The countdown is on: In one month, the most important trade fair for the global metal packaging industry will start at Messe Essen. From May 2nd to 6th, METPACK will welcome more than 300 exhibitors from 26 nations and trade visitors from all over the world. The focus will be on trends and innovations for the production, finishing, printing and recycling of packaging made of sheet metal or aluminium. As a highlight on the second day of the trade fair, the METPACK Conference will feature a panel of top-class speakers. Now that Stolle, Enpack and SLAC have announced further details of their presentations, the agenda for the technical conference has been set.
"We must adapt our business and manufacturing processes to align with digital natives, the younger generation. And we must use these new skills to help us succeed in an increasingly competitive world," reads the abstract for Tim Clarke's presentation. The CEO of Enpack Europe will speak about an intelligent factory for Easy Open Ends. Fundamental shifts are taking place in how the global production and supply network operates through ongoing automation of traditional manufacturing and industrial practices, using modern smart technology, large-scale machine-to-machine communication and the internet of things.
Technologies that increase output while saving energy to keep cans competitive will also be the topic of the presentation by Ian Scholey, CTO of Stolle Machinery from the USA. He will share his thoughts and experience that should lead to "more good cans." In particular, efficiency gains through data analytics, driven by sophisticated algorithms, are within easy reach.
Rainer Berkefeld, business development manager at SLAC in China, presents a new bodymaker design with his colleague Jeff Harper of OKL/USA. The basic DWI technology for making cans was developed in the USA in the 1960s. Today, it is the leading technology for beverage cans. The bodymaker is the machine at the heart of DWI technology. This new development from SLAC arises from the engineer’s quest to eliminate unnecessary energy in an industrial process. The Boxer has twice the output of conventional bodymakers, with significantly less energy per can produced.
"Signs point to success"
"The need to find out about innovations and further developments is greater than ever after the pandemic. Together with our exhibitors, we are looking forward to the upcoming METPACK with great anticipation. The preparations are running at full speed. In about two weeks, the set-up will begin. Currently the machines from overseas manufacturers are on their way. We are already registering numerous trade visitors from all over the world. All signs point to success," reports project manager Christina Kleinpaß.
The exhibitors will primarily be presenting solutions that make the production of metal packaging even more resource-friendly and efficient. Less material and energy while maintaining or improving quality - this is the industry's motto. Digitalization and automation continue to play a key role. The companies are also heavily involved in the topics of decarbonization and climate neutrality. The trade audience can look forward to numerous innovations. Outstanding technologies and inventions of participating exhibitors are honoured by the METPACK Innovation Award. 16 companies submitted a total of 24 innovations. The certificates and trophies in bronze, silver and gold will be presented at a ceremony on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2 p.m., in the Congress Center West, Hall Panorama.
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