The Metpack 2026 in Essen has achieved a new visitor record, according to Messe Essen. More than 7,000 trade visitors gathered information on solutions for metal packaging, production technologies and sustainable packaging concepts from 5 to 8 May. The focus was on investment projects, digitalisation and requirements arising from European packaging regulation.
With more than 350 exhibitors from 32 countries, the world's leading trade fair once again established itself as an international meeting point for the metal packaging industry. According to Messe Essen, the international visitor share was 81 percent. Companies and trade visitors from Italy, Great Britain and the USA were particularly strongly represented.
High decision-making competence of visitors
According to the organisers, the trade fair was characterised by a high willingness to invest. 87 percent of visitors have a direct influence on procurement decisions in their companies. Furthermore, 23 percent of respondents stated that they had already placed orders at the trade fair. Another 21 percent planned investments following the event.
PPWR and sustainability shape industry themes
The main themes of the trade fair included recycling, energy efficiency, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence. According to the organiser, the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) also played an important role in the new „Talk in a Can“ forum format.
The accompanying Metpack Conference focused on topics including decarbonisation, volatile energy prices, and increasing regulatory requirements. Discussions also covered modern packaging steels, lightweighting, higher recycling rates, and PVC-free closures for food packaging.
Innovation Awards highlight efficiency technologies
The Metpack Innovation Awards 2026 awarded for technologies for more resource-efficient production processes and digital quality assurance. Gold went to MW Lak Solutions for a UV-LED-curing exterior coating for reducing VOC emissions and energy consumption. Silver was awarded to Koenig & Bauer Metalprint for a system for automatic inline control of coating thickness. Bronze went to Sun Chemical together with CMA Imaging for an AI-powered solution for colour matching and digital direct-to-can proofing.
According to the organisers, 95 percent of exhibitors and 92 percent of visitors intend to participate in the next Metpack, which is planned for May 2029 in Essen.
Source: Essen Trade Fair
