BROUGHT TO YOU BY PMMI MEDIA BRANDS:
2026
Edition
Beverage
Innovations Report
From The Editors
Welcome to the 2026 ProFood World/ Packaging World Innovations Report.
This second-year report showcases standout packaging and processing equipment and materials spotted by PMMI Media Group editors at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, held September 29–October 1, 2025.
Editors highlight the defining features of each new product and capture videos of the innovations in action on the show floor. What follows is an organized, category-by-category look at the most noteworthy and genuinely new solutions drawn from hundreds of booth visits, and curated through decades of combined editorial experience.
Participating editors included:
- Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor, Packaging World
- Liz Cuneo, Editor in Chief, Healthcare Packaging
- Derrick Teal, Editor in Chief, ProFood World
- Anne Marie Mohan, Senior Editor, Packaging World
- Lilián Robayo Páez, Editor in Chief, Mundo EXPO PACK
- Silvia Gamba, Assistant Editor, Mundo EXPO PACK
- Casey Flanagan, Associate Editor, ProFood World
- Sean Riley, Editor in Chief, OEM Magazine
- Pat Reynolds, Contributor, Packaging World
- Rick Lingle, Contributor, Packaging World
Beverage
Introduction
Greater Flexibility in Production
Sustainability, flexibility, and speed are the top machinery trends shaping the beverage industry as manufacturers turn to advanced packaging and processing technologies to stay competitive. From energy-efficient pasteurization and continuous mixing systems to high-speed filling, capping, and aseptic packaging solutions, equipment manufacturers are redefining how beverages are produced and delivered. Smart automation, digital quality control, and lightweight, recyclable materials are also helping brands meet sustainability targets while maintaining freshness and shelf appeal.
Beverage
Innovations Report
Equipment
High Speed
Operator Friendly
Fast Changeover
Energy Efficient
Small Footprint
Fogg Filler (ProMach)
PF 2160 for Hot Fill
High-Speed Hot Fill
Runs 64oz bottles at 300 BPM, scalable to 800 BPM on smaller bottles for fast, efficient hot-fill performance.
Modular, Safe Design
Compact base enables easy layout changes, while perimeter guarding boosts operator safety and compliance.
For brand owners using hot-fill, the PF 2160 delivers speed, cleanliness, and flexibility—maintaining precise temperature control while adapting to new package sizes and layouts for greater efficiency.
Matt Reynolds
Chief Editor, Packaging World
PF 2160 for Hot Fill
Fogg Filler (ProMach)
The machine allows servo-driven precision with five independent servo motors that enable smoother handling, faster adjustments, and easier maintenance.
Built-in feedback loops monitor machine conditions for predictive, proactive maintenance and reduced downtime.
PF 2160 for Hot Fill
Fogg Filler (ProMach)
Key Features
Fogg Filler launched the PF 2160 pressure filler with what it calls breakthrough technology that increases fill speeds by 30% while reducing facility footprint requirements. The modular design and AI-enabled predictive maintenance capabilities are competitive differentiators.
Small Footprint
Fristam Pumps
PL Powder Dispenser
Efficient Powder Induction
Designed for adding powders directly into liquids through a funnel system with high powder induction rates.
Recirculating Design
Pulls fluids from the tank, mixes powders inline, and returns the blended product back to the tank—ensuring uniform dispersion.
PL Powder Dispenser
Fristam Pumps
An efficient proces reduces manual mixing, minimizes clumping, and improves overall batch consistency.
Made with a hygienic design meeting the sanitary standards required for food and beverage production.
PL Powder Dispenser
Fristam Pumps
Key Features
Fristam’s new PL Powder Disperser is engineered to efficiently mix powders into liquids, ideal for applications such as simple syrups and other low-viscosity products. Using a shear pump system, it ensures rapid powder induction and consistent dispersion for smooth, uniform mixtures.
Operator Friendly
Smart HMI
ifm Efector
SM Foodmag Flow Sensor
Digital Connectivity
The SM Foodmag is IO-Link compatible, exchanging bidirectional data and allowing the system to be remotely parameterized.
Hygienic and Robust
The SM Foodmag flow sensor is also IP69K washdown-capable, and able to withstand extreme temperature and vibration.
By integrating IO-Link, operators gain real-time access to critical process data, supporting monitoring and maintenance.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
SM Foodmag Flow Sensor
ifm Efector
The company also showcased a solid-state ceramic diaphragm sensor measuring temperature and pressure, plus a three-axis vibration sensor.
