Henkel Showcased Smart Digital Equipment Solutions and Advanced Material Technologies at METPACK 2026

At METPACK 2026, Henkel demonstrated how efficient production processes, high‑quality packaging, and sustainability go hand in hand. The focus of Henkel’s trade fair presence was on digital equipment and service concepts for greater line performance, new sealants for beverage and food cans, and technologies for resource-efficient surface treatment. Through practical examples, the company also showed how metal packaging manufacturers can reduce CO₂ emissions while maintaining high product quality and increasing throughput.

Digital Solutions: Equipment 4.0 for Maximum Performance and Transparency
A highlight of Henkel’s presence at the trade fair was the Bonderite E-CO equipment portfolio. This intelligent process control system for the can manufacturing pre-treatment stage provides real-time data as well as automated reports and enables precise process management and optimization, resulting in significant improvements in line stability, even at peak capacity.

Henkel also outlined how its latest generation of controllers, modular retrofit options, and extended remote services support customers in making production processes more transparent, robust, and efficient.

Can Sealants: New Formulations Benefit Users, Consumers, and the Planet

With Darex WBC 4020, Henkel presented the next generation of water-based sealants for beer and beverage cans. This first-of-its-kind can sealant has excellent application properties and features a single, global formulation. It is manufactured regionally based on the same latex backbone and equivalent, locally sourced raw materials to ensure consistent performance and reduce supply chain risk.

Henkel also introduced Darex WBC 833, a cost‑efficient, water‑based food can sealant that boosts productivity while maintaining excellent application properties. Its high total solids deliver strong lining performance with reliable resistance to aqueous, acidic, and oily/fatty environments. The result is a high‑performance, water‑based solution that combines improved yield with consistent lining quality for today’s demanding food can applications.

Henkel further emphasized safe, future-ready sealants, including a new generation of phthalate-free Darex COV sealants that can reduce energy use and carbon footprint. Darex WBC 9000-63-2 complements this approach with no intentionally added allergens, helping brand owners avoid allergen labeling concerns while maintaining proven performance.

Surface Treatment: Superior Lubricity, Less Foam, Reduced Water and Energy Consumption

In surface treatment, Henkel showcased solutions to reduce energy, water, and chemical use without compromising quality and process stability, such as Bonderite L-FM 831, a biostable, high-performance, water-based lubricant and steel coolant engineered for reduced tool usage and simplified cleaning or rinse-only applications.

Henkel also presented the low-temperature cleaner in the Bonderite C‑IC 72000 series, now available globally with APAC as the latest localized region. Operating at temperatures as low as 43 degrees Celsius (instead of 60 to 70 degrees Celsius), it helps reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. With a distinct low-foam profile, the Bonderite C‑IC 72000 and C‑IC 62600 series support continuous washer operation, stabilize rinsing, and reduce both water use and maintenance effort.

BONDERITE® and DAREX® are registered trademarks of Henkel and/or its affiliates in the USA, Germany, and elsewhere.