Singapore-based sustainable packaging innovators, Aegis Packaging, are gunning for growth with the help of IPI Singapore’s ecosystem of partners and innovation advisors.
- The Client
Aegis Packaging is a Singapore-based sustainable packaging innovator with a patented recyclable barrier coating, O2X™, aiming to scale its business across Southeast Asia and beyond. - Objective
To strengthen internal R&D and quality assurance capabilities in line with international standards, and to build a scalable foundation for regional market expansion and long-term innovation. - What IPI Singapore Did
1. Innovation Advisory: IPI Singapore connected Aegis with its Innovation Advisors (IAs) to develop a structured roadmap for product and process development, establish SOPs and traceability for quality control, and refine customer engagement and sales processes.
2. Technology Matching: IPI Singapore facilitated a collaboration with Republic Polytechnic to enhance Aegis Packaging’s R&D capabilities, focusing on new applications for mono-material packaging solutions. - Impact
Aegis built a robust R&D and QC infrastructure, completed successful proof-of-concept trials in Indonesia and Thailand, and expanded presence across Vietnam, Malaysia, India, China, and parts of Europe. These initiatives have positioned the company for international growth in the sustainable packaging.
Every day, millions of people open a packet of snacks, a chilled drink or a takeaway meal—without thinking twice about the technology that keeps their food fresh, safe and shelf-stable. Behind that convenience is the world of packaging science, where barrier coatings and material performance make all the difference.
For Singapore-based Aegis Packaging, this world is their playing field. While the company’s proprietary coatings offer a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging, what’s even more impressive is how Aegis Packaging is building internal systems to support long-term innovation and global expansion.
With guidance from the Innovation Advisors (IAs) and the Innovation and Technology (I&T) teams at IPI Singapore, Aegis Packaging is laying the foundation for research and development (R&D) excellence and quality assurance. These efforts are paving the way toward ISO 9001 certification and positioning the company for growth in competitive overseas markets.
Laying the Groundwork with Structure and Strategy
Aegis Packaging began working with the IAs in late 2022. The company had already commercialised its water-based O2X™ coating, a patented hybrid silicate polymer barrier coating that improves oxygen resistance while supporting recyclability. But to scale effectively, it needed more than a strong product.
“We decided to work with IPI Singapore because we were impressed by their extensive network of innovation advisors,” shared Ong Kai Liang, Deputy CEO of Aegis Packaging. “Many of them have held key positions in major companies within the industry, and they bring with them a wealth of practical knowledge and insights.”
With support from IA Dr Loh Wah Sing, the company launched its first project: building a structured roadmap for product and process development. Beyond technical improvements, Dr Loh’s guidance focused on embedding documentation and quality practices aligned with ISO 9001 standards.
The team developed standard operating procedures for R&D and created a system to monitor and troubleshoot production variables such as coating consistency and curing conditions. This marked a shift from intuitive development to structured innovation.
Scaling Up with Confidence
Building on that foundation, Aegis Packaging launched a second project with IPI Singapore in early 2024, which focused on strengthening internal quality assurance, quality control and customer engagement.
The company hired a full-time quality control personnel, enhanced traceability, and improved documentation. Dr Loh continued to advise Aegis Packaging on lab testing, audit readiness and continuous improvement.
To sharpen customer engagement, Aegis Packaging engaged IA Chok Yean Hung. His advice helped the team refine its sales process and clarify how to communicate its value proposition. These upgrades supported successful proof-of-concept trials in Indonesia and Thailand—key milestones in the company’s Southeast Asia expansion.
The projects with IPI Singapore allowed the team to build internal strength by streamlining operations, enhancing consumers’ trust by aligning to international standards and certifications, as well as setting the foundation for growth with regional trials and new products on the horizon.
“Throughout multiple sessions, IPI Singapore guided us by asking the right questions, helping us identify and refine our needs more effectively,” said Ong. “Their structured approach made the collaboration focused and impactful for our team.”
Innovation That Evolves with the Business
Aegis Packaging is not focused on one-time success; it is committed to long-term innovation. By 2024, they had started work with four IAs on separate projects to scale production and commercialise their business.
At TechInnovation 2024, IPI Singapore held an invite-only networking lunch that brought together key players in the sustainable food packaging space to spark potential partnerships. Here, Mr Ong Kai Liang, Deputy CEO of Aegis Packaging, met Ms Dawn Ong, Senior Manager of Republic Polytechnic’s (RP) School of Applied Sciences and a Tech Expert at IPI Singapore.
After a guided tour of RP’s laboratory facilities, including its new Sustainable Packaging Lab, IPI Singapore facilitated a fruitful collaboration aimed at enhancing Aegis Packaging’s R&D capabilities for new product applications in mono-material packaging.
New initiatives include the study of O2X™ for potential applications in developing recyclable and high-performance mono-material packaging solutions. “The goal isn’t just to launch new products,” said Paula Sng, a senior manager of the I&T team at IPI Singapore. “It is to build a process that can support ongoing innovation, whatever the market demands next.”
With plans to grow its technical team and expand testing infrastructure, the company is aligning people, processes and products around long-term goals.
Regional Traction and Global Aspirations
Aegis Packaging has already made inroads across Southeast Asia and beyond. It has a presence in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, India, China and parts of Europe, with China’s beverage segment standing out as a high-growth area.
Its signature O2X™ technology offers a compelling solution: a recyclable, cost-effective barrier film that replaces aluminium foil, nylon and metallised polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layers without sacrificing performance. As global brands seek sustainable packaging, Aegis Packaging’s offering is gaining attention.
But beyond the product itself, it is the company’s internal capability building that sets it apart. With the support from IPI Singapore and a clear roadmap, Aegis Packaging is laying solid groundwork for international scale.
“The Aegis Packaging team demonstrated a strong commitment to external collaboration,” said Grace Wee, Principal Manager, Innovation Advisory, IPI Singapore. “They worked with our IAs and partners to establish strong internal processes and new products that put them in good stead for continued success.”
From Innovation-Ready to Global-Ready
While many SMEs chase growth through speed, Aegis Packaging is choosing capability-led growth. With a strong foundation in R&D, operational excellence and quality assurance, it is positioning itself to succeed globally.
From Singapore to Thailand, and from protocols to partnerships, Aegis Packaging is a standout example of how innovation must be built into the very DNA of a business. As more Singapore-based companies look beyond local borders, Aegis Packaging shows what’s possible—one milestone at a time.