SM Foodmag Flow Sensor
ifm Efector
Key Features
The lineup includes a solid-state ceramic diaphragm sensor tracking temperature and pressure, a three-axis vibration sensor for motion monitoring, and the SM Foodmag flow sensor with IO-Link for real-time process data.
Operator Friendly
Industrial Magnetics
Liquid Line T-Trap Magnet
Customizable
The magnetic tubes within the T-Trap can be reconfigured into different formats, sizes, and strengths. The outer housing can also be customized with different clamp connections.
Easy Cleaning
The magnet can be easily cleaned by removing the lid, wiping the tubes clean, and reinstalling.
Customizable magnetic separation solutions let operators tailor equipment to the application at hand, enabling greater flexibility to support food safety.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
Liquid Line T-Trap Magnet
Industrial Magnetics
With multiple tube, housing, and clamp options, the T-Trap can be fitted to various applications specific to each end user's operations.
Liquid Line T-Trap Magnet
Industrial Magnetics
Key Features
In addition to the T-Trap Magnet showcased at PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Industrial Magnetics also has a new radius plate design with double-welded tubes for greater durability.
High Speed
Inoxpa
Ultilobe Rotary Lobe Pump
High-Speed Operation
This pump is designed to allow for smaller clearance between the lobes and casing, enabling higher operating speed and suction.
Gentle Solids Handling
The lobes are designed for gentle handling, capable of pumping products containing delicate solids without causing damage.
Equipment designed to balance higher speeds and gentle handling can simultaneously boost efficiency and reduce waste, creating greater throughput without sacrificing product quality.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
Ultilobe Rotary Lobe Pump
Inoxpa
The leg assembly of this lobe pump can be configured for horizontal or vertical orientation, enabling greater flexibility during integration.
Ultilobe Rotary Lobe Pump
Inoxpa
Key Features
The Ultilobe's mechanical seal is designed to be hygienic, supporting its use in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic applications.
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT
Descon Conveyor Systems, a Pacteon Company
Full Line Integration Solutions
Beverage Packaging Solutions That Deliver
Descon delivers integrated packaging solutions and full lifecycle support, bringing together best-in-class smart technologies tailored to maximize total line efficiency and exceed customer expectations.
Simulation Tool for Line Design
Simulates line designs quickly to deliver the best efficiency solution every time.
High-Speed Robotic Layer Forming
LEARN. INNOVATE. DELIVER! Our commitment to diversified industry solutions.
Empty Can Vacuum Bridge
Single-lane empty can vacuum bridge with laser coding and inspection.
END SPONSORED CONTENT
Operator Friendly
Fast Changeover
Sleeve Seal
MRS-2 Auto Splicer
Splice Without Stopping Machine
Shrink sleeve labeling from one station can continue even as an operator is adding a new roll to the other station.
Operator Friendly
A lot of thought went into the design of the MRS-2 to make things easy on the operator.
What a great idea to come up with a two-station splicing system that is safe and operator friendly and that has the potential to boost productivity significantly.
Pat Reynolds
Contributing Editor
MRS-2 Auto Splicer
Sleeve Seal
This is all about simplicity of operation combined with boosting throughput.
Seen here is an operator making a splice on one station while the other station continues to feed roll-fed shrink labels to the applicator.
MRS-2 Auto Splicer
Sleeve Seal
Key Features
Easy splicing of a new roll of shrink sleeve labels.
High Speed
Operator Friendly
Sustainable / Recyclable
Zacmi (ProMach)
Be-Fill HS Carbonated Beverage Filler
Volumetric Precision
The Be-Fill HS combines brushless synchronization and electronic volumetric dosing for consistent, waste-free fills at any temperature.
Hygienic, Modular Design
Quick-release valves, external tank feeding, and compact carousel construction ensure uptime, hygiene, and format flexibility.
Zacmi’s Be-Fill HS shows how smart design meets precision. From carbonated to hot-fill, it keeps every can accurate, hygienic, and ready for tomorrow’s beverage demands.
Matt Reynolds
Chief Editor, Packaging World
Be-Fill HS Carbonated Beverage Filler
Zacmi (ProMach)
Dual-channel flushing valves minimize oxygen pickup and CO₂ loss, protecting carbonation and product integrity.
Optional liquid nitrogen dosing extends shelf life while supporting hot- and cold-fill beverage applications.
