Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have been quick to respond to increasing demands within the beverage industry by creating equipment that accommodates faster filling times, flexibility in processing, and quick handling of multiple SKUs.

When parents are teaching their children how to handle breakable objects, they often remind them to use extra care and handle it gently with two hands. The case packers segment of a beverage line also is learning to handle newer, more breakable packages with care in order to ensure that lightweight and flexible packages are gently packed and shipped to stores in one piece.

Oftentimes, a trend can be linked to one particular outlet. For instance, AOL’s AIM platform was a contributor to the instant messaging trend in the ‘90s.

Some consumer packaged goods products take a cue from their competitors and play it safe at retail by blending in. But in the increasingly competitive beverage space, many brands are daring to be different.

The product name has been trademarked; the formulation has been perfected and patented; the packaging is unique and shelfworthy; yet, this product might never make it to retail because the owner forgot about one vital step: inspection.

As a proliferation of new brands and flavors continues to hit the market, the beverage industry also has experienced an influx of new package styles and designs to help those products stand out on the shelf.

As Disney’s “Toy Story 3” movie portrays, children’s interests in toys change as they grow up. Similarly, as the beverage can industry matures, its interest in packaging sizes changes. These changes have a domino effect on the equipment that fills and seams these cans.