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As the beverage industry's constantly changing needs evolve, beverage manufacturers are seeking highly flexible equipment in terms of packaging machinery. Packaging equipment service providers offering diverse machines and services will be positioned to provide beverage manufacturers with solutions and technologies to keep up with the industry's changing developmental needs.
With the surge in new sizes, shapes, and materials, combined with general SKU expansion, beverage packaging machines should be able to handle various size options through seamless conversion and machine recalibration.
New machines integrate digital and intuitive solutions by adding technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, smart motion components, and automatic detection. Machine operations need to be simple, with the goal of minimizing human error. Additionally, next-generation machines should withstand a wide range of material strengths to address differences between recyclable materials including films, cardboard, corrugated paper, and rigid plastics.
Survey data indicates that 56% of manufacturers state they have long-term plans to increase processing machinery, with 44% stating they intend to purchase filling equipment. Some also mentioned needing new sterilization systems.
Processing and filling equipment in the beverage industry also requires versatility. As industry trends and consumer demands drive beverage manufacturers to change product formulations and expand into innovative products, processing and filling equipment should be flexible enough to grow with production diversity. Changes in viscosity, acidity, and filling temperature are becoming more common, and equipment must handle these changes without affecting product quality. Additionally, new machines should be easy to changeover from one product to another, saving required time.
Sterilization is crucial for beverage product quality, safety, and shelf life. Hot filling remains the primary sterilization method, but leading companies in the beverage industry plan to add more aseptic filling in the future. A packaging engineer said: "We are considering using more aseptic methods for beverages containing sensitive ingredients in the future to provide consumers with healthier products."
During interviews, 72% of manufacturers indicated intentions to expand automation and data-driven solutions in their operations. Beverage producers are seeking to automate more processes, such as conversions, visual inspections, and variety pack construction, while increasing the amount of data they collect and analyze through sensor deployment and increased integration.
Keeping up with growing consumer demands and adapting to expanding SKUs requires efficient predictive and preventive maintenance. Additionally, the ongoing shortage of skilled labor makes automated processes and robotics technology more important. A senior packaging engineer in the industry said: "Over the past five years, we've tripled the amount of robotics technology we use across our entire production line—labeling, capping, stacking, and defect removal." "Robotics technology is used to reduce maintenance and increase packaging production flexibility for pouch directions; robotics technology is also used in palletizers and case packers."
