An increasing number of SKUs, changing packaging formats and sizes, and a growing interest in personalization are driving a constant need for faster production. Labeling equipment is one area that has felt the pressure from these trends, and the industry continues to innovate to provide beverage manufacturers with the fastest, most flexible machinery, experts say.
Recently, beverage brands are embracing the idea of personalization on packaging. For example, in May, Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co. expanded on its Share a Coke campaign, which featured labels with common names, with its Share a Song campaign, which includes Coca-Cola labels featuring song lyrics. Additionally, the company’s Diet Coke brand launched the It’s Mine campaign, featuring 12-ounce contour glass bottles with full-body shrink-sleeve labels decorated in myriad designs.