Transforming a vision into reality – Krones at drinktec 2025

In Halls B6 and C6 at drinktec in Munich from 15 to 19 September 2025, Krones will show how all of that can be achieved.

The focus will be on smart and sustainable data-based or data-defined solutions that can be responsively adapted to each individual requirement, regardless of whether small batches or large volumes are involved. The days of focusing on single machines are long since over. Now, it’s all about ensuring the perfect interaction of all the components in a line, which must be intelligently connected and flexibly scalable in order to achieve clear goals: reducing operating costs, enhancing resource-economy and creating processes that are even more reliable and more sustainable.

The lines of the future

One of the special highlights at the fair will be the fully automated and digitally connected line of the future. What was still just a vision in 2022 is now reality. The line of the future features many innovations that take efficiency, flexibility and resource-economy to new heights. And although the line exhibited is for PET bottles, the Krones team is already working on futuristic connected line concepts for glass and cans as well.

Great variety of technologies for all container types

A canning line, for example, will in future have a substantially smaller footprint: The newly developed LinaFlex eSync needs up to 40 per cent less space, reduces maintenance outlay and thanks to its single-lane conveyor ensures gentler container handling. The portfolio of canning kit also includes innovations in inspection and filling technology as well as seamers of the Modulseam series, which score highly not only with excellent standards of hygiene and fast handling-part change-overs but also with a new high-speed variant that is able to seam up to 135,000 cans per hour.

The well-thought-out solutions that Krones will be showcasing for glass containers range from a new bottle washer boasting particularly gentle bottle handling, a smaller footprint and enhanced energy and media efficiency to design upgrades for filling valves for beer and spirits right through to innovative approaches aimed at ensuring flexible, cost-efficient filling.

The filling-kit exhibits presented at drinktec are supplemented by new labelling technologies and by comprehensive solutions for the Compact Class from Krones’ subsidiaries Kosme and Gernep.

And Krones will be setting new benchmarks not least in the fields of digital transformation and intralogistics. Connected systems, smart intralogistics and AI-based process control systems bring more digitalisation to production sequences, thus rendering them more transparent and more efficient and assuring optimum resource allocation.

Hall C6 – PET Point for closing the plastics loop

Another highlight is the drinktec PET Point in Hall C6. Here, everything is focussed on achieving circularity for plastics, showcasing innovative technologies from Krones Recycling, Netstal and MHT. The three subsidiaries will team up to present solutions that don’t just close the loop but reinvent it. Compact, holistically conceived systems factor in each and every step in the process, from plastics recovery and processing right through to re-use.

Bearing the big picture in mind – from raw material through to the finished product

Krones is taking things forward. Together with its subsidiaries Steinecker, Milkron, HST, Evoguard, Ampco Pumps, Perfinox and GHS, the company will present the full range of process technologies: for water, CSDs, beer, wine, alternative foods and much, much more. Each part dovetails neatly with the rest, and all of them are in pursuit of the same objective: ensuring the long-term viability of your production operation.

Reliability throughout the equipment’s life cycle

However, stable line operation is not just based on state-of-the-art technology alone but also on a can-do service concept. Krones’ Lifecycle Service provides customers with comprehensive support over their line’s entire life cycle, starting with commissioning and ranging from predictive maintenance, reliable spare parts supply and digital remote support right through to continuous optimisation when the line is up and running. That is instrumental in minimising downtimes, maximising line availability and cutting total cost of ownership on a sustainable basis. The biggest support package offered in this context is Lifecycle Alliance, a scheme in which Krones provides full service for the line in cooperation with the customer and is responsible for its performance.

Dialogue is key to future success

Sharing knowledge, giving fresh impetus, shaping the future together – that is the aspiration of the Krones Forum at drinktec. Inspiring presentations and discussions on all aspects of lines of the future, digital transformation and sustainability as well as trends and visions make space for an exchange of views and for mapping out new perspectives and possible shopfloor solutions – on each of the five days of the fair.

As this overview shows, drinktec 2025 is far more than just a trade fair for Krones.

It is a landmark on our shared journey into the future, taking us to connected and sustainable production operations.