BROUGHT TO YOU BY PMMI MEDIA BRANDS:
2026
Edition
Cartoning
Innovations Report
From The Editors
Welcome to the 2026 Packaging World/Healthcare Packaging/ProFood 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
Cartoning
Introduction
Flexible Cartoning
The latest innovations in cartoning equipment are designed to improve efficiency and changeover speed, all within a compact footprint. Advances in servo-driven motion control, robotic product loading, and intelligent vision systems are enabling machines to handle a wider variety of carton styles, sizes, and materials with greater accuracy and minimal downtime. At the same time, developments in modular machine design, hygienic construction, and digital connectivity are supporting smarter, more efficient operations.
Cartoning
Innovations Report
Cartoning
Operator Friendly
Econocorp
EconoCore Rapid Delivery Program
Machine Delivery Within Weeks
This addresses the growing demand for more rapid deployment of cartoners in today's fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Speed to Market
This program helps customers hit their deadlines without ever sacrificing quality.
As long as the customer provides testing quantities of carton samples, this program makes Twinseal machines and E-2000 units more attractive than ever.
Pat Reynolds
Contributing Editor
EconoCore Rapid Delivery Program
Econocorp
Eliminating long lead times on machinery delivery.
These are the kinds of Econocorp machines that the new program is all about.
EconoCore Rapid Delivery Program
Econocorp
Key Features
Rapid delivery of packaging machinery.
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT
CAMA NORTH AMERICA
Intermittent-Continuous Motion Cartoning
High Performance, Reliable Cartoning Solutions
Loading and closing of multiple cartons per cycle. Accommodates a variety of product types and packaging requirements with proven solutions for flow-wraps, pouches, bags, thermoformed trays, blisters, jars and more.
Cama ACL Automatic Carton Loaders
Handles Pre-Glued Cartons or blanks, RSC or WA cases. Can be integrated with Cama machines or retrofitted to existing equipment.
Intermittent Motion Cartoning
Can be combined with different loading systems according to your products specs and precise production requirements.
Continuous Motion Cartoning
Unmatched versatility, speed, and reliability. Efficient carton opening for high speed applications.
END SPONSORED CONTENT
Energy Efficient
High Speed
Operator Friendly
Small Footprint
Smart HMI
Graco Inc.
InvisiPac Hot Melt Delivery System
Tank-Free
A tank-free hot melt system that melts adhesive on-demand to eliminate char buildup, reduce glue use by up to 30%, and minimize downtime.
Record Startup Time
Heats adhesive to operating temperature in just 10 minutes.
The InvisiPac system addresses key priorities for packagers by improving efficiency, reducing adhesive waste, and minimizing downtime through its on-demand, tank-free design.
Anne Marie Mohan
Senior Editor, Packaging World
InvisiPac Hot Melt Delivery System
Graco Inc.
A patented self-learning feed algorithm automatically feeds adhesive pellets from the hopper into the melter without operator intervention.
InvisiPac Hot Melt Delivery System
Graco Inc.
Key Features
The InvisiPac HM25c (shown) has a hot melt rate of 25 lb or less/hr for mid- to high-volume case and carton sealing. Available with four to eight channels, the melt-on-demand system easily integrates into end-of-line packaging operations.
BEGIN SPONSORED CONTENT
JLS Automation
Monoblock Top-Load Robotic Cartoning System
Integrated Cartoning System Ideal for Baked, Prepared and Frozen Foods
The JLS Peregrine® is a patented, fully automated cartoning system that integrates robotic carton forming, loading and closing functions in the industry’s smallest footprint.
Innovative Robotic Carton Forming
Unique combination of patent-pending “perpendicular” flow paired with a vision-guided robot.
Accurate Robotic Carton Loading
Vision-guided robots gently load packages into cartons with speed and precision placement.
Space-Saving Robotic Carton Closing
Special end-of-arm robotic tooling simultaneously folds, seals and discharges at high speeds.
END SPONSORED CONTENT
Fast Changeover
High Speed
Operator Friendly
Robotic
Small Footprint
JLS Automation
Peregrine IS Robotic Cartoning system
Monobloc Construction
Fully automated system includes robotic carton forming, loading, and closing in one frame.
Ergonomic Access
Features a patent-pending perpendicular carton-forming flow, giving operators full, ergonomic access to the blank feeder and forming station.
The monobloc cartoner helps packagers stay productive even when labor is tight by automating random product handling, while its direct-access design makes changeovers, maintenance, and cleaning fast and simple for operators.
Anne Marie Mohan
Senior Editor, Packaging World
Peregrine IS Robotic Cartoning system
JLS Automation
The vision-guided robotic cartoner solves the challenges of picking and loading randomly oriented products into cartons or other container styles.
Peregrine IS Robotic Cartoning system
JLS Automation
Key Features
The Peregrine IS (integrated system) features the JLS Trak robotic transport system, a vision-guided robotic carton former, and from one to three pick-and-place robots. Its monobloc construction means it has a narrow footprint, compared with mechanical alternatives.
Fast Changeover
High Speed
Small Footprint
Niverplast
CombiPlast
Case Forming & Bag Insertion
CombiPlast combines case forming and precise bag insertion in one compact machine, ensuring 24/7 continuous operation and reduced time and labor costs.
Low-maintenance Packaging Solution
This space-saving machine integrates directly into automatic lines, optimizing packaging flow while requiring minimal maintenance.
CombiPlast simplifies daily operations by combining case forming and bag placement in a single machine, reducing time, material, and effort without stopping production.
