Successful Trade Fair Appearance: Koenig & Bauer Sets Technological Milestones at METPACK 2026: Koenig & Bauer

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"

The open-design stand of Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint in Hall 3 served as a central hub for trade visitors from around the world.
© 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.

Proud award winners: The Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint team accepts the METPACK Innovation Award in silver for the "Closed-Loop Inline Coating Thickness Control."

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.

Honors and Anniversaries

The 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.

Recognition for pioneering work: The Beiqi Group is honored as "High Performance Metal Decorator of the Year 2026".
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

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.

Simone Schwebsch

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