Sidel has introduced CoboREEL, a new automated solution that streamlines label reel loading for beverage packaging lines, offering 18-reel autonomy—three times more than any comparable system currently on the market.
Targeting high-volume beverage producers in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), CoboREEL combines collaborative robotics with automated labelling functions to reduce downtime, limit human error, and improve operational flexibility. With no operator intervention required during a production shift, the system allows plant workers to shift their attention from repetitive loading tasks to more skilled operations.
“This solution frees workers from repetitive tasks and allows them to focus on value-added activities where their input is critical,” said Antonio Mancino, Product Manager – Labelling at Sidel.
The MEA region is witnessing steady growth in packaged water and carbonated drinks, with volumes projected to increase by 3.5% and 2.2% respectively by 2029. As demand grows, packaging operations face mounting pressure to increase efficiency while controlling costs. Sidel positions CoboREEL as a direct response to these operational needs.
CoboREEL functions independently from the labelling line and can be moved between machines, offering flexibility for changing production demands. It handles a variety of label types and formats without manual adjustments, helping plants maintain continuous operation and avoid unnecessary changeovers.
The system’s low energy consumption—less than 0.5 kWh—also supports sustainability goals, an increasingly important consideration as the region adapts to global environmental standards and rising energy costs.
According to Mancino, “With CoboREEL, we are constantly developing easy-to-use solutions that reduce costs, speed up daily operations, and require minimal training.”
As workforce turnover remains a challenge in many markets, Sidel’s design ensures minimal onboarding, no maintenance, and fast deployment with little need for technical expertise.
CoboREEL marks a step forward in autonomous packaging solutions for the MEA market, where efficiency, flexibility, and resource optimisation are becoming key factors in long-term competitiveness.