Sidel’s automated reel loading solution for beverage labels 

Sidel introduced the CoboREEL, an automated reel loading solution for beverage packaging labels with three times the reel capacity of any other solution on the market. By integrating cobots to automate the reel loading process, CoboREEL’s unmatched 18-reel capacity ensures 100% accuracy, optimises efficiency, boosts productivity and increases profitability.

The global demand for packaged water is forecast to have risen by 3.5% to over 350 billion liters by 2029, largely due to the growing scarcity of clean drinking water in many regions, increasing tourism and the rise in on-the-go consumption, and despite the introduction of stringent regulations on single-use plastic in many countries. Volumes of carbonates are also expected to have risen by 2.2% by 2029 too as health and sustainability are set to be major trends in the category. These are only two of the main beverage categories expected to grow, however others in PET packaging are on the same trajectory,

As cutting costs and improving efficiency are essential in such high-volume segments, packaging leader Sidel has created CoboREEL, an innovative solution to boost the labeling step.    

By automating this simple, repetitive task with integrated cobots, manufacturers achieve 100% accuracy and maximum precision—minimizing errors, delays, and misplacements that can lead to unexpected downtime and lost productivity. It also eliminates the need for manual label reel changes, further reducing disruption to operations.

“Our customers are looking for ways to work smarter, with fewer resources and in a more efficient and intelligent way,” explains Antonio Mancino, product manager – labeling, at Sidel. “Thanks to our five decades of packaging expertise at Sidel, we are constantly developing easy-to-use solutions that reduce costs, speed up daily operations, and require minimal training. With CoboREEL, automating reel uploading not only frees workers from repetitive tasks but also allows them to focus on value-added activities where their input is critical.”

Optimizing workforce efficiency

CoboREEL enhances production efficiency by automating the reel loading task for labeling equipment, removing the need for operator intervention or reel replacement for the whole duration of the shift. After feeding the CoboREEL at the beginning of the work shift, workers are freed from the repetitive task of manually loading the reels. This allows them to focus on more complex, interesting tasks which in turn improves focus and productivity.   

With 18-reel autonomy, the highest reel capacity on the market, CoboREEL not only ensures a full coverage throughout the entire production cycle, but it also handles different label types and designs in total autonomy, without the need of manual changes.

This innovative solution is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, with no maintenance requirements and minimal need for technical expertise, ensuring the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO). With frequent staff turnover, CoboREEL provides businesses with a tool that anyone can operate quickly, without the need for specialized skills or long onboarding. 

Boosting productivity and profitability

With CoboREEL, Sidel has developed accurate and innovative cobot technology that eliminates the risk of manual errors and prevents unplanned machine stops due to uploading delays or misplacements. Coupled with its ability to work independently from the production line, operators can continue working on CoboREEL to load reels for the next cycle even if the line is temporarily stopped. This reduces inefficiencies, which in turn increases profitability and leads to a fast and measurable return on investment.

Flexibility through mobility

CoboREEL works as a standalone unit which can be easily moved and deployed across different modules as required. As it can be interchanged among the labelers, producers benefit from greater flexibility and can utilize equipment efficiently across the plant.

Reducing the environmental impact

The unique, safety-first cobot design of CoboREEL is compact and flexible, with embedded traceability, able to manage different label types and designs autonomously. Its low energy consumption (<0.5 kWh) helps manufacturers reduce their environmental footprint. 

“With an unmatched reel autonomy of up to 18 reels, Sidel’s CoboREEL sets a new standard in the industry,” concludes Antonio Mancino. “As the beverage market grows, Sidel will continue to innovate and offer new packaging technologies and solutions that guarantee accuracy, optimise efficiency, boost productivity and increase profitability for our customers.”