"The jury is looking forward to experiencing the innovations live and in action at METPACK—because nothing showcases the future of an industry better than its advancements." With these words, Gianluca Ciccolini, Chairman of the Jury, sets the stage for the METPACK Innovation Awards 2026. The award is among the most prestigious in the international metal packaging industry and once again highlights technical excellence at the world’s leading trade fair, taking place from May 5 to 8, 2026, at Messe Essen.
A total of 26 entries from 22 exhibitors from China, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States are competing for bronze, silver and gold. The specific innovations remain confidential until the award ceremony. What is already clear: the competition demonstrates the industry’s dynamism, ingenuity, and future potential.
International expert jury
An international jury of experts is responsible for the evaluation. The jury is chaired by Gianluca Ciccolini, Technical Manager at Gruppo ASA, Italy. He is joined by Hein van Jaarsveld (Trivium Packaging B.V., Netherlands), Yoram Yellin (Lageen Food Packaging, Israel), Axel Schulte (Envases Europe A/S, Denmark), Paul McClure (Gilpin + Company, USA), Hugo Sebastian Trappmann (LIMBURGER Packaging Group, Germany), Andrew Arduca (Interpack Pty Ltd, Australia), and Alex Fordham (The Metal Packager / Connective Press Group Ltd, UK). Entries are evaluated based on criteria such as efficiency, sustainability, cost reduction and quality improvement.
The field of applicants also underlines the significance of the award within the industry. Three exhibitors—Newtec c.p.srls, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint and Belvac—are entering multiple innovations into the competition. Additional submissions come from ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products, DANOBAT-OVERBECK GmbH, Golden Eagle and Estes Group, Hebei Worunda Metal Packaging Products Company Limited, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, inPhocal B.V., Intralox, ISIMAT GmbH Siebdruckmaschinen, IST METZ GmbH & Co. KG, Jiangsu HanMet Digital Intelligent Printing Equipment Co., Ltd., Mundolatas (AnchorEOE), MW LAK SOLUTIONS SRL, Pressco/Kestrel Vision, Soudronic AG, Sprimag Spritzmaschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG, Stolle Machinery, Sun Chemical Ltd., TEC Technology GmbH and VMI Holland b.v.
Award Ceremony on the second day in Hall 2
All exhibitors, partners, and trade visitors are warmly invited to attend the METPACK Innovation Awards 2026 ceremony live. The official presentation of the trophies to the three winners will take place on Wednesday, May 6, at 1:30 p.m. in Hall 2, Stand 2E57, at the “Talk in a Can” forum area.
Further information at www.metpack.de
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