Be-Fill HS Carbonated Beverage Filler
Zacmi (ProMach)
Key Features
Zacmi’s Be-Fill HS Carbonated Beverage Filler delivers electronic volumetric precision across hot and cold fills. With dual-channel flushing valves, brushless synchronization, and tool-free format changes, it ensures hygienic, flexible, and efficient production for carbonated and stil
Technology Excellence
Sustainable / Recyclable
High Speed
Energy Efficient
Comprex North America
Impulse Cleaning Process
Minimal Water Usage
The Impulse Cleaning Process accelerates water to 66 feet per minute, achieving up to 90% water savings compared to traditional clean-in-place methods.
Powerful Cleaning
This process also offers a cleaning force 100 times that of tradition CIP methods.
With powerful, time-saving cleaning and minimal water use, this system delivers a combination of efficiency and sustainability in clean-in-place operations.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
Impulse Cleaning Process
Comprex North America
Comprex demonstrated its Impulse Cleaning Process with BBs representing pipe buildup. A mixture of compressed air and water quickly cleared the BBs.
Impulse Cleaning Process
Comprex North America
Key Features
The Impulse Cleaning Process uses pulsed air and minimal water to rapidly remove buildup from pipes, showing how powerful mechanical cleaning can be both fast and resource-efficient.
High Speed
Operator Friendly
Douglas Machines
1536-FBW Rack Washer and Drying System
Allergen Mitigation
This rack washer is suited for allergen or cross-contamination mitigation, using new water for each batch and performing a 180-degree sanitizing rinse after washing.
Quick Drying
A new drying system uses a heat exchanger and blower to dry the washer's contents in 10 to 15 minutes.
A cross-allergen mitigating washer system helps food and beverage companies safeguard product integrity and brand trust, and an efficient drying system keeps operations moving.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
1536-FBW Rack Washer and Drying System
Douglas Machines
Used water and cleaning solution are discarded each cycle for food safety.
The connected dryer readies contents quickly for the next run.
1536-FBW Rack Washer and Drying System
Douglas Machines
Key Features
Rotating wash nozzles spray down the washer's contents at 160 degrees, before a 180-degree sanitizing rinse. The system can also be fitted with Allen-Bradley controls for easy touchscreen operation.
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT
Shuttleworth
RallyTrak Accumulation Tables
RallyTrak™ Boosts Throughput with Gentle Precision
RallyTrak provides high speed, zero pressure accumulation for glass bottles, plastic containers, aluminum cans, and more, offering gentle handling, quick changeovers, and reliable, low maintenance performance.
Bi Flow Accumulation for Tight Spaces
Compact buffering that smooths beverage line flow, boosts throughput, and protects containers.
Optimized Flow for 50mL Spirits
Low pressure accumulation that protects 50 mL spirit bottles and boosts throughput.
Smart Laning for Bottles and Cans
Engineered laning that preserves container orientation and ensures accurate distribution.
END SPONSORED CONTENT
High Speed
Operator Friendly
Keystone Tape & Automation
Automatic shrink sleeve splicer
First-time Exhibitor
First time exhibiting at PACK EXPO.
High Speed
Capable of 400 parts per minute.
Automatic shrink sleeve splicing eliminates manual roll changes, maintaining continuous label application and maximizing line efficiency.
Liz Cuneo
Editor-in-Chief, Healthcare Packaging
Automatic shrink sleeve splicer
Keystone Tape & Automation
Two-reel automatic shrink sleeve splicer.
Automatic shrink sleeve splicer
Keystone Tape & Automation
Key Features
Reel over reel automatic splicing technology that will do a tail-end splice system for any OEM shrink sleeve machinery on the market.
Operator Friendly
Netzsch
Drum Unloading System
Minimal Waste
This system removes up to 99% of a drum's contents.
Adjustable Speed
Operators can adjust the system's speed to accommodate the needs of specific applications.
Efficient, adjustable unloading systems like this help processors reduce product waste and handle a wide range of materials with precision and ease.
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor, ProFood World
Drum Unloading System
Netzsch
The operator can adjust speed via controls on the side of the machine, optimizing it for the task at hand.
Drum Unloading System
Netzsch
Key Features
This system can be configured to accommodate low- to high-viscosity drum contents, from water to peanut butter.
For Contract Packagers
Operator Friendly
Polypack
The Unwrapper
Shrink Wrap Removal
Machine is designed to help producers of rainbow packs automate the removal of shrink wrap from wrapped trays of beverage containers.
Contract Packagers
This automated system can safely and efficiently replace a crew of operators wielding knives.
