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SIG buildings in Neuhausen am Rheinfall (Switzerland)

Key Information

SIG Group AG is a Swiss multinational corporation and one of the biggest manufacturers in the packaging industry.[2][3][4]

Originally founded 1853 as a railway car producer named Schweizerische Waggonfabrik ("Swiss Wagon Factory"), it was renamed SIG (Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft, German for Swiss Industrial Company; in French, as Société Industrielle Suisse; and, in Italian, as Società Industriale Svizzera)[5] a decade later, after it had won a contract for the production of firearms by the Swiss government.[6][7]

The SIG Group shares are listed on SIX Swiss Exchange and are a component of the SMI MID index. The industrial site at the headquarters in Neuhausen am Rheinfall is located directly on the Rhine Falls. Built at this location in 1853 for the use of hydroelectric power,[8] the site was transferred to the SIG Charitable Foundation in 2011.[9]

History

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Packaging (1906–today)

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1906–1950

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In order to address the volatility of the railway vehicle and firearms businesses, SIG started to produce packaging machinery starting from 1906 as a third main business area.[10] The machines were produced at SIG in Neuhausen[11] on behalf of the patentee of a "folding box" die-fold system, a co-founder of SAPAL (Société Anonyme des Plieuses Automatiques). Most of SIG's earlier packaging equipment efforts were focused on small dry food items such as chocolates and candy. The first packaging machines were delivered to Swiss chocolate manufacturers. In 1921, SIG started to construct its own packaging machines.[12]

1950–2000

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1956 SIG launched its first continuous flow wrapping machine. 1964 the business unit moved to Beringen where it had built a new factory. By 1981, it was producing 60 models of packaging machines.[12]

In 1989, through the acquisition of PKL from Linnich, Germany, SIG entered the field of aseptic carton liquid packaging, later known as SIG Combibloc.[13][14]

2000–today

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In 2000, SIG started to focus on food and beverage packaging technology. At that time, SIG already ranked as the second-largest manufacturer in the world, after Tetra Pak, of cardboard composites for fluids packaging.[15] Motion control specialist SIG Positec, which was mostly successful on the German, Swiss and Italian markets, was sold to Schneider Electric in the same year for €195 million.[16] With this, SIG divested its automation division. Management directed revenues from the sales of SIG Sauer and Rocktools to acquire global businesses, including Krupp Kunstofftechnik (Corpoplast, Blowtec, and Kautex brands)[15] and HAMBA in Germany;[17] Ryka Blow Molds in Canada;[18][19] and a substantial portion of the Italian conglomerate SASIB.[20] The food-related (dry) businesses were organized under the SIG Pack division,[12] while the beverage-related (wet) businesses formed SIG Beverages. Aseptic liquid packaging remained separate under SIG Combibloc.[21]

The former SASIB wet businesses Simonazzi, Alfa and Meyer/Mojonnier were sold to Tetra Laval in 2005,[22] while HAMBA, Kautex and Blowtec were sold separately to private investor groups.[23] The food packaging businesses were sold to Robert Bosch Verpackungstechnik in 2004.[24] The former SASIB dry unit Stewart Systems (bakery products) was sold to UCA Group in 2004.[25] Laser-guided vehicle manufacturer Elettric 80, part of the 1999 SASIB acquisition, was sold back to its original Italian owners in 2004.[26][27]

By 2006, Sigpack Systems had an export ratio of 97% of its products.[12] The slimmed-down SIG Beverages unit, manufacturer of PET bottle blow-molding machinery, was sold off to the German company Salzgitter AG in March 2008. This sale encompassed the subsidiaries Corpoplast, Asbofill, Plasmax and Moldtec.[28][29]

In 2007, SIG Holding AG was acquired by Rank Group Limited, the private investment company of New Zealand businessman Graeme Hart, and operated under its subsidiary, Reynolds Group Holdings Ltd., which, in March 2015, announced completion of its sale of SIG to ONEX Corporation.[30] In the early 2010s, SIG started to promote as a world first extra-slim small-format carton packs starting from 80ml tailored for children especially in fast-growing regions as Asia and Middle East.[31]

