, as the company targets further growth in Asia. Expected to become operational in 2021, the 120,000 square-metre site will produce aseptic cartons, and SIG claims that the new site will enable the company to bring new packaging concepts to market. The plant will be SIG's second in the country, and will be located on the Suzhou Industrial Park in close proximity to its existing production facility and its recently-opened Tech Centre. According to SIG, the decision to build the new site was influenced by changing consumer habits in the region, as increased spending power and a growing preference for on-the-go consumption mean that millions of people are only now starting to consume packaged food and beverages. Rolf Stangl, CEO 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.”