Metpack 2023 establishes itself as the driving platform for the metal packaging industry

Every three years, Messe Essen – together with METPACK – becomes the world’s most important meeting for the metal packaging industry. There, global players present innovative, sustainable and economically profitable solutions 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 global metal packaging manufacturing business.

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 satisfactory: around 6,500 trade visitors from all over the world came to Messe 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. Decarbonization, resource efficiency and digitalization were the defining themes in all areas of the value chain, from steel production to printing.

“METPACK is back, and more successful than it was six years ago before the pandemic. We are delighted to receive so much positive feedback. The industry has been looking forward to finally getting together again. The atmosphere was excellent,” noted Oliver P. Kuhrt said Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen.

The nineteenth edition of METPACK, the leading exhibition for metal packaging, received a significant number of attendees. Seventy-three percent were foreigners, 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.

The trade fair was very well received due to the fact that 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 regardless of their successes at the time of METPACK.

“The big goal of the industry is to use as few resources as possible, reduce costs and improve quality at the same time. This can be achieved through new technologies and processes. At METPACK, the professional audience had every opportunity to catch up with the latest developments and experience innovations up close. The willingness to invest is high.The chairman of the METPACK Committee, Wolfgang Niemsch, also emphasized.

For 92 percent of exhibiting companies, METPACK 2023 expectations were met. All in all, 82 percent of visitors rated the range of products and services as very positive. In halls 1, 2 and 3, they saw mechanical engineering at the highest level and in action. Elaborately designed booths invited visitors to exchange ideas and establish contacts.

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

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 per se due to its recyclability.

Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint received the highest award for innovation in its industry, METPACK in gold. Produces printing and coating systems, drying and air cleaning solutions. This time they showed their “MetalControl” a system that scans each sheet to measure ink density, then sends the results to the control panel who makes the necessary changes in real time related to this, no more manual adjustments, complaints, test prints or excessive time to prepare your job.

Ralf Hipp, CEO of Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint GmbH, emphasized in this regard that “METPACK for us is a family reunion: after six years, we were eager to finally meet face to face with our partners and customers from all over the world. At METPACK 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.”

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On the other hand, Actega received silver for the innovation “ROTARflow”. The bronze went to Can Man for the “PowerCUT SuperFLEX” development. In May 2026, the next edition of the world’s leading trade fair for metal packaging will take place at Messe Essen. Note that 93 percent of visitors surveyed plan to visit METPACK again; 94 percent recommend a visit. Of the exhibitors, 95 percent want to participate in the next fair.