Today, SIG Group focuses on aseptic packaging. In 2016, the company introduced Combibloc RS Composite, a composite structural inner layer which increases system stability and reduces the carbon footprint of carton packs.[32] In 2017, SIG introduced the first individual QR codes with digital sourcing transparency, tailored for dairy product consumers.[33] In 2018 the company was relisted to the SIX Swiss Exchange.[34] In 2020 SIG Group fully integrated its Joint Venture SIG Combibloc Obeikan into SIG. The Joint Venture with a manufacturing plant in Riyadh and customers in the Middle East and Africa region had been established in 2001.[35]

In April 2022, the company was renamed from SIG Combibloc Group AG to SIG Group AG. In the same year, SIG finalised the acquisition of Scholle IPN,[36] an American producer of flexible food and beverages packaging including spouted pouches and bag-in-box solutions originally developed by William R. Scholle.[37] Also in 2022, SIG acquired the Asia business of US competitor Pactiv Evergreen[38] with its production facilities for fresh products, especially fresh milk in the People's Republic of China, Taiwan and South Korea.[39]

Railways, Vehicles (1853–1995)

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The Schweizerische Waggonfabrik[40] ("Swiss Wagon Factory") was founded in 1853 by Friedrich Peyer im Hof, Heinrich Moser, and Johann Conrad Neher.[7] From 1854, it produced railway cars for the emerging Swiss railway companies. Friedrich Peyer was one of the directors of the Swiss Northeastern Railway, also founded in 1853. In 1855 SIG railway carriages were honoured with an award at the World’s Fair in Paris.[41] Their factory in Neuhausen am Rheinfall was originally powered by the nearby Rhine Falls and employed 150 workers,[42][7] which by the mid-1860s increased to 500 workers.[40]

One of the signature trains of SIG in the 1960s was the iconic Trans Europe Express (TEE).[41] In the late 1970s, SIG was the designer and builder of Toronto's streetcar, the CLRV L1.[43][44][45] The remaining 190 L2 vehicles, along with 52 articulated variants, were made by Thunder Bay, Ontario-based Urban Transportation Development Corporation (UTDC), now a subsidiary of Bombardier Transportation.

From around 1981, SIG focused in the railway segment on the production of bogies as part of a division of labour with other Swiss railway manufacturers such as the Schindler Group (Schindler Waggon, Schweizerische Wagons- und Aufzügefabrik AG Schlieren-Zürich) and Flug- und Fahrzeugwerke Altenrhein. These bogies can still be found in many countries today. In the early 1980s, SIG was the designer and builder of the Utrecht sneltram trams.[46] 27 were ordered and delivered in 1983. Their scheduled replacements ran from 2017 to 2020.

The tilting system of the SBB RABDe 500 was developed by SIG. The railway branch of SIG was sold in 1995 to Fiat Ferroviaria.[47]

Firearms (1859–2000)

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SIG started to produce the Prélaz-Burnand in 1859. It was invented by gunsmith Jean-Louis Joseph Prélaz and forestry inspector Colonel Édouard Burnand (father of Swiss painter Eugène Burnand). In 1860, the rifle won a competition held by the Swiss Military Department, resulting in a contract to produce 30,000 pieces.[48][7] This rifle was adapted as the M1863.

Upon receiving the contract to produce rifles, the company name was changed to reflect its new emphasis on machined production, becoming Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG) in German, Swiss Industrial Company in English, and Société Industrielle Suisse in French.[49][50][7]

SIG produced the Mondragón Rifle between 1908 and 1910.[51] The SIG P210 pistol was developed in 1937 based on the French Modèle 1935, and was adopted by the Swiss military in 1949 as the "Pistole 49". This pistol's frame design incorporates external rails which fit closely with the slide, thus eliminating play in the mechanism during firing. The P210 was noted for its accuracy.[52] The Petter-Browning patent was a refinement—and John Moses Browning's last design—of the Browning Hi-Power (P35).[53]

In 1975, the Swiss military replaced the P210 with the P220, dubbed the "Pistole 75", which was the first product of a partnership with J.P. Sauer & Sohn. In a 1984 bidding contest to provide more than 300,000 sidearms to the US military, the SIG Sauer P226 was defeated by Beretta's 92FS which was awarded the contract for the M9 pistol. The SIG SG 510, or Sturmgewehr 57, battle rifle was produced by SIG from 1957 to 1983. Its appearance was vaguely similar to the German MG34 light machine gun, due to its ventilated barrel jacket. It employed roller-delayed blowback, as used on the CETME/HK rifles.[54] The only general purpose machine gun produced by SIG was the SIG 710-3, which is based on the MG42.[55]

Due to Swiss restrictions on the export of military weapons, SIG entered into a relationship with the German company J.P. Sauer & Sohn, in order to give SIG access to the global firearms market. During the 1970s, SIG purchased both Hämmerli[56][57] and J.P. Sauer & Sohn, resulting in the formation of SIG Sauer.