Silvia Gamba
Assistant Editor Mundo EXPO PACK
CombiPlast
Niverplast
CombiPlast runs with prefabricated EasyOpen bags as thin as 10 μm. Its design allows bag reload from the rear storage, ensuring nonstop production.
CombiPlast
Niverplast
Key Features
The system handles up to 18 boxes per minute with quick format changeover, HD display, and right- or left-handed versions. It automates folding, sealing, and bag placement for perfectly formed boxes with minimal trapped air.
For Smaller Companies
R.A Jones (Coesia)
Alterion CL-170 Cartoner
Mid-Range, Maximum Impact
The Alterion CL-170 delivers Criterion-class reliability and performance at a lower cost for medium-volume operations.
Compact, Configurable Design
With modular conveyors and a 7.7m footprint, the CL-170 fits tight spaces while scaling easily with future production growth.
The Alterion CL-170 gives mid-range packagers the speed, reliability, and flexibility of a Criterion—now in a compact, modular design that grows with production needs.
Matt Reynolds
Chief Editor, Packaging World
Alterion CL-170 Cartoner
R.A Jones (Coesia)
Servo-driven barrel loader with overload protection and carton detection ensures smooth, stub-free operation and product integrity.
Quick, tool-free changeovers via single-point handwheel and UHMW pusher heads streamline multi-format production.
Alterion CL-170 Cartoner
R.A Jones (Coesia)
Key Features
R.A Jones’ Alterion CL-170 cartoner delivers Criterion-quality performance in a smaller, cost-effective footprint. Running up to 170 cartons per minute, it features servo-driven precision, quick changeovers, and modular scalability for mid-range food, pharma, and personal care operati
Technology Excellence
Energy Efficient
Sustainable / Recyclable
Fast Changeover
Operator Friendly
Robatech
Volta Hot-Melt Adhesive Jetting Head
Electric Precision Gluing
The Volta head delivers clean, consistent hot-melt application with electric control for reliable dots and beads every time.
Energy- and Adhesive-Saving
No compressed air needed — saving up to 60% energy and 60% adhesive through high-speed hot-melt stitching.
With Volta, Robatech maximizes adhesive precision with an electric head that runs billions of cycles while saving energy, glue, and maintenance downtime.
Matt Reynolds
Chief Editor, Packaging World
Volta Hot-Melt Adhesive Jetting Head
Robatech
Runs up to 2 billion cycles with minimal wear and IP65 protection for harsh packaging or food environments.
Integrated control unit enables direct setup—no external controller required, simplifying installation and maintenance.
Volta Hot-Melt Adhesive Jetting Head
Robatech
Key Features
The Volta hot-melt jetting head brings electric precision to adhesive application for cartons and labels. Designed for 2 billion cycles, it eliminates compressed air, saving up to 60% energy and adhesive while ensuring safe, consistent performance in tough packaging environment.
Technology Excellence
Sustainable / Recyclable
Senzani
U-Seal
Recyclable
Designed to move away from plastic and switch to a fully recyclable cardboard packaging.
High Seal Strength
Ability to pack both dry and wet products with the guarantee of a perfect seal.
By producing your packs from flat blanks, this improves warehouse space management, saves on transport costs and reduces emissions.
Liz Cuneo
Editor-in-Chief, Healthcare Packaging
U-Seal
Senzani
The technology forms, fills, and seals cardboard canisters for the transition from plastic to more sustainable packaging.
U-Seal
Senzani
Key Features
Senzani produces automatic cartoners and case packers and introduces the eco-friendly U-Seal technology. Starting from flat blank, U-Seal can handle different pack shapes, of varying diameter and height.
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.
Sustainable / Recyclable
For Contract Packagers
High Speed
Tetra Pak
Brik 1420 Edge
First-ever 48-oz Carton
The Tetra Brik Aseptic Edge introduces a new 48 oz (1420-mL) format for dairy, plant-based, and cold brew beverages.
Resealable, Reclosable
Features Tetra Pak’s LightWing closure. It's easy to open, fully resealable, and designed to prevent leaks even when laid flat.
Tetra Pak’s new 48-oz Brik Aseptic Edge fills a clear gap in the market by offering brand owners a shelf-stable, resealable, and sustainable option for family-size chilled beverages.
Matt Reynolds
Chief Editor, Packaging World
Brik 1420 Edge
Tetra Pak
Slanted-top geometry improves stacking and pallet efficiency while protecting the package from impact during logistics.
Aseptic processing enables long shelf life for chilled beverages, offering cost and sustainability advantages for producers.
Brik 1420 Edge
Tetra Pak
Key Features
Tetra Pak’s Brik Aseptic Edge debuts as the first 48-oz carton for chilled, aseptically processed beverages. Featuring one-step LightWing closure and a slanted, stack-efficient design, it delivers resealability, shelf stability, and sustainability for dairy or plant-based products.
Operator Friendly
Small Footprint
Sustainable / Recyclable
Valco Melton
Kube Zero Hot Melt
Streamlined Startup
Improves startup times by 65%.
Excellent Melt Rate
Melt rate of 28 lb/hr.
This system offers one of the highest melt rates for this type of technology available today in the market, and with a 65% improvement in startup times, it should be well received in the marketplace.
Pat Reynolds
Contributing Editor
Kube Zero Hot Melt
Valco Melton
Kube Zero brings a big improvement in startup times while still offering a high melt rate of 28 lb/hr.
Lower energy consumption is among the benefits this new adhesive dispensing system brings.
Kube Zero Hot Melt
Valco Melton
Key Features
Improves startup times by 65% and offers an impressive melt rate of 28 lb/hr.
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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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