Packaging done right
A family-owned company delivering a range of packaging solutions, SIBO group specialises in producing caps, closures and bottles, starting with development and mould build up to the finalised product, including assembly and decoration for a variety of industries. Chief Sustainability Officer Dimitrij Djokić discussed the company’s sustainable innovations and global expansion, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
Committed to quality, sustainability and customer satisfaction, SIBO group is well-equipped to deliver tailored packaging solutions, Chief Sustainability Officer Dimitrij Djokić said: “We have 450 employees and manufacture more than six billion injected products every year. SIBO invests in the latest technological innovations and guarantees results that exceed client requirements, resulting in our sustainable company growth.
“Our Mould Technology Center offers our clients full development of new products – from idea to prototyping up to final moulding and production equipment with full process development. We produce roughly 100 moulds per year implemented in our production plants worldwide.”
Founded in 1967 by Franc Sifrar, SIBO is a leading supplier of plastic packaging solutions to major international brands. Upon its establishment, the company was focused on creating plastic closures for the cosmetics industry. SIBO products are present within the pharmaceutical, oral care, beauty care, medical, technical and other industries globally.
From four production plants in Slovenia, Croatia and the USA, the company exports products to 65 countries across the globe. SIBO’s diversification into foreign markets has driven growth and expanded capabilities for broader market engagement.
Over the years, the company has evolved and expanded significantly. Continuous investments into modern production facilities have enabled SIBO to scale-up operations and
meet the growing demand for high-quality caps and closures.
“A pivotal moment for the company came in 2021 when we began production in the USA,” added Mr Djokić. “This showcased our global ambitions and solidified our position within the market. We have grown from a local manufacturer to a competitive player in multiple international industries and are set to continue on this trajectory.”
Sustainable development
As a company dedicated to innovative development, SIBO is consistently making progress in terms of the sustainability of operations. By 2025, the company is aiming to have half of its energy requirements met through renewable sources, significantly
reducing carbon footprint and supporting the global energy shift.
“Recently, we have taken great steps to improve our environmental sustainability measures,” explained Mr Djokić. “SIBO has drastically reduced CO2 emissions from 8,800 tonnes in 2020 to just 125 tonnes in 2022. This has had a massive impact on the company. By really looking at our operations and evaluating our practices, we have been able to make sustainability a central part of our business. Through various environmental initiatives, we expect to see our environmental impact decrease even more.”
SIBO has started to replace old machines that have reached their end of life with new energy-efficient electric ones. Additionally, the company has implemented LED light-
ing and upgraded its air compressor to a more efficient version. These investments combine as part of SIBO’s sustainability plan, minimising energy use and carbon footprint. The company also has a SIBO Active project, in which it encourages employees to travel to work by bike or foot.
SIBO’s efforts have been recognised by EcoVadis, which awarded the company a silver medal for 2024. This places SIBO in the top 15% of companies for sustainability worldwide. As well as this, the company has had ISO 14001 certification since 2016 and ISCC certification since 2023.
“We are committed to quality and safety, backed by ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certifications,” continued Mr Djokić. “Making products like toothpaste caps and pill bottles means that having high standards is essential, but we also strive to incorporate sustainable
innovation into our designs. This includes using recycled materials, creating recyclable packaging and reducing packaging weight.
“For example, we redesigned one of our caps to replicate the same look with 20 per cent less weight. It is also made from PE material instead of PP to encourage a more circular economy. With our own R&D centre, we are able to explore new sustainable solutions like this and implement them into our product portfolio.”
International expansion
Strong partnerships and an expertise in product development enable SIBO to offer effective and sustainable solutions to customers quickly, driving global growth.
Currently, the company has launched a green filed investment into a new production plant, including clean room production at its Croatia site. This 10,000m2 facility will broaden SIBO’s capabilities and create approximately 100 new jobs for the community. Set to open in 2026, this advancement will continue the
“We have also established a Decoration Competence Center in our USA facility,” commented Mr Djokić. “This site now produces bottles for the beauty market, serving notable customers like L’Oréal and Wella,
plus developing decoration solutions that will lately be implemented globally. Investing in international facilities reflects our commitment to innovation and growth in the packaging industry.”
SIBO’s expansion into the USA was a significant development. Whilst there were challenges, having an existing client base made the transition easier. SIBO is now growing its team of local experts and plans to focus on implementing new technologies into processes over the next five years.
“The expansion has allowed us to collaborate closely with customers and has strengthened our market position,” added Mr Djokić. “What really sets us apart is our ability to provide comprehensive solutions under one roof. With our extensive knowledge in injection and blow moulding, we excel in process and product development, which is essential for delivering sustainable solutions. As the market increasingly prioritises sustainability, we are well-positioned to meet evolving demands.”
Reliable operations
The company works with the supply chain to deliver sustainable and reliable products to customers. All of SIBO’s partnerships prioritise shared values regarding sustainability and
ethics, with over 90% of the company’s suppliers committed to ESG principles.
“To ensure a reliable supply chain, we utilise several strategies including using multiple suppliers, testing alternative materials and fostering long-term partnerships,” said Mr Djokić. “This allows us to mitigate risks whilst collaborating with suppliers to guarantee mutual growth and stability.”
Moving forward, SIBO plans to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50%, as well as making sure all suppliers are committed to sustainability. The company also hopes to develop a global direct-to-consumer strategy with enhanced engineering and automation. This will help SIBO to further expand internationally and establish a network of competitive facilities.
“What excites me is the possibility to drive real change,” continued Mr Djokić, in conclusion. “I love working with my team to find new solutions that benefit both the company and environment.
“As someone with a personal passion for sustainability, I believe that even small changes can add up to make a big difference. Whether it’s eco-friendly habits at home or volunteering in local projects, knowing my efforts contribute to a more sustainable future is what makes me want to come to the office each day.” n
