KHS USA will showcase its latest filling, packaging and digital solutions at PACK EXPO 2026, taking place from October 18–21 in Chicago, Illinois. The company will highlight technologies designed to help North American beverage producers address growing demands for flexibility, productivity, sustainability and cost efficiency.
At the event, KHS will demonstrate how integrated packaging systems can help beverage manufacturers reduce resource consumption while improving production efficiency. A key focus will be on technologies that reduce or eliminate packaging materials without compromising product protection, quality or convenience.
Integrated Systems for Beverage Production
KHS will place its interconnected line concept at the centre of its PACK EXPO presentation, demonstrating how coordinated technologies across filling and packaging operations can support higher efficiency and more sustainable production.
One of the featured solutions will be Plasmax barrier technology, which applies an ultra-thin, glass-like coating to the inside of PET bottles. The barrier protects oxygen-sensitive beverages and can extend their shelf life by up to ten times.
The technology allows producers to benefit from the lightweight characteristics of PET while maintaining product quality. It can also support more consistent production-line utilisation, reduce product losses caused by expired shelf life and contribute to circularity, as the bottles remain fully recyclable.
Another highlight will be KHS’ Nature MultiPack, a packaging solution that connects beverage cans or PET containers using small amounts of adhesive and a carrying handle instead of conventional secondary packaging.
According to KHS, the system can reduce the amount of packaging consumables required by up to 85%, while maintaining pack stability and consumer convenience.
Digital Solutions to Improve Efficiency
KHS USA will also highlight its digital and service portfolio aimed at improving operational efficiency and supporting beverage manufacturers facing skilled-worker shortages.
The company’s Virtual Training Center (VTC) provides operators and engineers with access to digital training, technical knowledge and best-practice examples. The platform is designed to help employees improve their understanding of machine operation and optimise production processes regardless of their location.
The KHS ConnectApp provides another layer of digital support by bringing together machine information, technical documentation and service resources. Operators can access relevant information directly, helping improve response times and supporting more efficient workforce planning.
KHS is also focusing on intuitive machine interfaces, standardised operating concepts and software-assisted troubleshooting to reduce training requirements for new employees and minimise production downtime.
Sustainability and Material Efficiency in Focus
Increasing regulatory pressure, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements and stricter packaging regulations, is placing greater emphasis on material efficiency and packaging weight reduction in the North American market.
KHS said its technologies are designed to help beverage producers balance sustainability objectives with operational and economic requirements across the value chain.
With more than 150 years of experience in areas including blow molding, filling, labeling and packaging, KHS is positioning its integrated solutions as a way for producers to improve productivity while reducing material consumption.
Strengthening Its North American Presence
KHS USA operates from its headquarters and production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin, supported by a regional network designed to provide customers with local production, logistics and service capabilities.
David Darbant, CSO of KHS USA, said the company is investing in its local infrastructure to improve parts availability and overall line performance while building long-term relationships with customers in the North American market.
“KHS resolutely invests in its local production, logistics and service infrastructure to maximize parts availability and the overall performance of customer lines,” Darbant said.
KHS at PACK EXPO 2026
KHS Group will present its filling, packaging, automation and digital solutions at Booth S-2114 during PACK EXPO 2026.
Event: PACK EXPO 2026
Date: October 18–21, 2026
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Booth: S-2114
The company’s participation will focus on demonstrating how future-ready packaging technologies can help beverage manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce packaging material and respond to evolving sustainability and regulatory requirements.