System and method for packaging article layers

A method for packaging articles, the steps comprising:

• arranging a plurality of articles having a substantially non-uniform geometry within a first collection area;
• transporting the plurality of articles from the first collection area to a consolidation area for constructing an article layer;
• laterally supporting the periphery of the plurality of articles arranged within the consolidation area to substantially prevent tipping of the plurality of articles;
• arranging a subsequent plurality of articles within the first collection area;
• transporting the subsequent plurality of articles from the first collection area to the consolidation area adjacent the plurality of arranged articles, the periphery of the plurality of arranged articles being continuously laterally supported while the subsequent plurality of articles is being arranged, the orientation of the subsequent plurality of articles being different than the orientation of the plurality of arranged articles, and upon the arrangement of the subsequent plurality of articles, the periphery of the plurality of arranged and subsequently arranged articles being laterally supported;
• repeating the arranging and transporting steps for subsequent plurality of articles until the article layer is constructed;
• and
• substantially enclosing the article layer in a layer of resilient material substantially maintaining the arrangement of the article layer.