Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint Displays Future-Proof Tech
Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint’s participation at METPACK 2026 in Essen ended on a positive note. During the trade fair, the company focused on displaying its latest innovations, establishing strategic partnerships, and intensive professional exchange. The company’s 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
Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint showcased its comprehensive metal decoration systems under the maxim “Mastering every dimension of metal decorating”. The company’s portfolio spans the entire process chain with printing and coating lines, drying systems, exhaust air purification plants, and extensive services. This offering covers 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, with the displayed machinery designated as “Ready for 2027”. The equipment fully complies with the new requirements of the Regulation (EU) 2023/1230—which overhauls the EU’s machinery safety laws—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 support in meeting their own NIS2 framework obligations.
Award for Inline Coating Technology
Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint received a silver at the METPACK 2026 Innovation Award for its closed-loop inline coating thickness control system. This technology maintains uniform coating thickness at the push of a button. By providing continuous operational monitoring and real-time adjustments, the system corrects deviations immediately to maintain quality. These features improve process stability, minimise material waste, and reduce overall coating consumption to enhance resource efficiency.
Key Business Closures and International Cooperation
Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint secured several significant international contracts reflecting continued market trust in its high-performance solutions. Thailand-based Poonsub finalised the purchase of a MetalStar 4 press and a MetalCoat 471 inline coating machine, while Italy’s Interscambi signed an agreement to invest in a new MetalCoat 471. These agreements highlight growing industry reliance on the company’s technology to enhance production efficiency.
Honours and Anniversaries
The partnership with China’s Beiqi Group received special recognition, as they were honoured as the ‘High Performance Metal Decorator of the Year 2026’. Beiqi invested in the world’s first 10-colour 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 commemorated the 150th anniversary of Mailänder’s founding in Germany. This retrospective on early metal printing technology highlights the foundation driving Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint’s current innovation.
Focus on Knowledge Transfer
Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint shared insights on industry trends during its ‘Talk in a Can’ specialist presentation series. Product Manager Benjamin Törkö launched the programme with his presentation on redefining efficiency through setup time optimisation in metal decoration using ‘rapid changeover’. Damian Pollok, Head of Product Management, then spoke on the implementation of digital printing solutions, followed by Product Manager Olga Martin, who presented concepts for maximum efficiency and sustainable drying processes in metal coating.
Driven by positive customer discussions and new project inquiries, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint remains optimistic regarding the 2026 fiscal year.
