It is the most awaited event for professionals in the metal packaging industry. Every three years, the German city of Messe Essen becomes the epicenter of the world’s most important meeting of the metal packaging industry. At Metpack, global players present innovative, sustainable and economically profitable answers for the processing, upgrading, painting and recycling of these materials. On this occasion, Metpack 20023 established itself as a star center for innovation and a space for sharing ideas within the metal packaging manufacturing business on a global scale.


For this edition the slogan chosen was ‘International, innovative and sustainable’. A slogan that comes to ratify one hundred percent the last five days of this last edition. The figures could not be more successful: around 6,500 professionals attended this important event and experienced forward-looking technology, new products and further developments for the production, refinement and recycling of metal packaging. One thing became particularly clear: the industry is stepping up its efforts to position itself even more sustainably.


In particular, decarbonization, resource efficiency and digitalization were the defining themes in all areas of the value chain, from steel production to printing, were some of the most important issues discussed at this important event.


“We welcomed 313 exhibitors and around 6,500 trade visitors. These figures are proof of Metpack’s success and the importance of this event for the global metal packaging industry. METPACK is back, and even more successful than it was six years ago, before the pandemic. We are delighted to receive so much positive feedback. The industry has been waiting to finally come together again. The atmosphere has been excellent.said Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen.
In addition, 73% of the attendees were from abroad, with the main participants being Italy, the United States and the United Kingdom. Although there was a slight increase in the number of visitors compared to previous editions, participation was very varied.

Auf der METPACK präsentieren vom 2. bis 6. By May 2023, more than 300 suppliers from 26 countries will be involved in the manufacture, production and reprocessing of metal packaging. This includes the production of foodstuffs, foodstuffs and sprays, pipes, pipes and tubes, pipes and fittings, as well as technical packaging, such as, for example, the Fässer and Kanister. At METPACK from May 2 to 6, 2023, more than 300 exhibitors from 26 nations will present everything to do with the production, finishing and recycling of metal packaging. This includes food, beverage and aerosol cans, tubes, lids and closures, as well as technical packaging such as drums and pails. 02-05-2023/Essen/Germany Photo: Armin Huber/©MESSE ESSEN GmbH — The Nutzer makes an uncomplicated right of use in the image, including for an editorial, journalistic reporting – in online and print media, film and TV about the MESSE ESSEN, a presentation of the MESSE ESSEN or a presentation on the website of the MESSE ESSEN. The use of the materials is on a voluntary basis for the media concerned with the use of radioactive waste and hazardous waste. Der Nutzer verpflichtet sich sazu, die dem Bild zugeordneten Informationen, insbesondere Bildbeschreibung und Fotograf, bei der Nutzung in korrekter Weise zu verwenden und zu veröffentlichen. Any other use is subject to approval by Messe Essen GmbH. The Messe Essen is not intended for the sale of rights of persons and / or objects. The Messe Essen does not apply any personal, intellectual, artistic, art, brand or similar rights, the enforcement of which is the sole responsibility of the owner. The purchase and transfer of the data to third parties as well as the non-authorized copying or other forms of reproduction of this data on all types of data carriers is not permitted. — Permissible use: The user will be granted free of charge a simple use right to the picture exclusive


At Metpack, the professional audience had every opportunity to catch up with the latest developments and experience innovations up close. The trade show was also very well received because 88 percent of the visitors were knowledgeable about purchasing, which was a great incentive for the exhibitors, most of whom were able to close deals before the end of the exhibition. On the other hand, 72 percent of respondents expressed interest in making acquisitions at a later date.

