Actega’s metal packaging at Metpack 2026

Actega, a manufacturer of specialty coatings, inks, adhesives, sealants and compounds for the print and packaging industry, has announced its participation in Metpack 2026 from 5-8 May 2026, Messe Essen, Germany.

In Hall 3, stand 3C55, as a global, full-range solution provider for metal packaging, Actega will demonstrate its extensive portfolio of high-performance solutions, all engineered to meet the industry’s rigorous demands for sustainability, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

Actega will showcase solutions that provide can makers and manufacturers with the strategic agility required to excel in high-speed production environments. The highlights of the Actega stand include exhibits that demonstrate Actega’s forward-thinking solutions for next-generation coatings – such as ACTNext and ACTEcoat – sustainability-driven solutions such as Artistica water-based beverage end sealants and industry-firsts such as PVC- and plasticizer-free Provalin compounds and Innocan digital printing technology with offset quality.

Jörg Mahn, head of business line metal packaging solutions, Actega, comments, “Alongside many other product examples, these latest solutions are a must-see for visitors to Metpack. They are a result of Actega’s deep technical knowledge and strong consultative partnerships and are set to shape the future of metal packaging production, ensuring our customers remain competitive and compliant in this rapidly evolving industry.”

ACTNext – Enhancing Sustainability and Efficiency

A central pillar of Actega’s presentation at Metpack 2026 will be its next-generation advanced UV and UV/LED energy-curing coatings, ACTNext. For applications such as general line cans, aerosol cans, drums, closures and the exterior surfaces of selected food cans, the ACTNext range eliminates the need for large, energy-intensive drying ovens. This innovation addresses the industry’s high energy consumption and environmental impact by substantially lowering carbon footprints and VOC emissions while maximizing line efficiency without compromising surface quality or performance.

Food and beverage closures

A particular highlight for food and beverage closures is Actega’s patented Provalin compound portfolio for metal vacuum closures, the industry’s only proven PVC- and plasticizer-free solution. Designed for various closure types, such as Twist-Off closures and Press-On Twist-Off closures, Provalin is suitable for a wide range of food applications and particularly well suited for baby food and other sensitive products.

By strategically combining Provalin with high-quality internal coatings ACTEcoat and ACTEbond, Actega ensures maximum compatibility across all components. This holistic ecosystem simplifies the supply chain, streamlines production processes, and provides food closure manufacturers with a reliable, future-ready solution they can trust.

Marta Ochalek, head of Global Market Management, Closures Food, states, “Partnering with Actega means leveraging our expertise as a complete solutions provider for food closures. With our advanced offer we ensure unmatched protection, product compatibility, and process efficiency for food metal packaging.”

In parallel, Actega will address the specific challenges facing beverage closure manufacturers as regulatory frameworks tighten and sustainability expectations continue to rise.

The introduction of regulations like EU 2024/3190 marks a decisive shift away from BPA-based coatings. Actega’s advanced BPA-NI and PFAS-NI coatings for crown corks and aluminum (long) caps provide a future-ready solution. These coatings meet regulatory requirements while offering reliable protection for demanding applications. Svekon 835 ULG enables ultra-low gauge crowns (0,15mm), drastically reducing steel consumption and thereby lowering both costs and carbon footprint. Actega’s sustainable compounds offer a versatile solution for beverage closures. With different sustainable grades available – from reduced fossil content to biodegradable concepts – customers can flexibly balance sustainability targets and cost efficiency.

Innovations such as Actega’s Intellox family complete the portfolio of solutions by offering PVC-free compounds for crown corks that enable secure QR code integration while giving the best filling good protection due to oxygen scavenger technology.

Beverage and food cans

Further demonstrating its commitment to sustainable innovation, Actega will also highlight its Artistica water-based beverage end sealants. Formulated with renewable raw materials and zero VOCs, this range includes Artistica RB1006 Z3, the first sealant for beverage cans to achieve Cradle to Cradle Material Health Platinum certification. Engineered for 2-piece aluminum beverage applications, Artistica sealants deliver up to 20% material savings with the lowest dry film weights in the market, providing an advanced solution that strengthens the entire operation with 24/7 reliability.

Visitors can also learn more about ROTARflow – a technology that controls, adjusts and monitors the amount of Artistica water-based sealants applied to can ends directly at the point of application. This award-winning digital system means fewer manual checks, narrower specs, reduced spoilage, and faster QC decisions for can makers – while giving brand owners greater confidence in consistent, high-quality results.

Alongside these innovations, Actega will demonstrate how digitalization is opening up entirely new possibilities for metal packaging design and production. Developed in partnership with HP Indigo and Vislo, the unique Innocan technology makes cost-effective short-to-medium runs a reality by enabling offset-quality digital printing on metal. The innovative process works by laminating a digitally printed film onto the metal sheet, coated with Actega Dual Cure Coatings, facilitating full serialization and personalization.

José Trigo, head of global market management cans food/GL and cans B&B Americas, Actega comments, “For years, short runs and high customization have been the Achilles heel of metal packaging. Innocan alters that paradigm entirely. By enabling digital printing with true offset-quality, we are giving can makers the essential tools to meet the demand for shorter runs and faster changeovers.”

To complete its comprehensive Metpack showcase, Actega will also present solutions that elevate brand differentiation directly at the point of sale. Visitors to the Actega booth are sure to be captivated by the ACTstar special effect inks, designed to achieve unparalleled, on-shelf differentiation. Compliant for indirect food contact, these PTFE-free inks allow brands to create standout packaging that captures consumer attention. The portfolio includes thermochromic, tactile, and fluorescent effects, enabling brands to deliver interactive, sensory experiences that resonate with consumers.