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Franklin Today
By the People, for the People
Advanced Solutions Keep Case Packers, Wrappers Ahead of the Curve
Experts highlight how case packing and wrapping solutions can enhance overall line performance amid SKU proliferation in the beverage industry.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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As SKU proliferation continues to impact the beverage industry, experts highlight how case packing and wrapping solutions can enhance overall line performance. Flexibility and fast, precise changeovers are key to addressing the growing number of SKUs and pack configurations. Sustainability trends are also affecting case packing and wrapping equipment, pushing the industry toward more gentle and precise handling of lightweight materials and flexible formats. Experts anticipate a future marked by fully automated machinery, broader application of robotics, deeper integration of AI, and autonomous material handling systems.
Why it matters
The growing number of SKUs and pack configurations in the beverage industry is steadily increasing the need for fast, precise and hassle-free changeovers on case packing and wrapping equipment. Sustainability trends are also impacting the industry, pushing for more gentle and precise handling of lightweight materials and flexible formats. Addressing these challenges is crucial for beverage producers to maintain efficient and adaptable end-of-line operations.
The details
Krones, SOMIC, A-B-C Packaging, and Standard Knapp are among the leading suppliers of case packing and wrapping solutions that are designed to provide the flexibility and automation needed to handle the proliferation of SKUs and pack formats in the beverage industry. Their equipment features automated changeover systems, modular platforms, servo-driven motion control, intuitive HMI, and integration with plant-level systems to enhance overall line performance. These solutions also support sustainability by enabling the handling of more lightweight, fiber-based, and flexible packaging materials.
- The growing number of SKUs and pack configurations has been steadily increasing in recent years.
- Sustainability trends have been accelerating in the beverage industry, particularly in Europe, over the past several years.
The players
Krones Inc.
A leading supplier of case packing and palletizing equipment, with solutions like the Unit Express and Line Express systems that provide automated changeover capabilities.
SOMIC Packaging Inc.
A provider of flexible case packing and wrapping solutions, including the SOMIC 434 SuperFlex platform designed to enable fast changeovers and handle a wide range of case styles and pack patterns.
A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp.
A manufacturer of semi-automatic and robotic case packing solutions that can handle a variety of beverage containers and packaging formats, including cans, bottles, cartons, and flexible packages.
Standard Knapp (EOL Group)
A supplier of a broad range of case packing, wrap-around, and film wrapping solutions to meet the evolving needs of beverage producers.
DS Smith
A member of International Paper that is collaborating with Krones to strengthen expertise in fiber-based and flexible paper packaging.
What they’re saying
“The growing number of SKUs and pack configurations is steadily increasing the need for fast, precise and hassle-free changeovers.”
— Robert Lindsley, Product line manager for case packers and palletizers (Krones Inc.)
“Beverage producers are running more SKUs, more pack formats and shorter production runs, so the 'lost time' during changeovers can quickly become a hidden cost in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and throughput.”
— Peter Fox, CEO (SOMIC Packaging Inc.)
“In practical terms, sustainability is pushing the industry toward equipment that is both gentle and precise. This is because lightweight materials and thinner films can be less forgiving.”
— Peter Fox, CEO (SOMIC Packaging Inc.)
“Thinner films and more biodegradable materials generally require more accurate and consistent mechanical and software controls.”
— Patrick Nelson, Engineering director (Standard Knapp (EOL Group)
“Alongside this transition, packaging trends continue to evolve toward minimalist design, improved recyclability, and clear, authentic communication that aligns with consumer expectations.”
— Robert Lindsley, Product line manager for case packers and palletizers (Krones Inc.)
What’s next
Experts anticipate that the future of case packing and wrapping equipment will be marked by further advancements in automation, robotics, AI integration, and autonomous material handling systems to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability.
The takeaway
As SKU proliferation and sustainability demands continue to shape the beverage industry, case packing and wrapping equipment suppliers are rising to the challenge by developing more flexible, adaptable, and eco-friendly solutions to help producers maintain efficient and responsive end-of-line operations.
