This year marks the 70th anniversary of the invention of the bag-in-box packaging system, a significant milestone for SIG. Originally developed in 1955 by American chemist William R. Scholle, the bag-in-box was conceived as a safer, cost-effective, and more convenient solution for transporting and storing industrial liquids. Over the decades, it has evolved into a versatile packaging format used across a wide range of industries, including food, beverage, industrial, and non-food sectors.
Following its 2022 acquisition of Scholle IPN, SIG has fully integrated the bag-in-box concept into its broader packaging portfolio, which includes aseptic cartons and spouted pouches. Today, SIG stands as a global leader in bag-in-box systems, operating manufacturing facilities across five continents and delivering integrated solutions worldwide.
The evolution of bag-in-box has been marked by continuous innovation. In the 1960s, the first automatic filling equipment was introduced, while the 1970s saw the development of high-acid aseptic bags for processed foods. The 1980s and 1990s brought advancements in aseptic technology for dairy applications, and the 2000s marked the introduction of barrier films for water packaging.
In recent years, SIG has focused on sustainability, launching recycle-ready films and connector fitments designed to reduce waste and improve operational efficiency. The company’s Terra RecShield material eliminates aluminum from bag-in-box packaging, creating fully recyclable options for bulk water and beverage packaging.
As SIG celebrates this milestone, it continues to push the boundaries of packaging innovation, aiming to deliver sustainable, efficient, and high-performance solutions for the next generation of industries.