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SIG has announced plans to build its first aseptic carton plant in India. Located in Ahmedabad, the facility will supply the company's growing filler base, which now includes all leading dairy and non-carbonated soft drink manufacturers. With the investment, SIG is boosting capacity for the printing and finishing of aseptic carton packs. Approximately €60 million will be invested during the period 2023-2025, with the aim of reaching a production capacity of up to 4 billion packs per year. Additional investments could further increase capacity to up to 10 billion packs per annum. Angela Lu, president and general manager of Asia-Pacific South at SIG, said: “India is fast becoming the world’s most populous country and has a very low per capita consumption of entry-level packaged food and beverage goods. Since entering the market five years ago, we have grown exponentially. We are looking forward to further expanding our presence and driving our market share. An established local infrastructure will allow us to fast-track innovations and build strong and long-lasting partner­ships with our customers.” Vandana Tandan, head of markets for India and Bangladesh at SIG, added: “We are thrilled to announce that soon we will have locally produced 'made in India' aseptic carton packs. With this plant, we will be able to further develop the range of products available to Indian consumers. Our long shelf-life pack­aging increases access to vital nutrition and avoids food waste through an array of sizes to suit all consumption occasions at affordable price points.” Construction will commence in Q1 2023, with commercial production expected to start towards the end of 2024. SIG says that phase one of the build is expected to create around 300 jobs.