This year, SIG proudly marks the 70th anniversary of bag-in-box technology, a transformative innovation that has become essential in our food and drink packaging portfolio. Initially developed in 1955 by American chemist William R. Scholle, bag-in-box offered a safer, cost-effective, and convenient solution for transporting and storing industrial liquids. It rapidly gained popularity across various sectors, particularly in food and drink packaging. Following our acquisition of Scholle IPN in 2022, we have further enhanced the bag-in-box system to deliver a fully integrated packaging solution. Today, SIG stands as the global leader in bag-in-box production, with manufacturing facilities on five continents, providing integrated systems worldwide. Our comprehensive portfolio includes aseptic and chilled cartons, as well as spouted pouches, establishing SIG as a prominent player in global food and drink sustainable packaging.
From Innovation to Industry Standard
Through decades of experience and a profound understanding of the industry, the bag-in-box innovation has evolved into a comprehensive packaging system encompassing films, fitments, and patented filling equipment for foodservice, retail, and industrial applications. This versatile system caters to diverse product categories, including wine, spirits, post-mix syrup, juice, dairy products, edible oils, beer, processed fruits, water, and foodservice. Additionally, it serves non-food categories such as paints, coatings, cleaning chemicals, laundry care, and agricultural chemicals.
The evolution of bag-in-box reflects continuously shifting consumer habits and industry demands. Pioneering advancements began in the 1950s when we first integrated molded fitments into bags, optimizing filling efficiency. In the 1960s, we introduced automatic bag-in-box filling equipment specifically for dairy and wine products. The 1970s saw the launch of high-acid aseptic bags and corresponding filling equipment for the processed food sector, along with bag-in-box solutions for dispensing post-mix syrups.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, we led the way in creating low-acid aseptic-capable bags for dairy and developed high-speed, continuous-web filling equipment. The 2000s introduced specialized barrier films for water packaging and aseptic fillers for various products. The 2020s have focused on achieving APR (Association of Plastic Recyclers) recognition for our recycle-ready films, advancing our commitment to sustainability in bag-in-box packaging for water and beverages, including post-mix syrup. Moreover, we have innovated connector fitments that integrate seamlessly into food and drink dispensing systems, significantly enhancing operational efficiency in the foodservice sector.
Enhancing Efficiency and Flexibility
SIG’s bag-in-box solutions offer numerous advantages across industries, whether for foodservice, retail, or industrial use. Our packaging systems ensure product integrity, efficient dispensing, and operational flexibility. Utilizing proprietary barrier materials, we preserve food quality and safety, ensuring convenience and protection.
Samuel Sigrist, CEO of SIG: “We are extremely proud to have such a diverse and dynamic solution in our SIG portfolio, as well as employees who are passionate about our packaging systems. Today’s SIG combines the expertise of so many outstanding people who enable us to grow and innovate. This year we celebrate not only the 70th anniversary of bag-in-box but also the many opportunities we see for the future.”
Emphasizing our principle of “invented for better – engineered for the future,” SIG focuses significantly on smart dispensing in the foodservice sector. Through our connector technology, we empower customers globally to easily link their products with leading food and drink dispensing technologies. Our sterile, closed-loop dispensing systems minimize contamination risks and extend product shelf life after opening. Additionally, these systems achieve high evacuation rates—up to 99%—reducing food waste and enhancing cost efficiency.
Commitment to Sustainability
Recently launching a recycle-ready bag for bulk water packaging in Australia, SIG continues to lead the industry toward circular packaging solutions. Our SIG Terra RecShield material eliminates aluminum from bag-in-box packaging, replacing it with a unique polymer composition that makes the entire package recycle-ready.
“Innovation never stops,” said Glenn Wiechman, Vice President, Global Business Line – Bag-in-Box at SIG. “After 70 years as the pioneer in the bag-in-box sector, we are setting the course for an even more sustainable future, reducing the carbon footprint and working towards a circular packaging system. Our bag-in-box solutions are now used by millions of consumers around the world as part of their everyday lives. From packing fruit and vegetables and hygienically serving food in restaurants, schools, and hospitals to celebrating with a glass of wine or a delicious milkshake – we are part of it with our unique solutions.”
As SIG commemorates this milestone, we remain dedicated to advancing bag-in-box technology for the next generation, ensuring sustainable, efficient, and high-performance packaging solutions for industries worldwide. Presently, bag-in-box packaging boasts a high product-to-package ratio, allowing substantial product quantities to be packaged with minimal material usage. Our ultimate objective is to maintain the inherent environmental advantages of bag-in-box, including low material consumption and carbon footprint while ensuring every package is easy to recycle.
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