The metalworking industry in Essen is predominantly active in the metal packaging industry due its hosting of METPACK, which in 2023 brought together 6,500 trade visitors from around the world. Known as the world’s leading trade fair for metal packaging, METPACK marked its tenth edition with a focus on sustainability, decarbonization, and digital transformation in packaging. Visitors, 73% of whom came from outside Germany, represented a high-quality, decision-making audience, with 88% having purchasing or procurement authority. Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom topped the list of countries represented, indicating a broad international interest in Essen’s offerings. Impressively, a quarter of exhibitors secured orders directly at the event, and post-show surveys indicate an optimistic outlook for follow-up orders. Decarbonization and resource efficiency emerged as major themes at METPACK. The trade fair highlighted industry-wide initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability across all production stages, from steel manufacturing to printing. This is timely, as Europe’s metal packaging industry faces growing regulatory demands, with the EU’s new packaging regulation under discussion, aiming to promote sustainable use and recycling of materials. METPACK put emphasis on metal’s inherent recyclability, which positions it as a future-friendly packaging material in an era where environmental impact is a key consumer and regulatory concern. The fair also highlighted advancements in digitalization and process automation, with exhibitors showcasing connected production lines enhanced by data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT). Digital printing innovations were particularly popular, offering new, flexible design capabilities and enhanced production efficiency. METPACK’s Conference further delved into these technological innovations, providing an international forum for thought leaders to discuss how digital advancements can drive sustainable growth.