The Challenge
A global beverage manufacturer wanted to explore how beverage customisation technologies could be applied to cans and glass bottles to create more personalised drinking experiences.
The client was specifically interested in technologies operating at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 or 9 – commercially proven solutions suitable for large-scale implementation and compatible with existing filling operations.
The objective was not to develop a single concept, but to conduct a broad technology deep dive to understand the full landscape of available solutions, identify relevant technology transfers from other industries, and assess whether the client was focusing on the right opportunities internally.
Our Approach
ThePackHub began by developing a detailed understanding of the client’s existing operational capabilities to ensure that any proposed technologies would be compatible with current production lines and packaging formats.
Using the Innovation Zone, Patent Zone and wider market intelligence, ThePackHub conducted a broad technology review focused on mixing and dosing solutions for beverage applications.
The project explored how technologies used across industries such as healthcare, beauty, adhesives and household products could potentially be transferred into beverage applications to enable new forms of customisation and ingredient delivery.
In total, almost 30 different solutions were identified and assessed, all operating at TRL 8 or 9 and offering varying approaches to mixing beverage components within cans and glass bottles.
ThePackHub also supported the client in developing an evaluation matrix to help prioritise the solutions with the greatest commercial and operational potential.
The Impact
The project gave the client a broad yet structured overview of the beverage customisation technology landscape, helping them benchmark internal activity and identify opportunities that may previously have been overlooked.
By assessing the advantages, limitations and operational compatibility of each solution, ThePackHub helped the client navigate a complex and emerging technology space with greater confidence.
The work created a clear starting point for future innovation activity, while ensuring focus remained on commercially realistic technologies capable of working within existing operations with minimal modification.