In January 1985, SIGARMS was established in Tyson's Corner, Virginia, where its handgun models P220 and P230 were imported into the US from its sister company in Europe.[7] In 2007, SIGARMS changed its name to SIG Sauer. SIG Arm's division was purchased in 2000 by L & O Holding,[58] and is now known as SIG SAUER AG.

Business areas and locations

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SIG site at the Rhine Falls managed by the SIG charitable foundation

SIG manufactures aseptic carton packs, bag-in-box packaging and spouted pouches for beverages and food, increasingly based on the world’s first aluminium-layer-free aseptic packs and fully renewable materials.[59][60][61][62][63][64][65] It also produces, operates and maintains packaging machines.[66]

The ownership of the SIG site, located directly on the Rhine Falls, was transferred to the SIG Charitable Foundation in 2011.[67] In addition to the conversion of the site (residential, commercial, retail, gastronomy), it is still home to the company's headquarters and a production facility with 200 employees. The SIG Group has 90 subsidiaries in 41 countries in Europe, Asia,[68][69] Middle East, Africa, North,[70] Central and South America[71][72] The most important production sites are located in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Saalfelden, Linnich, Wittenberg, Alsdorf, Eisfeld, Tilburg, Barcelona, Shanghai, Suzhou,[73] Palghar,[74] Pune,[75] Ahsan, Hsinchu, Rayong, Edinburgh North, Riyadh,[76] Northlake, Peachtree City, Querétaro,[77] Campo Largo, Vinhedo and Santiago. 

The SIG Foundation is active in projects targeted towards civil society and the environment. Its main initiatives are ‘Cartons for Good’ and ‘Recycle for Good’. Cartons for Good intends to save surplus food from being wasted, support farmers’livelihoods, and nourish people in need. The initiative has been piloted in Bangladesh. Winning the project competition by the Save Food Initiative (with involvement of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) in 2023 facilitated a locally based study in Egypt. The community recycling program Recycle for Good focuses on encouraging the public to deliver their recyclable waste to a collection point and practice the circular economy. The program in Indonesia (initiated in March 2023) established more than 150 collection points in Jakarta and Greater Jakarta Area in one year.[78][79]

See also

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[edit]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

SIG Group

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
SIG Group AG is a Swiss specializing in aseptic systems and solutions for beverage and products, including , systems, and spouted pouches, with a strong emphasis on and to deliver safe, affordable, and environmentally responsible options worldwide. Founded in as the Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (Swiss Industrial Company) in , , by Friedrich Peyer im Hof, Heinrich Moser, and Johann Conrad Neher, the company initially focused on industrial manufacturing powered by the Rhinefalls' hydraulic . Over its history, SIG diversified into various sectors but pivoted to in the early , introducing key innovations such as its first machines in 1906, the combibloc aseptic system in 1975, and entering the beverage market through the 1989 acquisition of PKL. By 2000, it had streamlined operations to concentrate solely on , and recent expansions include the 2022 acquisitions of Scholle IPN and ’s chilled business in the region, solidifying its position as a global leader. Headquartered in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland, SIG Group employs approximately 9,600 people and operates through over 90 subsidiaries across 41 countries, serving customers in more than 100 markets with aseptic carton filling lines, processing equipment, closures, and comprehensive services. The company is publicly listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker SIGN and is recognized for its sustainability efforts, including the development of alu-free packaging like SIG Terra to reduce carbon emissions, partnerships with the WWF, as part of collective efforts with other companies to conserve over 1.3 million hectares of forests, and top ratings such as AAA from MSCI for ESG performance and Platinum from EcoVadis for corporate social responsibility.