Auf der METPACK präsentieren vom 2. bis 6. By May 2023, more than 300 suppliers from 26 countries will be involved in the manufacture, production and reprocessing of metal packaging. This includes the production of foodstuffs, foodstuffs and sprays, pipes, pipes and tubes, pipes and fittings, as well as technical packaging, such as, for example, the Fässer and Kanister. At METPACK from May 2 to 6, 2023, more than 300 exhibitors from 26 nations will present everything to do with the production, finishing and recycling of metal packaging. This includes food, beverage and aerosol cans, tubes, lids and closures, as well as technical packaging such as drums and pails. 03-05-2023/Essen/Germany Photo: Schuchrat Kurbanov/©MESSE ESSEN GmbH — The Nutzer makes an uncomplicated right of use in the image, including for an editorial, journalistic reporting – in online and print media, film and TV about the MESSE ESSEN, a presentation of the MESSE ESSEN or a presentation on the website of the MESSE ESSEN. The use of the materials is on a voluntary basis for the media concerned with the use of radioactive waste and hazardous waste. Der Nutzer verpflichtet sich sazu, die dem Bild zugeordneten Informationen, insbesondere Bildbeschreibung und Fotograf, bei der Nutzung in korrekter Weise zu verwenden und zu veröffentlichen. Any other use is subject to approval by Messe Essen GmbH. The Messe Essen is not intended for the sale of rights of persons and / or objects. The Messe Essen does not apply any personal, intellectual, artistic, art, brand or similar rights, the enforcement of which is the sole responsibility of the owner. The purchase and transfer of the data to third parties as well as the non-authorized copying or other forms of reproduction of this data on all types of data carriers is not permitted. — Permissible use: The user will be granted free of charge a simple use right to the picture ex


Specifically, 92 percent of the exhibiting companies met all their expectations. All in all, 82 percent of visitors rated the range of products and services as very positive.


At the Metpack 2023 congress, the potential of developments such as process automation, networked production and data analysis, as well as the use of the Internet of Things, could be seen. In addition, digital printing provided the 70 participants with new design options. This international conference offered several technical innovations.

Auf der METPACK präsentieren vom 2. bis 6. By May 2023, more than 300 suppliers from 26 countries will be involved in the manufacture, production and reprocessing of metal packaging. This includes the production of foodstuffs, foodstuffs and sprays, pipes, pipes and tubes, pipes and fittings, as well as technical packaging, such as, for example, the Fässer and Kanister. At METPACK from May 2 to 6, 2023, more than 300 exhibitors from 26 nations will present everything to do with the production, finishing and recycling of metal packaging. This includes food, beverage and aerosol cans, tubes, lids and closures, as well as technical packaging such as drums and pails. 03-05-2023/Essen/Germany Photo: Schuchrat Kurbanov/©MESSE ESSEN GmbH — The Nutzer makes an uncomplicated right of use in the image, including for an editorial, journalistic reporting – in online and print media, film and TV about the MESSE ESSEN, a presentation of the MESSE ESSEN or a presentation on the website of the MESSE ESSEN. The use of the materials is on a voluntary basis for the media concerned with the use of radioactive waste and hazardous waste. Der Nutzer verpflichtet sich sazu, die dem Bild zugeordneten Informationen, insbesondere Bildbeschreibung und Fotograf, bei der Nutzung in korrekter Weise zu verwenden und zu veröffentlichen. Any other use is subject to approval by Messe Essen GmbH. The Messe Essen is not intended for the sale of rights of persons and / or objects. The Messe Essen does not apply any personal, intellectual, artistic, art, brand or similar rights, the enforcement of which is the sole responsibility of the owner. The purchase and transfer of the data to third parties as well as the non-authorized copying or other forms of reproduction of this data on all types of data carriers is not permitted. — Permissible use: The user will be granted free of charge a simple use right to the picture ex


In addition, the new EU packaging regulation currently under discussion, which aims to control the use and recycling of packaging in Europe in a sustainable way in the future, is giving the industry a further boost, as metal packaging is considered a sustainable solution due to its recyclability.
Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint received the highest award for innovation in its industry, METPACK in gold. Ralf Hipp, CEO of Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint GmbH said “after six years, we were eager to finally meet face-to-face with our partners and customers from all over the world. We presented our innovative Koenig & Bauer strength and our customized services. It paid off: with our 100 percent closed-loop color control system we won the gold Metpack Innovation Award. For us this is an exceptional honor, which shows us that we are still on the right track. In addition, we showcased our MetalStar 4 and flying foils on the new Venturi foil guidance system for coating lines. After five intensive days with very good talks and contacts, we are looking forward to METPACK 2026.”


On the other hand, Actega received silver for innovation and the bronze went to Can Man. In May 2026, the next edition of the world’s leading trade fair for metal packaging will take place and 95 percent of exhibitors have confirmed their intention to participate in the next fair.