When it comes to packaging machinery, beverage manufacturers are looking for equipment that is highly flexible, according to PMMI Business Intelligence’s new report “2021 Beverage Trends Driving Change.” OEMs that provide diverse machines and services will be positioned to offer beverage manufacturers the solutions and technologies that will grow with them as they keep up with changing demands of the industry.
With the proliferation of new sizes, shapes, and materials, combined with the general expansion of SKUs, beverage packaging machines should be able to handle a wide range of size options with seamless changeover and machine recalibration.
New machines are incorporating digital and intuitive solutions by adding technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, robotics, intuitive HMI/PLC inputs, smart motion components, and automated inspection. Machine operations need to be simple, with the goal of minimizing human error. In addition, next generation machines should tolerate a wide range of material strengths to account for growing variances in quality when using recycled materials, including film, paperboard, corrugated, and rigid plastic.
Processing and Filling Equipment
When interviewed, 56% of manufacturers stated they have long term plans to add additional processing machinery, and 44% indicated they intend to purchase filling equipment. Some also mentioned the need for new sterilization systems.
Processing and filling equipment for the beverage industry also requires versatility. As industry trends and consumer desires push beverage manufacturers to alter product formulations and expand into innovative offerings, processing and filling equipment should be flexible enough to grow with the diversity in production. Changes in viscosity, acidity, and fill temperatures are increasingly common, and equipment must handle these changes without compromising the quality of the product. In addition, new machines should be easy to swap from one product to another, with a focus on reducing the duration that CIP requires.