History

Founding and early railway operations (1853–1905)

The Schweizerische Waggonfabrik, later known as the Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft (SIG), was founded on January 17, , by Friedrich Peyer im Hof, Heinrich Moser, and Johann Conrad Neher in , . The site's selection was driven by the abundant hydropower from the nearby , which powered the initial factory through two turbines and a mechanical system, enabling efficient industrial production in an era of rapid technological advancement. This establishment marked an early venture into heavy engineering, capitalizing on Switzerland's growing need for rail infrastructure amid the country's industrialization in the mid-19th century. From its inception, the company concentrated on manufacturing railway wagons and related components for the burgeoning Swiss rail network, with production commencing in 1854. These efforts supported the expansion of domestic rail lines, which were pivotal to Switzerland's and transport efficiency during the late . By 1870, the workforce had expanded to 150 employees, positioning SIG as one of Switzerland's largest industrial firms and reflecting the sector's labor-intensive demands. The factory's output included freight and passenger wagons designed for standard-gauge tracks, contributing essential hardware to national projects like the , which symbolized Switzerland's engineering prowess and connectivity to European markets. SIG's early operations extended to producing locomotives and undercarriages by the , enhancing its role in the full spectrum of rail vehicle assembly. This diversification within rail engineering bolstered Switzerland's industrialization, as the company supplied durable, high-quality products that facilitated and passenger mobility across the . Over the period, thousands of rail vehicles emanated from the Neuhausen works, underscoring SIG's foundational impact on the sector before broader industrial shifts.

Diversification into packaging and arms manufacturing (1906–1945)

In 1906, the Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (SIG) strategically diversified beyond its core railway wagon manufacturing by entering the sector, seeking greater stability amid the cyclical nature of rail demand. The company began producing , initially focused on small dry food items like chocolates and candy, which marked the start of its long-term involvement in technologies. This expansion involved with partners such as the Lausanne-based Société Anonyme des Plieuses Automatiques (SAPAL), for whom SIG manufactured early folding and packaging machines. The arms manufacturing division, established earlier in 1860 following a Swiss military contract for 30,000 Prélaz-Burnand rifles (adopted as the Model 1863), underwent significant expansion in the early to bolster Switzerland's neutral defense capabilities. Post-1900 developments included production of updated rifles, pistols, and machine guns tailored for the Swiss army, leveraging SIG's expertise from in railway components. By the 1920s, this division had licensed foreign designs, such as an improved version of the German , rebranded as the SIG Bergmann Model 1920, to enhance export potential while adhering to policies. The outbreak of prompted SIG to adapt its operations, maintaining civilian railway output while increasing arms production for the Swiss military to support national defense without direct involvement in the conflict. Post-war recovery in the saw the company secure new opportunities in packaging through machinery patents and process improvements, helping to offset economic disruptions from the global conflict. During the of the 1930s, SIG innovated in liquid packaging with the introduction of Europe's first beverage carton and filling machine in 1930, enabling more efficient distribution of milk and other perishables and laying conceptual foundations for future shelf-stable solutions. World War II further tested SIG's diversification, as the company shifted resources toward wartime arms production, including the development of the high-precision Model U semi-automatic rifle in 1942–1943 for Swiss forces, while continuing limited civilian packaging and rail activities under strict neutrality. This period underscored the resilience of SIG's multi-sector approach, with arms output providing critical revenue amid global shortages, and packaging efforts evolving to include early prototypes for metal cans and carton-based systems that addressed post-war reconstruction needs.

Post-war growth as a conglomerate (1946–1990)

