See you in Essen!

We now have less than one week to go until the metal packaging industry gathers for Metpack 2026 in Essen. 

As I mentioned in my April magazine comment, the 2023 show was my first Metpack and I remember it fondly as my first ‘big’ introduction to the world of can making. The machinery and equipment on display loomed large, and even though it felt slightly daunting initially, it soon felt inspiring more than anything to see everyone so keen to talk about the inns and outs of metal packaging. I started to realise then, as I do now, that the industry is a special place to be. 

The exhibition space for 2026 has grown by 15 per cent since the last show, according to Messe Essen, so there will be much to see. Please use our April edition as a starter show guide to some of the major exhibitors. Our May issue is your guide to the Metpack Conference content, but remember there is also the brand new Talk in a Can forum, which sees an exciting new setup for the trade fair in a more candid setting for facilitating discussions and insights.

From our team, we’ll have Neil McRitchie, Sarah Hills and Flora McRitchie on the stand in Hall 3, Stand 3B27, and I’ll also be there from 5 to 6 May (although it’s a ‘catch me if you can’ situation at the moment, but please do message me on LinkedIn if you want to arrange a meeting).

Aimee Carnell and Sophia Freeman will also be at the show walking the three halls on 7 May to discuss our own future events, Asia CanTech and CanTech the Grand Tour, for anyone who is already booked or looking to attend in November 2026 and March 2027.

I’m sure some of you are already on the move with customer meetings planned before the show, but even still, safe travels, and see you all in Germany next week!

Alex Rivers (she/her), CanTech International editor
Keep in touch via email: [email protected], LinkedIn: CanTech International magazine or X: @CanTechIntl