Aseptic carton manufacturer SIG has opened a new Packaging Development Center at its packaging plants in Linnich, Germany.

The €10m centre is equipped with advanced extrusion and finishing technology, as well as quality measurement systems and testing equipment.

SIG says that the new facility will significantly scale up its packaging processability in serial production, system validation, and capacity for future digital technologies.

It will expedite the development of new and sustainable packaging formats and materials to meet growing demands.

Said to be built to the latest and most effective energy standards, the facility will also expand SIG’s position in the sustainable packaging solutions market.

SIG Test Field, Prototype, and Pilot Plant department manager Marcel Schopen said: “In today’s fast-paced food and beverage industry, the need to be one step ahead with new product development is vital, and this equally applies to the product’s packaging.

“Our high-end Packaging Development Center means we can support our customers at greater speed, with complete end-to-end solutions. We will be able to develop and validate new packaging solutions and innovative packaging materials even faster and more efficiently.

“Together with our existing cocreation and test-filling facilities for food and beverage products, we can produce carton sleeves, fill products in line with food hygiene regulations and pack them on pallets - operating like packaging and food & beverage mini factories from start to finish.”

Earlier in September this year, the packaging solutions provider started the construction of its first aseptic carton plant in Ahmedabad, a city in Gujarat, India.