SIG Combibloc expanding in Brazil

Aseptic packaging giant SIG Combibloc is stepping up the pace in Brazil. In 2011, the company’s first South American packaging plant commenced operation in Campo Largo, near Curitiba. By the end of 2012, SIG Combibloc South America has recorded growth of more than 60% compared to the previous year’s performance. As a consequence, work has already begun on the second stage of the plant expansion, earlier than planned. An investment of more than €36 million is set to allow the installation of an extrusion line that will make it possible to laminate unprocessed cardboard for the aseptic carton packs from SIG Combibloc on-site.

The project in Paraná has been planned and implemented in several stages. With the completion of the first project phase, the packaging plant was able to be opened and put into operation in mid-2011 after a construction period of 12 months. With the production line installed, the pre-laminated packaging material used to make the carton packs was printed, cut to size, stamped and sealed – meaning the fast-moving Brazilian market could be supplied with carton packs from SIG Combibloc quickly and reliably. With the new investment and the implementation of the second phase of construction, an extrusion line is now being installed which will laminate the unprocessed cardboard for the carton packs on-site in Campo Largo.

Brazil is South America’s biggest market for long-life foods packaged in carton packs. According to estimates by the Canadean market research institute, sales of aseptic carton packs totalled more than 13 billion units in Brazil in 2012. Sales are forecast to continue increasing, at a rate of 8% annually up to 2015.