Moving with the times
Throughout its history, SIG has never stood still and has always adapted to the demands of the day. See how our packs may have changed but our passion to innovate remains
An SIG pack takes just seconds to fill but it’s been more than 160 years in the making. The story of SIG – Schweizerische Industrie Gesellschaft (Swiss Industrial Company) – started back in 1853 building railway carriages. And during our history, we’ve been active in several businesses, from tool design and construction to packaging and filling solutions for the food and beverage industry.
It’s in this industry that SIG has seen its most defining moments thanks to our commitment to product innovation – creating new product and packaging solutions to help food and beverage producers meet ever-changing consumer needs.
Moving with the times has always been at the heart of SIG, which is why our packaging portfolio has something to offer everyone and every occasion. Join us as we take a look back over some of our biggest innovation milestones…
1929…
Inspired by his travels to the US where he found paper milk containers, Günter Meyer-Jagenberg files a patent for Perga – Europe’s first ever beverage carton. This leak-proof, folding carton box became the pioneering precursor to SIG’s future generation of packaging.
1975…
SIG’s combibloc aseptic pack for beverages enters the market and soon becomes one of the leading carton packs for aseptic products. Our classic combibloc format remains hugely popular today and comes in wide range of volumes, from single-serve to family-friendly.
1993…
With a growing demand for packaging that’s easy and convenient to handle, SIG launches combiTop: the world’s first closure for beverage cartons. combiTop quickly became a hit with consumers and set in motion a whole series of innovative SIG closures.
2000…
In another world-first for carton closures, SIG debuts the first carton screw cap with combiTwist. This single-action screw cap offers even more pouring and drinking convenience, allowing consumers to open their packs with a quick and simple twist.
2001…
Soon after deciding to focus solely on packaging and filling, SIG launches its smart and slender combifit pack. With its characteristic sloping top and easy closure, combifit is designed for added consumer convenience while giving brands plenty of room to express themselves.
2010…
To help producers reduce their environmental impact and offer more sustainable packaging, SIG launches the combibloc EcoPlus. This carton pack reduces CO2 by 28% compared to a conventional 1l pack of the same format thanks to a special cardboard composite.
2013…
Another debut in the market, SIG brings the world’s first carton bottle to supermarket shelves with the unique combidome pack. It offers all the protective, environmental and logistical benefits of an aseptic carton pack and is conveniently easy to handle – just like a bottle.
2017…
With calls for sustainable packaging growing, SIG launches SIGNATURE PACK – the world’s first aseptic carton pack 100% linked to plant-based renewable material via a mass balance system, helping replace the use of fossil fuel-based materials with renewable plant-based ones.
2017…
To match today’s busy and demanding lifestyles, SIG debuts its new generation of on-the-go packs – combismile. With its curved shape and easy-grip corners, the combismile pack is convenient to use on the go, and is designed to stand out on retail shelves all over the world.
*Disclaimer: combismile is currently not available in Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, and Japan.
2018…
Meeting an answered need for ready-to-consume hot drink products, SIG launches Heat&Go – a conveniently microwavable packaging structure. It replaces the aluminium film found inside our standard packs with a high-barrier alternative, enabling fast, safe and convenient heating.
2019…
With ocean plastic waste reaching epic levels, the need for more renewable straws has never been greater. SIG responds by being the first in the industry to offer a market-ready alternative to conventional plastic straws with its paper straw solution.
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This is just a snapshot of SIG’s long and eventful history. To learn more about our story so far, watch our film documenting the SIG Journey.
Want to learn about our other innovations over the years? Contact us or read more about our commitment to Product Innovation & Differentiation.
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- March 07, 2019