The demand for innovative packaging equipment that not only is flexible, but easy-to-use, can handle a variety of packaging types and offers quick changeovers is driving the market for case packing and wrapping machinery.

Nearly 40,000 industry professionals from more than 110 countries participated in ProMat 2017, April 3-6 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Presented by MHI, a record number of 950 exhibitors represented all segments of the material handling and logistics industry, according to MHI.

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.

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.

For beverage containers on the shelf, standing out tends to be the name of the game. To create a differentiated shelf presence, beverage packages often flaunt different shapes, materials and styles.