Carton packaging and filling machine supplier SIG Combibloc’s Brazilian packaging plant has commenced operation of an extrusion line which laminates unprocessed cardboard for the company’s carton packs on-site.
This is said to conclude the modular investment and building project in Campo Largo, near the city of Curitiba in Brazil's Paraná state.
SIG Combibloc began construction of its first packaging plant in South America in 2010 and by mid-2011, it was put into operation.
The first stage of the project saw the installation of the production line which would print, cut to size, stamp and seal the prelaminated packaging material.
The installation of the extrusion line marks the second phase of construction and will help laminating the unprocessed cardboard with polymers and aluminum on-site in Brazil.
SIG Combibloc South America director and general manager Ricardo Rodriguez said with this fresh major investment of around €40m for the installation of the extrusion line, the company has laid the groundwork to be optimally prepared to meet the everincreasing demand for aseptic carton packs.
"We can now produce the packaging material needed for our carton packs in South America, on-site in Brazil. The extrusion line will laminate around 250m metres of packaging material each year," Rodriguez added.
Brazil has the biggest market for long-life beverages and foods in aseptic carton packs.
According to a study by the Canadean research institute, Brazil sold over 14 billion units of aseptic carton packs in 2013 which are expected to rise to about 21 billion by 2019.
SIG Combibloc, a supplier of carton packaging and filling machines for beverages and food, achieved a turnover of €1,680m with around 5,100 employees in 40 countries. The company is a part of the New Zealand-based Rank Group.