This is a classic example of how cleverly designed automation can bring better throughput to today’s packaging operations while greatly improving worker safety.
Pat Reynolds
Contributing Editor
The Unwrapper
Polypack
As demand for rainbow packs continues to grow, this system for unwrapping shrink-wrapped trays of containers is bound to catch on.
Machine not only cuts shrink wrap from the tray, it also removes the wrap neatly and efficiently.
The Unwrapper
Polypack
Key Features
Herringbone conveyor not only advance the tray to the station where the stretchwrap will be removed but also removes the film from underneath the tray.
High Speed
Shuttleworth (ProMach)
RallyTrak + Specialty Tip for Empty PET Bottles
Smooth, Safe Accumulation
RallyTrak keeps bottles and cans moving damage-free with low-pressure accumulation that prevents scuffing or breakage.
Handles Empty PET with Ease
A specialty tip design stabilizes even empty, lightweight PET bottles—traditionally difficult to convey safely.
RallyTrak's new, specialty tip tackles one of the toughest challenges in accumulation: keeping even empty PET bottles upright and undamaged. It’s a smart, gentle solution for today’s fast beverage lines.
Matt Reynolds
Chief Editor, Packaging World
RallyTrak + Specialty Tip for Empty PET Bottles
Shuttleworth (ProMach)
Continuous chain-strand surface minimizes back pressure for gentle buffering of glass, plastic, or metal containers.
Available in 5-, 7-, or 10-strand configurations to match throughput and accumulation needs across line layouts.
RallyTrak + Specialty Tip for Empty PET Bottles
Shuttleworth (ProMach)
Key Features
Shuttleworth’s RallyTrak accumulation conveyor ensures smooth, low-pressure handling for glass, plastic, and metal containers. Its specialty tip manages empty PET bottles without tipping or scuffing, while modular strand configurations deliver scalable, damage-free accumulation.
Fast Changeover
Operator Friendly
Small Footprint
Smart HMI
Eriez
PrecisionGuard X8 Metal Detector
Comprehensive Detection
Detects ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless-steel contaminants, even in demanding environments.
Adaptive Intelligence
Auto-learning algorithms enable the detector to quickly adapt to new products.
The system shows how far inspection has come. It blends advanced sensing, easy controls, and connectivity to make food safety smarter and operations more efficient.
Anne Marie Mohan
Senior Editor, Packaging World
PrecisionGuard X8 Metal Detector
Eriez
Available configurations include tunnel, tunnel with conveyor, liquid line, vertical drop, vf/f/s, pharmaceutical, and webline models.
PrecisionGuard X8 Metal Detector
Eriez
Key Features
Features include the industry’s largest intuitive touchscreen interface and built-in connectivity that offers instant access to event and reject logs for a detailed audit trail.
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT
TechniBlend
AmbiFill
Smarter, Faster Beverage Production
AmbiFill allows for the filling of beverages at room temperature or above local dew points and eliminates the need for chilling the beverage or sending the cans through a tunnel warmer.
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Blending & Batching Systems
Precision in-line blending and batching systems for high-quality, efficient beverage production.
Clean-In-Place (CIP) System
Automated CIP delivering precise wash cycles, rapid changeovers, and optimized resource use.
Beverage Carbonation Systems
Inline CO₂/N₂ dosing with tight control for stable, repeatable carbonation performance
END SPONSORED CONTENT
Beverage
Innovations Report
Materials
Fast Changeover
Operator Friendly
Small Footprint
Sustainable / Recyclable
SIG
SIG/Sidework Smart Aseptic Dispensing Platform
Aseptic Dispensing
Combines a SIG PureFlow Connect bag-in-box aseptic valve pouch with Sidework’s programmable beverage dispenser.
Eliminates Waste
Allows for multi-ingredient beverages, while reducing product waste by more than 75%.
The SIG and Sidework system gives foodservice operators a faster, safer, and more sustainable way to offer customized drinks, helping them keep up with demand while easing pressure on staff.
Anne Marie Mohan
Senior Editor
SIG/Sidework Smart Aseptic Dispensing Platform
SIG
The Sidework for Cafés dispenser has a slide-out drawer that accommodates ingredients in SIG’s BIB packaging, which connects via a fitment interface.
SIG/Sidework Smart Aseptic Dispensing Platform
SIG
Key Features
The SIG PureFlow Connect powered by the Sidework system can mix and dispense complex, multi-ingredient beverages, like specialty coffees, energy drinks, dirty sodas, refreshers, and cocktails in less than 10 seconds, using aseptic bag-in-box ingredients for freshness and safety.
