Enhancements support higher throughput, better stability, and greater line integration across empty container manufacturing, and other rigid packaging markets
Signode, a global leader in transit packaging, announced new advancements in its end-of-line automation portfolio designed specifically for producers of empty containers. Building on decades of experience in empty container and rigid packaging, the company is responding to a clear industry trend: upstream operations are moving toward higher-speed production with greater reliance on integrated, predictable automation.
Empty-container markets—including aluminum cans, glass and PET bottles, jars, aerosol shells, composite tubes, and lightweight rigid plastics—share a common challenge. These products are shipped, stored, and handled before filling, making unit stability and process control essential. Variability in labor, manual handling, or standalone equipment can lead to deformation, product loss, or bottlenecks that ripple downstream.
“Producers want automation that keeps up with faster lines, but they also need systems that communicate, adapt, and deliver consistent load quality, even with lighter or more fragile containers,” said Shawn Semer, Vice President, Global Automation for Signode. “With skilled labor harder to find, simplicity matters. We partner with customers to design reliable, scalable solutions.”
Signode’s automation capabilities extend beyond individual machines to complete, coordinated systems that combine conveying, robotic palletizing, strapping, and unitizing into a unified workflow. These solutions are purpose-built for the unique demands of empty-container packaging, helping customers maintain throughput and load integrity while reducing manual touchpoints. The system offers flexibility to handle everything from robotic bulk pallet unitizing—enhancing load stability through optimized stacking patterns, tier sheets, and top frames—to high-density storage with the StorFast® ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System). This seamless integration connects packaging lines with automated warehousing, driving greater efficiency and line continuity.
Across empty-container manufacturing, customers are leveraging these systems to reduce manual intervention, stabilize high-density stacks, improve pack-out accuracy, and create a more predictable and repeatable flow into filling and downstream processes. To support these trends, Signode has made advancements to its equipment portfolio to include optimized strap application for lightweight formats, enhanced control interfaces, and tighter integration with plant-wide automation and data platforms.
“These are high-volume environments where even a small shift in stability or system uptime can affect the entire supply chain,” Semer added. “Our role is to deliver solutions that support both line efficiency and long-term operational consistency.”
Recognizing that no two containers or production lines are exactly alike, Signode offers hands-on testing through its ISTA-certified Packaging Lab at its state-of-the-art Customer Experience Center (CEC) in Roselle, IL. In partnership with Signode’s experienced engineers, producers can explore how Signode equipment and consumables perform with specific container types and line configurations. Real-world transit conditions are simulated in a controlled environment, giving teams the insight needed to make confident, data-driven decisions. Every test is tailored to the product and distribution setup, so the right solution is in place before anything hits the floor.
Signode will continue expanding its offering for empty-container applications in 2026, with a focus on tighter data integration, enhanced maintenance support, and solutions that help producers scale with confidence.
To learn more about Signode’s broad portfolio of solutions for the empty container industry and beyond, or to schedule a visit to the CEC, visit www.signode.com.