Krones Showcases Automated Sustainable Packaging at Interpack 2026

Beverage, food, and packaging industries are increasingly adopting sustainable packaging solutions and automation to reduce material usage, energy consumption, and manual intervention. At interpack 2026 (7–13 May, Düsseldorf, Germany, Hall 13/Stand B75), Krones presents a fully automated packaging system combining recyclable materials, robotic handling, and autonomous logistics within a single integrated line.

The live demonstration centers on the Variopac Pro, a 17-metre packaging machine designed for non-returnable containers, showcasing how sustainability and automation can be implemented without compromising throughput or flexibility.

Sustainable packaging without shrink technology
The Variopac Pro demonstrates the LitePac Top Strap solution, where six 1.5-litre PET bottles are bundled using a cardboard clip and a strap banderole instead of shrink film. This configuration eliminates the need for a shrink tunnel, reducing energy consumption typically associated with heat-based packaging processes.

Both the clip and banderole are made from renewable raw materials and are fully recyclable, supporting circular packaging strategies. The system is also adaptable to different container types, including glass bottles and cans, as well as varying pack sizes and formats, making it suitable for diverse beverage production requirements.

Autonomous material supply for packaging lines
A key feature of the system is the integration of autonomous material handling using an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), developed within the Ingeniq concept. The AGV supplies packaging materials directly to the Variopac Pro, automating routine logistics tasks such as transport and loading.

The vehicle operates within a digitally controlled environment, enabling coordination with the packaging machine and reducing dependency on manual intervention. This approach supports more efficient line operation, particularly in high-throughput environments where continuous material availability is critical.

Robotic container distribution for flexible line configuration
Upstream of the packaging machine, Krones introduces the Robobox SynFlow system for container distribution. Based on parallel-kinematics robotics, the system distributes containers from single or dual lanes into three to nine lanes with high precision.

This configuration allows flexible adaptation to different production layouts and container formats, while ensuring gentle handling to prevent product damage. Such robotic systems are particularly relevant in high-speed beverage lines where consistent flow and accurate positioning directly impact overall efficiency.

Application in automated beverage packaging
The integrated solution is designed for beverage producers handling PET, glass, and can formats in non-returnable packaging systems. By combining automated packaging systems with recyclable materials and robotic handling, the solution supports reduced material consumption, lower energy usage, and improved operational consistency.

Automation of both packaging and material supply reduces operator workload and supports continuous production, while digital integration enables better coordination across the line.

Technology positioning and system integration
Compared with conventional packaging lines that rely on shrink wrapping and manual material supply, this approach combines mechanical packaging innovation with digital and robotic systems. The elimination of shrink tunnels and the use of renewable materials address sustainability requirements, while automation improves efficiency and scalability.

The Variopac Pro, together with robotic distribution and AGV-based supply, illustrates how packaging lines can evolve toward fully automated, data-driven systems aligned with modern production and environmental targets.

Edited by Industrial Journalist, Natania Lyngdoh — Adapted by AI.

www.krones.com