Following , SIG revived its core operations in railway vehicle manufacturing and engineering, capitalizing on Switzerland's neutral status to export wagons and components across amid reconstruction efforts. This period marked the beginning of SIG's transformation into a diversified conglomerate, with synergies between its engineering divisions enabling growth in machine tools, arms, and emerging packaging technologies during the economic boom of the and . The company's expertise in precision manufacturing facilitated cross-division innovations, such as adapting techniques from arms production to aseptic packaging systems. In the packaging sector, advanced aseptic technology in the 1950s, introducing the system in 1955 to meet rising demand for hygienic liquid transport in and beverages. This innovation built on wartime foundations in metal and paper processing, positioning as a high-growth area with exports to European markets recovering from war damage. By the late , was developing filling machines for carton-based systems, culminating in the launch of the combibloc aseptic and filling technology in 1975 through collaboration with PKL, which enhanced efficiency for and products. These developments created operational synergies with the railway division's expertise, supporting global supply chains during the era. The arms division experienced parallel expansion, driven by Cold War defense needs, with the development of the SG 510 battle rifle in the 1950s—adopted by the Swiss Army in 1957 as the Sturmgewehr 57—establishing SIG as a key supplier of selective-fire weapons. International sales grew through strategic partnerships to circumvent Swiss export restrictions on military goods, including the 1970s acquisitions of Hämmerli Target Arms and , which formed the SIG Sauer collaboration and expanded production of pistols like the P220 in 1975. This move integrated German manufacturing capabilities, boosting export revenues from small arms and hunting rifles to European and U.S. markets. By the , these divisions operated under an increasingly integrated holding structure, with SIG formalizing its conglomerate model to manage synergies across sectors; the arms partnerships exemplified this, as shared R&D in supported barrier technologies. Peak activity in the saw the company enter the U.S. arms market via SIGARMS Inc. in 1985, introducing models like the P226, while innovations continued with acquisitions like PKL in , solidifying SIG's role as a multi-industry leader. Economic pressures, including the oil crises, challenged export-dependent sectors like railway vehicles, yet the diversified portfolio ensured resilience through the decade.

Restructuring and divestment of non-core businesses (1991–2000)

In the , SIG encountered significant economic pressures stemming from its expansive conglomerate structure, including accumulated debt from prior acquisitions and diversification efforts, which necessitated a series of divestitures to refocus on sustainable core operations and alleviate financial strain. This was part of a broader effort to address volatility in cyclical sectors like railway vehicles and arms , allowing the company to prioritize as its primary business line. A key step in this process was the sale of the railway division in 1995 to Ferroviaria, an Italian manufacturer, which formed the subsidiary Fiat-SIG to continue production of locomotives and passenger cars. This divestiture marked the end of SIG's long-standing involvement in railway equipment, a that had originated with the company's founding in , and helped reduce operational complexity while generating capital for debt reduction. The vehicle division, encompassing streetcar and bogie production, was effectively discontinued around the mid-1990s as part of the same streamlining, with remaining activities integrated or phased out to align with the shift away from heavy engineering. The arms business underwent a major spin-off in 2000, when SIG sold its firearms manufacturing subsidiaries, including the Swiss operations, to L&O Holding, a German investment group led by Michael Lüke and Thomas Ortmeier. The transaction created SIGARMS in the U.S. for market focus and rebranded the Swiss entity as Swiss Arms Technology (later ), allowing SIG to exit the volatile defense sector entirely and concentrate resources on commercial . Meanwhile, the packaging segment was retained and strengthened through the 1989 acquisition of PKL Papier- und Klebstoffwerke Linnich, which introduced aseptic carton technology and laid the foundation for SIG Combibloc as the company's core unit, emphasizing liquid innovations. Additionally, Sigpack, a subsidiary specializing in packaging machinery for vacuum packing of coffee and teabags, as well as for biscuits and other baked goods, formed an integral part of this retained packaging segment. These divestitures contributed to substantial operational efficiencies, including a significant workforce reduction as non-core units were shed and the company prepared for future growth in its streamlined form. Preparations for enhanced financial transparency in the late 1990s further underscored the restructuring's success, positioning SIG Holding AG ahead of its eventual relisting on the .

Specialization in packaging and global expansion (2001–present)

In 2001, following the divestiture of its non-core businesses, the company restructured as SIG Holding AG to emphasize its core focus on solutions. This shift marked the transition to a dedicated entity, aligning with growing demand for innovative food and beverage containment amid rising concerns. In 2007, SIG Holding AG was acquired by Limited, a New Zealand-based investment firm, which took the company private and integrated it into a broader portfolio of assets, enabling scaled global operations and a stronger foothold in . The company relisted on the in 2018 as SIG Combibloc Group AG. Subsequent years saw strategic acquisitions to deepen specialization in aseptic carton packaging, particularly as environmental trends favored lightweight, recyclable alternatives to . In January 2022, SIG announced the acquisition of Evergreen Packaging's fresh carton business in for an enterprise value of approximately $335 million (€310 million), targeting growth in chilled and non-aseptic segments; the deal closed in August 2022 after adjustments, adding manufacturing sites in , , and while contributing about 7% to group on a pro forma basis. This move complemented SIG's aseptic expertise, addressing sustainability-driven shifts toward renewable-based materials in emerging Asian markets. In 2022, SIG also completed the acquisition of Scholle IPN for an enterprise value of €1.36 billion, expanding its and pouch offerings. expanded significantly, surpassing CHF 3 billion by 2023 (equivalent to €3.23 billion), fueled by and these integrations. In April 2022, the company rebranded from SIG Combibloc Group AG to SIG Group AG to better encapsulate its diversified portfolio beyond aseptic cartons, including and pouch solutions. Global expansion accelerated into emerging markets, with new aseptic carton plants established in (, opened 2023) and (under construction for 2024 launch), alongside expansions in and to serve and . In September 2025, SIG announced a strategic reset amid market challenges, revising 2025 guidance to slightly negative to flat growth at constant currency and pausing dividends for capital discipline. This was detailed in an October 2025 Investor Update, outlining , operational efficiencies, and targeted net capex of 6-8% of in 2026 to stabilize performance and enhance value creation.

