Henkel Adhesive Technologies is preparing to present its latest solutions for the metal packaging industry at Metpack 2026. The company focuses on digital equipment and service concepts that support higher production line efficiency, new sealants for beverage and food cans, and surface treatment technologies aimed at more efficient use of resources. At stand 1C38 in hall 1, Henkel intends to show how can manufacturers can lower CO2 emissions from their production processes while maintaining high final product quality and increasing line throughput.
A key element of the presentation will be solutions in the field of process digitalization, including a new generation of control systems for can surface preparation. In parallel, Henkel is introducing new water-based sealant formulations for beer, beverage and food cans, and presenting modifications in its surface treatment portfolio designed to reduce energy, water and chemical consumption. Particular emphasis is placed on process stability at high line speeds and on reducing the risk of downtime caused by unstable washing or excessive foaming of process baths.
Digital process control: Bonderite E-CO as an element of equipment 4.0
One of the main highlights of the exhibition will be the new Bonderite E-CO equipment portfolio. This is an intelligent process control system for the surface preparation stage in can production, providing access to real-time data and automated reports. The solution enables precise process parameter management and optimization, which translates into significant improvements in line stability, including at maximum output.
The system uses the latest generation of controllers, modular retrofit options for existing installations and extended remote services. In this way, Henkel supports manufacturers in increasing transparency, robustness and efficiency of production processes. The offer is complemented by the new CanLine audit application, designed to support continuous improvement, accelerated failure detection and preventive actions in can manufacturing lines.
Can sealants: new formulations for beverages and food
In the sealants segment, Henkel is introducing Darex WBC 4020, the next generation of water-based sealants for beer and beverage cans. It is described as a first-of-its-kind solution, combining excellent application properties with cross-regional supply capability. The product has a single global formulation, and its manufacture takes place regionally, based on the same latex backbone and equivalent locally sourced raw materials. The aim is to ensure consistent sealant performance while reducing supply chain risk.
Henkel is also expanding its portfolio with Darex WBC 833, a water-based food can sealant designed with cost-efficiency and increased productivity in mind. The high total solids content of this formulation is intended to provide strong lining performance while maintaining resistance to aqueous, acidic and oily/fatty environments. This combination of properties is expected to deliver high performance together with consistent lining quality in demanding food can applications.
The company emphasizes that the development of its sealant range is focused on safety and preparedness for future regulatory requirements. This is reflected in the new generation of Darex COV sealants, which are free from phthalate-based plasticizers and are intended to support energy and carbon footprint reduction. This approach is also illustrated by the Darex WBC 9000-63-2 food can sealant, which contains no intentionally added allergens. This is intended to remove allergen-labeling concerns for brand owners while maintaining the same specification and output quality as the product's predecessor.
Surface treatment: lubrication, foaming and resource reduction
In the field of surface treatment, Henkel presents solutions that enable a significant reduction of energy, water and chemical consumption in can production without compromising quality and process stability. One example is Bonderite L-FM 831, a biostable, high-performance, water-based lubricant and steel coolant designed to reduce tool usage and wicking, as well as to simplify cleaning or allow rinse-only applications. This approach is intended to support water and energy savings in can forming and processing operations.
Another example is the low-temperature cleaner from the Bonderite C-IC 72000 series, which is now available globally, with the APAC region recently localized as the latest market. The product can operate at temperatures as low as 43 °C, whereas the typical temperature range for such processes is usually 60–70 °C. Lower operating temperature allows can makers to reduce energy consumption and related CO2 emissions associated with heating cleaning baths.
An important feature of this series is its low-foam profile. Excessive foaming in can washers is identified as a significant factor driving unstable rinsing, higher water consumption and unplanned production stops. By limiting foam formation, products from the Bonderite C-IC 72000 and Bonderite C-IC 62600 series are intended to support continuous washer operation, stabilize rinsing processes and reduce both water consumption and the maintenance effort typically required to manage foaming effects in the can-washing process.
Metpack 2026: solutions showcase and "Talk in a Can" session
At stand 1C38 in hall 1, Henkel aims to demonstrate that efficient production processes, high-quality metal packaging and sustainability targets can be achieved simultaneously within a single technological approach. The company plans to show in practice how digital control systems, new sealants and optimized surface treatment agents affect line efficiency and stability, as well as the reduction of resource consumption.
In addition, Henkel experts Valentina DeCurtis and Glenn Ladrillo will host a "Talk in a Can" session scheduled for May 5 at 3:00 p.m. The session will cover 150 years of Henkel's history and its long-standing experience in can making solutions, including the development of adhesives, sealants and process chemicals for the metal packaging industry.
