- Future-Proof Production: Machines Already Meet Upcoming EU Industrial Standards (CRA, NIS2, Machinery Regulation)
- METPACK Innovation Award in Silver for Closed-Loop Inline Coating Thickness Control
- Major Contract Signings with International Customers
- Honoring the Chinese Beiqi Group as "High Performance Metal Decorator of the Year 2026"
© Koenig & Bauer
Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint reports a positive conclusion following the close of METPACK 2026 in Essen. This year's trade fair appearance was characterised by pioneering innovations, strategic partnerships, and intensive professional exchange. The open-design stand in Hall 3 served as a central hub for international decision-makers in the metal packaging industry throughout the event.
Integrated System Solutions and "Future-Proof" Technology
Under the maxim "Mastering every Dimension of Metal Decorating," the company presented its comprehensive systems for metal decoration. Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint covers the entire process chain with printing and coating lines, drying systems, exhaust air purification plants, and extensive services. The offering encompasses the complete project lifecycle—from initial assessment and development to individually designed installations from a single source.
A significant focus was placed on regulatory security for producers: the machines on display are already "Ready for 2027". They fully comply with the new requirements of the EU Machinery Regulation (2023/1230) and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Through this "Secure by Design" architecture, Koenig & Bauer provides its customers with long-term legal certainty, protection against operating bans, and active support in meeting their own NIS2 obligations.
Award for Pioneering Technology
A particular highlight was winning the METPACK Innovation Award in silver. Koenig & Bauer was recognised for its "Closed-Loop Inline Coating Thickness Control" system. This innovative closed-loop system enables constant coating thickness at the push of a button. Through continuous monitoring and automatic adjustment during operation, the system ensures that deviations are corrected immediately before they can impact quality. This technology contributes significantly to process stability as well as material and resource efficiency by minimising waste and significantly reducing coating consumption.
Stefan Kästern (Head of Development and Mechanical Engineering, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint), Olga Martin (Product Manager, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint), Gianluca Ciccolini (Chairman of the Jury, Gruppo Asa, Italy), Ralf Hipp (CEO, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint), Wolfgang Niemsch, Chairman of the METPACK Committee and Managing Director of Lanico Maschinenbau Otto Niemsch GmbH), Oliver P. Kuhrt (CEO of Messe Essen).
© Koenig & Bauer
Key Business Closures and International Cooperation
The market’s trust in Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint’s system expertise was reflected in several significant contract signings:
● Poonsub (Thailand): The company officially finalised the purchase of a MetalStar 4 and a MetalCoat 471.
● Interscambi (Italy): An agreement was concluded for the investment in a new MetalCoat 471 coating line.
These agreements underscore the market's confidence in high-performance solutions from Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint to increase production efficiency.
Frank Liao (Sales Manager, Koenig & Bauer Printing Machinery (Shanghai) Co. Limited) , Nikola Sponar (Vice President Sales, Service & Marketing, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint), Ralf Hipp (CEO, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint), Ralf Hipp (CEO Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint), Lu Hongguang (Vice-General Manager of Qingdao Beiqi), Cui Xiwen, Vice President of Sales of Qingdao Beiqi), Jens Laukhardt (Senior Sales Manager, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint)
© Koenig & Bauer
Honors and AnniversariesThe partnership with the Chinese Beiqi Group received special recognition, as they were honored as the "High Performance Metal Decorator of the Year 2026". Beiqi invested in the world's first 10-color MetalStar 4 as a complete UV line—a technological milestone that enables the production of highly complex designs in a single printing pass.
During a "Happy Hour" event, the company also commemorated the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Mailänder company. This look back at the origins of metal printing technology is part of the foundation upon which the current innovative strength of Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint is built.
Viboon Trakulpoonsub, (CEO of Poonsub Can Co., Ltd), Ralf Hipp (CEO Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint)
© Koenig & Bauer
Focus on Knowledge Transfer
Koenig & Bauer provided information on current trends through specialist presentations in the "Talk in a Can" series. Benjamin Törkö, Product Manager, opened the program with his presentation on redefining efficiency through setup time optimisation in metal decoration using "Rapid Changeover". Damian Pollok (Head of Product Management) spoke on the implementation of digital printing solutions, while Olga Martin (Product Manager) presented concepts for maximum efficiency and sustainable drying processes in metal coating.
Following the momentum from numerous customer discussions and new project inquiries, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint looks optimistically toward the 2026 fiscal year.