Business operations

Aseptic carton packaging solutions

SIG's aseptic packaging solutions represent its core product line, designed to preserve perishable liquids and foods without or preservatives through advanced barrier technologies. These , often produced under the SIG Combibloc brand, utilize multi-layered composite materials primarily consisting of 75% renewable , for sealing and protection, and a thin aluminum foil for oxygen and barriers, enabling a of up to 12 months under ambient conditions. Recent innovations, such as the SIG Terra Alu-free + Full Barrier structure introduced in 2025, eliminate the aluminum layer by replacing it with high-performance coatings, maintaining the same 12-month while increasing the paper content to over 80% for enhanced recyclability. The primary applications of these aseptic cartons span beverages and food products, including juices, , plant-based drinks, purees, soups, and sauces with high particulate content. Formats vary to suit diverse consumer needs, with over 20 options ranging from 80 ml to 2,000 ml in volume, featuring shapes such as the stable prism-like SIG Bloc for efficient stacking, the ergonomic SIG Fit for single-serve portions, and the premium SIG Style for upscale presentation. Additional features like the SIG SwiftCap provide one-step, leakproof opening, improving user convenience without compromising seal integrity. In the global aseptic carton market, SIG holds a leading position, sharing approximately 90% alongside its main competitor, with annual production exceeding 53 billion packs as of 2023. This scale underscores its market dominance, particularly in , , and emerging markets, where demand for sustainable, lightweight packaging drives growth. Key innovations emphasize recyclability, with all standard cartons designed for full fiber recycling in streams and a commitment to achieve over 90% fiber content by 2030. SIG integrates its closely with customer operations by providing pre-printed reel-fed materials compatible with dedicated filling lines, enabling seamless at customer facilities worldwide. In 2025, fluctuations in pricing—key components in layers—have influenced operational costs, though SIG passes these directly to customers, stabilizing through constant- pricing mechanisms and supporting the revised projected growth of slightly negative to flat at constant currency and constant for 2025, as updated in 2025.

Bag-in-box and pouch packaging formats

SIG Group provides packaging systems consisting of flexible, collapsible inner bags housed within protective outer boxes, primarily used for liquids such as wines, fruit juices, and industrial chemicals. These systems offer benefits including reduced through a higher product-to-package ratio, extended via , and lower carbon emissions compared to traditional bulk formats. The design allows for efficient stacking and transport, minimizing material use while maintaining product integrity during distribution. In the pouch packaging segment, SIG specializes in spouted and stand-up formats, enabling convenient, on-the-go consumption for products like items, sauces, condiments, and . These pouches feature re-closable fitments that reduce consumption and support multi-use applications, with lightweight construction enhancing portability without sacrificing barrier properties. The acquisition of Scholle IPN in , which had previously integrated Bossar in , expanded SIG's capabilities in horizontal form-fill-seal equipment for producing spouted pouches and other flexible formats. Recent innovations emphasize , with lightweight designs improving transport efficiency and the introduction of mono-material like SIG Terra RecShield in 2025 for recyclable packaging used in wine and water applications. For pouches, advancements include in-line aseptic sterilization systems launched in 2024, enabling high-speed filling of up to 55 pouches per minute for heat-sensitive products while preserving nutritional value. Between 2023 and 2025, SIG reported growth in sustainable adoption, integrating these with aseptic technologies to create hybrid solutions that extend beyond traditional formats. SIG holds a strong market position in and pouch packaging, particularly in and , where it has achieved stable revenue growth and synergy opportunities in emerging markets as of mid-2025. The company's flexible formats complement its aseptic offerings by addressing diverse consumer needs for portioned, sustainable alternatives in the food and beverage sector.

