Through the Line Podcast: 2026 Automation Annual Outlook Report

How are CPGS approaching automation in 2026? Editors Sean Riley and Casey Flanagan sit down to discuss why companies are turning to automation to solve labor constraints and throughput demands while simultaneously grappling with higher costs and internal alignment challenges.

Casey FlanaganSean Riley

Apr 14, 2026

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The packaging innovations from PACK EXPO worth your attention.

Redefine What’s Possible in Packaging & Processing—Register Now & Save!

Discover Leading Suppliers

Machinery Basics

What Can You Package on a Vertical Form/Fill/Seal Machine?

Quality Control Masters: The Ultimate Guide to Packaging Inspection Equipment

Pt 26 8 Cartoning Equipment Thumbnail (1)

A Look into the World of Cartoning Equipment

Pt 25 7 Feeding & Inserting Equipment 2026 Thumbnail

A Look at Feeding and Inserting Equipment on the Packaging Line

Cases and cartons are selected by the dimensioning system and staged with barcode-labeled positions before picking begins, removing the packer’s discretion over box size.

Skincare Brand Right-Sizes Transport Packaging Across a 60-SKU Line

Orders from professional acne treatment brand Face Reality can combine a 30-mL serum with a 473-mL treatment-room bottle, and everything in between, in the same case. Working with a fulfillment provider, Face Reality removed the packaging guesswork and replaced subjective, picker-selected cases and bubble wrap with repeatable dimensioning software and paper-based void fill.

Each of the three Revive & Recovery cartons carries a scented spot varnish, cued by a small 'Scratch & Sniff' callout above the rollerball graphic.

Icy Hot's Scratch-and-Sniff Carton Solves a Shelf Problem

Changing from one sauce to another can be done quickly, which will help the firm move into contract packaging in the future. The switch from cups to pouches has greatly streamlined operations. Hot-filling and barrier film help provide the four-week refrigerated shelf life that the restaurant depends on.

Portion Packaging Brings Big Efficiencies

A provider places an order into a Zipline Dropbox at a designated BayCare site. Zipline’s electric drone autonomously retrieves the order then quietly flies to its destination.

Drone Delivery Puts Pharma Packaging to the Test

What You Think You Know About Product Marking Has Changed

Retail multipack suppliers, all in one place

25+ vetted systems for cups, tubs, and bottles — shrink, paperboard, banding, clip, and more. Free download.

Discover How to Stay Ahead of the Competition at PACK EXPO International

See new solutions from 2,600 exhibitors. Gain insights from 150+ free educational sessions. From automation & robotics to real-time data insights, find the tech for your company’s future at North America’s largest packaging & processing event.

Products

Through the Line Podcast: 2026 Automation Annual Outlook Report

The packaging innovations from PACK EXPO worth your attention.

Redefine What’s Possible in Packaging & Processing—Register Now & Save!

Discover Leading Suppliers

What Can You Package on a Vertical Form/Fill/Seal Machine?

Quality Control Masters: The Ultimate Guide to Packaging Inspection Equipment

A Look into the World of Cartoning Equipment

A Look at Feeding and Inserting Equipment on the Packaging Line

Skincare Brand Right-Sizes Transport Packaging Across a 60-SKU Line

Icy Hot's Scratch-and-Sniff Carton Solves a Shelf Problem

Portion Packaging Brings Big Efficiencies

Drone Delivery Puts Pharma Packaging to the Test

What You Think You Know About Product Marking Has Changed

ORBIS and Menasha Highlight Packaging and Supply Chain Solutions at PACK EXPO

Fresh-Lock Team to Showcase Closure Innovations for a Changing Market at PACK EXPO

Effytec USA to Display the HB15 Doypack Pouch Machine at PACK EXPO International 2026

September 2026

July/August 2026

May/June 2026

March/April 2026

Packaging Recycling Hub

A Practical Guide to the Future of Automation

Inside interpack 2026: A Virtual Tour of Machinery, Materials, and Market Trends

Inclusive Packaging: Removing Barriers, Expanding Access