Presented at drinktec 2025, Krones’ new Ingeniq system delivers a streamlined, efficient and future-ready PET filling line.
Combining ingenuity and intelligence quotient (IQ), Krones presented Ingeniq at the recent drinktec 2025 exhibition in Munich, Germany.
Taking on the questions and requests of customers, this new concept line system is a data-based, automated line system, designed for filling non-carbonated water in PET containers. Krones calls it “the line of the future”. Translating the vision presented at drinktec 2022, the company has brought a line that blends low total cost of ownership with consistently high efficiency into reality.
Founded in 1951, Krones has evolved into a global technology group that provides tailored solutions for every stage of production. With over 20,000 employees worldwide, Krones has built a strong reputation in food and beverage manufacturing.
It offers a range of solutions from standalone machines to integrated turnkey production lines. From container production, filling and packaging to recycling, the company can provide solutions for individual components such as blow moulders, palletisers and fillers, or processing and packaging lines.
Ingeniq is an extension of the company’s commitment to support the sector. The system’s design is simplified and engineered with the customer’s success in mind. With easily navigable modular components that use robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), the system actively assumes joint responsibility with the customer for the life cycle.
Ingeniq is made up of three main components: the line itself, digital access with Connect and Secure software and hardware packages, and the Lifecycle Alliance partnership with the customer.
Automation architecture
The system’s new digital automation architecture makes it possible to connect efficient individual machines within a line network and maximise automation.
Prefero, Krones’ preform system, features an injection moulder designed as a hybrid machine with an electrical mould movement. With a lock-to-lock time of just 1.9 seconds (400 t), it includes an integrated energy recovery system, using up to 20 per cent less energy overall than conventional machines.
It includes a conveying and buffering system, the Prenexo, which ensures smooth and efficient material flows between the Prefero injection moulder and the Contiform stretch blow moulder. Through the Prenexo, the two machines can be block synchronised for a more compact, efficient and flexible production line.
Additionally, when it comes to performance, the ErgoBloc L stands apart. The wet-end block achieves outputs of up to 100,000 containers per hour with a footprint that is up to 70 per cent smaller than a conventional line. Stretch blow moulding, labelling, filling and capping are made faster and simpler with AI and a direct connection to the autonomous material handling systems.
Ingeniq is built for efficiency. Through automated workflows, the Ingeniq line can automatically reload, prepare and splice label reels without any manual intervention from the operator.
The modular construction of the Ingeniq line provides the customer with flexible options that can deliver a variety of packaging configurations. For example, by including a Krones Variopac Pro packer, the customer can easily change packaging formats from shrink film to trays or wrap-around cartons with ease. Connect and Secure allows existing systems to join Krones’ connected and remote digital world with 24/7 access to production data.
Building a stronger relationship
Krones takes a partnership-based approach by offering after-sales services, operator training, and access to spare parts through its online shop. Its local footprint is supported by a team of 20 service technicians across Australia and New Zealand, ensuring responsive and consistent support.
With the Lifecycle Alliance built into Ingeniq, it ensures that the intended level of line efficiency is reached through a joint effort. By increasing output and production reliability, reducing operational costs and downtimes, and providing dependable availability, the company offers modular service agreements and personal consultations.
The model shifts the traditional supplier and customer relationship into a more collaborative partnership, with both parties working together toward a shared goal. Based on trust, reliability and responsibility, the alliance forms a cooperative approach in which Krones and its customers jointly commit to achieving an agreed level of plant effectiveness.
While the company is starting with a version that fills non-carbonated water into PET containers, that is just the beginning. According to the company, additional container types and product categories will follow, with the next solution already in development for PET CSD.
Energy efficiency with enviro
All machines in an Ingeniq line are equipped with the enviro package, an inherent part of Krones’ product development and services and a certified sustainability management system. By adopting smart energy and media analytics, which support full transparency about energy and media consumption, Krones aims to equip the beverage and food industry with future-oriented technologies that enable high-performance production while saving resources over many years.
The system influences the company’s product developments, services and solutions. Optimum consumption data about energy and media efficiency of both existing and new lines in breweries and beverage plants are part of Krones’ day-to-day tasks.
The enviro system evaluation process also makes it possible to check the ecological efficiency of processes performed on more than one machine, such as in process technology. The components for saving resources that are included in the machines are based on the latest developments and incorporate energy-efficient and media-efficient technologies.
Preparing for the future
According to Krones, Ingeniq is helpful for manufacturers of all sizes. For small- to medium-sized manufacturers that lack the resources to support efficiency, this is a scalable technology for sustainable growth.
The company’s short-term goal is to have a stable version for PET still water, with the first line already in operation and 10 more in the pipeline. The long-term goal is to supply more than half of all lines as Ingeniq lines. With innovation at the core of its development and a focus on customer satisfaction, Krones continues to grow as a beverage and liquid food processing and packaging solutions provider.