Methods and systems for preparing blanks for forming carriers for containers

A method for processing at least one blank for forming a carrier for containers, comprising:

• obtaining at least one blank comprising a central panel having plurality of container openings and at least one container retention tab extending into respective container openings of the plurality of container openings;
• inserting the at least one blank into a blank infeed assembly;
• moving the at least one blank from the infeed assembly to a blank processing assembly, the blank processing assembly comprising a forming belt, the blank processing assembly further comprising a forming wheel and at least one cutting member protruding from the forming wheel for engaging the at least one blank;
• moving the at least one blank between the forming belt and the forming wheel;
• and
• moving the at least one blank to a product engagement portion of the blank processing assembly such that the at least one blank is positioned for engagement with a group of containers.