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT
Sidel
EvoBLOW Laser
EvoBLOW Laser: World’s first laser-powered PET blower
Sidel’s laser heating technology transforms PET/rPET blowing, overcoming limits of halogen heating by offering new possibilities in packaging performance, design, energy efficiency and sustainability.
Aseptic Predis X4™
The industry benchmark for aseptic PET packaging, optimum cost-efficiency and a wide range of outputs.
EvoFILL Can Compact
Compact high-performing filler for premium beer and soft drinks, delivering quality and lowering TCO.
CoboREEL
Automated reel loading solution for beverage labels, three times the reel capacity of any other solution.
END SPONSORED CONTENT
For Contract Packagers
Sustainable / Recyclable
High Speed
Tetra Pak
Tetra Prisma Aseptic Portion Pack, Range of Sizes
Aseptic Speed & Style
Tetra Prisma Aseptic now runs up to 25,000 packs per hour, combining high-speed efficiency with eye-catching eight-sided design.
The Prisma Aseptic 300 Edge shows Tetra Pak’s dual focus, with an eye-catching design that runs at high speed. It’s a sleek, sustainable on-the-go package that runs fast and looks great doing it.
Matt Reynolds
Chief Editor, Packaging World
Tetra Prisma Aseptic Portion Pack, Range of Sizes
Tetra Pak
Slim “Edge” formats enhance ergonomics and shelf impact, while A3 platform compatibility ensures flexibility for new volumes.
Available from 125 ml to 1L, the Prisma Aseptic family supports everything from dairy and plant-based drinks to RTD teas and wines.
Tetra Prisma Aseptic Portion Pack, Range of Sizes
Tetra Pak
Key Features
Tetra Pak’s Prisma Aseptic range expands with high-speed, on-the-go formats like the 250 and 300 Edge. With speeds up to 25,000 packs per hour and sustainable features like tethered caps and plant-based polymers, it combines shelf appeal, efficiency, and eco-friendly innovation.
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT
Intralox
Intralox Series 570 Tight Transfer Solution
Superior End-to-End Transfers for Filled Cans
Eliminate unnecessary conveyors, belting, and maintenance problems by eliminating side-by-side conveyors and problematic transfers. Series 570 Tight Transfer belting and the Intralox® nosebar transfer unit are designed to work together seamlessly.
Do More, More Efficiently
Its innovative design uses a smaller footprint than competitive technologies, requires less belting, and needs no specialized maintenance training.
Eliminate Transfer Risk
The precision‑engineered Intralox nosebar transfer unit installs in minutes and delivers reliable, adjustment‑free performance for perfectly spaced, aligned transfers.
Designed for High Speed Lines
Built to handle demanding production environments, the S570 enhances product control while reducing jams and changeover complexity.
END SPONSORED CONTENT
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT
Intralox
Intralox Series 570 Tight Transfer Solution
Superior End-to-End Transfers for Filled Cans
Eliminate unnecessary conveyors, belting, and maintenance problems by eliminating side-by-side conveyors and problematic transfers. Series 570 Tight Transfer belting and the Intralox® nosebar transfer unit are designed to work together seamlessly.
Do More, More Efficiently
Its innovative design uses a smaller footprint than competitive technologies, requires less belting, and needs no specialized maintenance training.
Eliminate Transfer Risk
The precision‑engineered Intralox nosebar transfer unit installs in minutes and delivers reliable, adjustment‑free performance for perfectly spaced, aligned transfers.
Designed for High Speed Lines
Built to handle demanding production environments, the S570 enhances product control while reducing jams and changeover complexity.
END SPONSORED CONTENT
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Innovations Report
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Innovations Report
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Our Editors
Matt Reynolds
Chief Editor
Packaging World
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Anne Marie Mohan
Senior Editor
Packaging World
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Elisabeth Cuneo
Editor in Chief
Healthcare Packaging
Derrick Teal
Editor in Chief
ProFood World
Sean Riley
Editor in Chief
OEM Magazine
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Lilián Robayo Páez
Editor in Chief
Mundo EXPO PACK
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Silvia Gamba
Editor
Mundo EXPO PACK
Casey Flanagan
Associate Editor
Packaging World
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Patrick Reynolds
Contributor
Packaging World
Rick Lingle
Contributor
Packaging World
We'd love to hear your feedback!
editors@pmmimediagroup.com
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