Filling technologies and services

SIG offers a range of high-speed aseptic filling machines designed for producing carton, bag-in-box, and pouch packaging formats, enabling efficient output for liquid food and beverage applications. These machines support ultra-clean and aseptic processing to ensure product sterility and extended shelf life without refrigeration, incorporating technologies such as ultrasonic sealing and particulate filling for items up to 25 mm in size. For carton packaging, SIG's portfolio includes models like the SIG Smile, which achieves speeds of up to 24,000 packs per hour for small- and medium-sized formats, and the SIG Neo, offering up to 18,000 packs per hour with a 25% increase in output for multi-serve packs compared to previous generations. These fillers feature modular designs with quick change-over times—often within minutes—for up to nine different volumes and formats on a single machine, allowing customization for diverse product lines while maintaining compatibility with third-party equipment. Bag-in-box filling equipment ranges from manual low-volume systems to fully automatic high-volume aseptic fillers, scalable for various volumes and fitments in ambient, extended (ESL), and aseptic processes. Similarly, for spouted pouches, SIG has introduced aseptic filling machines in 2024, supporting high-speed production of flexible formats for and plant-based products. Complementing its machinery, SIG provides comprehensive services for installation, maintenance, and optimization of production lines through its Technical Services division. These include on-site visits to detect early wear and replace parts proactively, Agreements tailored to budgets for on-demand support or performance-focused maintenance, and efficiency audits to minimize downtime and enhance operational reliability. The SIG Services suite emphasizes cost efficiency, with tools like the Plant 360 Controller—a digital monitoring solution launched in 2019 and enhanced in the —enabling real-time oversight of filling operations to optimize output and reduce . In recent developments as of 2025, SIG has expanded its SIG Neo portfolio with models like the SIG Neo Slimline 15 for enhanced flexibility and secured sales of multiple filling lines, while targeting a 25% reduction in consumables for next-generation small-format aseptic fillers to address market pressures on costs. In November 2025, SIG announced the appointment of Mikko Keto as new CEO effective in the first half of 2026, potentially shaping future operational strategies. These advancements build on SIG's end-to-end approach, from to smart production integration.

Global presence

Headquarters and administrative structure

SIG Group's headquarters are situated at Laufengasse 18 in , , a location that has served as the company's base since its establishment in 1853. This site functions as the central hub for executive , strategic oversight, and initiatives, coordinating global operations while fostering innovation in packaging technologies. As a publicly traded entity on the under the ticker symbol , SIG Group maintains a structure led by a comprising nine non-executive members with diverse expertise in technology, finance, consumer goods, and regulatory affairs. Ola Rollén, a Swedish national and founder of , has served as Board Chair since April 2025, guiding the company's strategic direction. The board includes Werner Bauer, Niren Chaudhary, Thomas Dittrich, Mariel Hoch, Florence Jeantet, Abdallah al Obeikan, Urs Riedener, and Martine Snels, ensuring balanced oversight of operations and risk management. Leadership at the executive level is currently provided by interim Ann-Kristin Erkens, who also serves as and assumed the interim role in August 2025 following the departure of previous CEO Samuel Sigrist. On November 17, 2025, the Board appointed Mikko Keto as the new , effective in the first half of 2026. The of SIG Group is divided into focused business units that align with its core competencies, including Combibloc for aseptic carton solutions and Flexibles for and pouch formats, supported by group functions such as global and technology development. This setup enables efficient management across regions, with approximately 9,600 employees worldwide contributing to end-to-end solutions for and beverage . Financial oversight is conducted through transparent reporting mechanisms, including annual reports that detail performance metrics, efforts, and strategic updates, with the most recent covering 2024 published in February 2025. The 2025 , held on April 8 in , approved all board proposals, including the election of Ola Rollén as Chair, re-elections of existing members, and a cash of CHF 0.49 per , underscoring alignment on and capital returns.

