1. In 2023, METPACK recorded around 6,500 trade visitors and more than 300 exhibitors. What are your expectations for 2026 regarding the growth of international participation, the number of exhibitors, and the number of decision-makers among visitors?
For 2026, we expect to maintain or even increase the number of exhibitors compared to 2023. For example, Röchling Industrial Ruppertsweiler will participate for the first time —a company specializing in the manufacture of plastic intermediate layers for sterilization processes—. The peripheral sectors of the metal packaging industry still have potential. However, the most exciting aspect is the internationality of the fair. Already in 2023, the percentage of international exhibitors and visitors was approximately 80%. Everything indicates that we will be able to increase it even further. The METPACK audience is of a very high level and will continue to be so at this world-leading trade fair. The percentage of visitors with decision-making power recently reached an impressive 88%. It is a figure difficult to surpass.

2. METPACK 2026 will be held from May 5 to 8 in Halls 1, 2, and 3 of Messe Essen. How are these spaces distributed, and what themes will be highlighted in each of them?
No, the halls are not divided by specific themes. The distribution is based on the needs of the exhibitors. This creates a flexible trade fair concept that offers optimal presentation opportunities for both established companies and new participants.

3. Which sectors have traditionally shown greater interest in participating? Has this changed over the years?
The beverage and food industry has always been one of the main groups of visitors. Added to this are pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies that are committed to metal packaging. In recent years, it has been observed that other sectors that prioritize sustainability and resource conservation are also increasingly leaning towards metal packaging. This demonstrates how versatile and future-oriented the sector has become.

4. What are the main novelties of METPACK 2026 compared to the 2023 edition —both for exhibitors and visitors?

5. What measures have been taken to improve the experience of visitors and exhibitors in this edition?
The global metal packaging industry network is very strong even outside the exhibition halls. For this reason, we are increasingly active on LinkedIn and want to expand our presence on social networks, so that METPACK can also be experienced online.
At the same time, METPACK 2026 will offer a complementary program for the first time in the heart of the halls. With the open forum “Talk in a Can”, we create a space that connects people and markets. Exhibitors can actively participate, present innovations on stage, and offer technical presentations. Visitors can learn about current topics and promote exchange.

6. What was the reason for the change in the duration of the fair, and how do you think this will affect the dynamics of the event?
Saturday is no longer considered a fully effective working day in the international business context. We respond to this trend and focus on the days with the highest volume of visitors. This will not weaken the dynamics of the fair but will increase the quality of the meetings. Visitors and exhibitors will be able to enjoy more concentrated and higher quality conversations.

7. One of the key points of METPACK will be digitalization, process optimization, and energy efficiency. What specific technologies do you think will make the biggest difference?
In general, technologies that combine digitalization, process optimization, and energy efficiency will make the biggest differences in industrial production.
Digital printing technologies allow significantly greater flexibility in packaging design. Combined with AI-based systems, it is possible to monitor production processes, create designs more efficiently, and automate quality controls.
The speed of production lines is a central theme for the entire industry. Automated processes and intelligent control systems help to increase performance, minimize downtime, and make production more efficient overall.
Particularly in coating and printing lines, processes can be optimized to significantly reduce energy consumption. Waste gas treatment systems and heat recovery also contribute to recovering energy and reducing emissions.

8. Will there be a specific area or forum for innovation, for example on IoT, applied artificial intelligence, automation, new surfaces, or coatings?
Yes, “Talk in a Can” will be a key platform for this, and the METPACK Conference will also address innovation topics. In addition, the METPACK Innovation Award will offer guidance in this area.

9. How will topics such as “green steel”, hydrogen, or the decarbonization of metal production be addressed in the congress program?
The METPACK Conference program is not yet finalized, but we can already announce some details: the CEO of Thyssenkrupp Rasselstein, Clarissa Odewald, will offer a keynote speech in which she will analyze the tinplate market. Thyssenkrupp Rasselstein represents the transformation towards climate-neutral steel production, for example through the use of hydrogen instead of natural gas as an energy source.

In addition, decarbonization will also play a prominent role within the fair itself. A major topic will be EAF (electric arc furnace) technology. This process significantly reduces CO₂ emissions compared to the conventional process and allows the manufacture of circular steel without the need for blast furnaces. Here, the exhibitors TATA Steel UK with their initiative “Electryfying Packaging Steel” and Steelforce Packaging with their product “EN-FINITY” stand out.

10. What key sustainability topics will be discussed at METPACK 2026?
Sustainability is no longer just a trend but a decisive competitive factor for the entire sector. The main focus is on the reduction of CO₂ in the steel and aluminum sectors, as well as on the continuous increase in recycling rates of metal packaging worldwide.
A notable example is the so-called “Uni-Alloy”, mainly intended for the beverage can sector: by using the same alloy for aluminum cans and aluminum easy-open lids, recyclability is greatly improved. In addition, Uni-Alloy allows for more efficient material use and offers excellent mechanical resistance, even with thinner wall thicknesses.
Advances are also observed in drying methods. IST Metz and MW LAK are, for example, leading exhibitors in the field of UV-LED drying.

11. Are there examples of commercial agreements or cooperations that have arisen in previous editions that can be highlighted?
An outstanding example of cooperation is INNOCAN™ technology. It was developed jointly by our exhibitors ACTEGA, Brasilata Labs, and HP Indigo.
The process includes the pre-treatment of the metal sheet with a special coating, digital printing on the thermoactive side of a lamination film, and the subsequent lamination of the film onto the sheet. This approach allows for cost-effective and environmentally friendly can decoration, especially for production volumes of up to 50,000 units, where traditional printing methods are often unprofitable.

12. According to what criteria is the METPACK Innovation Award granted, and what innovations are nominated for the 2026 award?
The application phase will begin in January. From then on, we will be able to communicate which companies will participate.
A high-level international jury will evaluate the applications according to their degree of innovation and award scores based on an established system. The criteria evaluated include efficiency in time, cost reduction, sustainability, and quality improvement. All products exhibited at METPACK 2026 are eligible to participate.