Manufacturing and distribution network

SIG Group operates 28 production plants worldwide, primarily dedicated to aseptic carton sleeves, films, and fitments for and spouted pouch packaging, across more than 40 countries to support localized operations and customer proximity. Major facilities include the Linnich site in , equipped with advanced extrusion, finishing, and quality testing capabilities, and the Querétaro plant in , which began operations in 2023 with an initial capacity of 500 million packs annually to serve North American markets. In , key production occurs at a gold-certified facility in and a second modern plant nearby, reflecting the company's Asian expansion efforts in the through increased local investment. The 2022 acquisition of Scholle IPN bolstered U.S. manufacturing capabilities, integrating sites focused on pouch and components to enhance regional supply. The network's overall production capacity supports output exceeding 57 billion packs per year, as achieved in 2024, with regional hubs enabling efficient local sourcing of materials like and polymers to minimize transportation emissions and costs. Distribution relies on strategic partnerships to ensure timely global delivery, while in 2025, SIG prioritized measures amid ongoing resin price volatility, including diversified supplier bases and inventory strategies to maintain continuity. The workforce totals approximately 9,600 employees globally, with significant concentrations in to oversee core production and in to drive emerging market growth. The headquarters in Neuhausen, , coordinates this extensive network, integrating manufacturing, procurement, and logistics for optimized performance.

Sustainability and innovation

Environmental commitments and practices

SIG Group has committed to achieving 100% renewable for its production operations by 2030, aligning with broader efforts to transition to low-carbon energy sources across its . The company emphasizes a approach, designing all its aseptic cartons to be fully and primarily composed of renewable materials, with standard structures consisting of approximately 75% sourced from responsibly managed forests. These cartons support closed-loop systems, where used is collected and repurposed to minimize waste and . In practice, SIG has focused on reducing its environmental footprint through targeted measures, including a reported 20% reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions per liter packed as part of ongoing optimizations since baseline years around 2016-2018, with a further 9% reduction in Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions per liter packed from a 2020 baseline as reported in 2024. For water usage, the company implements efficiency improvements in filling processes, such as the SIG NEO technology, which achieves a 60% reduction in consumption compared to prior generations, while supporting customers in minimizing overall impacts in beverage production. SIG aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its by 2050, aligned with 1.5°C and approved by the . SIG holds certifications that underscore its sustainable sourcing practices, including 100% FSC-certified paperboard for its supply since 2021, ensuring materials come from well-managed forests and certified chain-of-custody processes. The company has also earned status in the 2025 EcoVadis rating for , achieving a record score of 96/100 and reflecting strong performance in environmental management. To advance bio-based materials, SIG collaborates with suppliers and organizations such as the Foundation to scale circular packaging solutions and increase the use of renewable polymers and recycled content in its products. Additional partnerships, like those with WWF Switzerland, focus on forest conservation to support sustainable raw material sourcing. These efforts integrate into core operations, enabling aseptic carton formats that inherently reduce material use and enhance recyclability. In 2025, SIG was recognized in the Sustainability Yearbook for its leadership in sustainability practices.

Research, development, and product innovations

SIG Group invests significantly in activities to drive advancements in aseptic and solutions. The company's primary R&D hubs are located in , at its headquarters in Neuhausen, and in , particularly the expanded Technology Center in , which supports regional innovation and customer testing. A key focus of SIG's R&D efforts has been the integration of into , such as the PAC.TRUST platform launched in the 2020s, which uses unique QR codes to enable , operational transparency, and consumer engagement from production to end-use. Complementing this, SIG has pioneered advanced barrier technologies that provide full against oxygen, , and moisture, allowing products to achieve extended shelf lives of up to 12 months without preservatives or aluminum layers, as demonstrated by the 2025 introduction of alu-layer-free aseptic carton materials. In 2025, SIG advanced lightweight pouch designs through projects like the SIG Terra ReadiFlip Cap 106 Pouch, featuring a single-piece tethered closure for improved recyclability and reduced material use while maintaining aseptic integrity. The company also holds extensive patents related to aseptic valves and closures, including innovations in post-forming devices and recyclable bag structures for systems, safeguarding its proprietary technologies. To further enhance filling efficiency, SIG collaborates with startups through initiatives like its partnership with MassChallenge , focusing on AI-optimized processes and material science for next-generation production lines. These efforts often align with broader objectives, such as minimizing environmental impact through resource-efficient innovations.

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