By Roberto Baroni

When I received an unexpected invitation from Alex Fordham to step in as a frontline reporter at LATAMCAN 2025, I didn’t fully anticipate the whirlwind of energy, innovation and networking that would await me in Atibaia, Brazil. Hosted at the Bourbon Hotel Resort—just an hour outside São Paulo—this year’s edition of LATAMCAN proved once again why it is the beating heart of the canmaking industry in Latin America.

A Gathering of industry titans

Now in its 12th edition, LATAMCAN has grown into a vital hub for professionals in the metal packaging sector. The 2025 event shattered attendance records with over 650 participants and 122 exhibition tables. Manufacturers, suppliers and service providers from across the globe convened to explore the future of two-piece and three-piece can production, and to reconnect over meals, presentations, and (of course) the bustling hotel bar.

Spearheaded by the unflagging commitment of founder Raul Martinez, LATAMCAN continues to evolve and elevate the standards of industry gatherings. This year’s show featured global heavyweights like Soudronic, Stolle, Belvac, Sacmi, and Germann Frei, among others. Notably, there was a marked rise in the presence of Chinese suppliers, signalling a shift toward broader international representation.

Technology and sustainability at the forefront

Split into two parallel tracks—one for two-piece and another for three-piece cans—the technical presentations delivered both depth and diversity. A recurring theme across the sessions was sustainability, with many speakers highlighting efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of can production.

Michael Spies and Manuel Kessler from WALLRAM Werkzeugtechnik GmbH introduced a tool reworking initiative aimed at energy efficiency and cost reduction. Bortolin Kemo’s Michele Ventorre addressed the eco-conscious redesign of their product range, showcasing a new rotary carousel press tailored for deep-drawing two-piece tuna cans.

Artificial Intelligence also took centre stage. SACMI’s Stefano Severi unveiled “Classy-AI” and “Gilda-AI,” smart systems that enhance quality control by identifying defects and optimising machine-operator interactions, respectively. Similarly, Integrated Packaging Solution’s Chris Karpovich presented a forward-thinking approach to training and troubleshooting, featuring QR-enabled boards and AI-driven systems like “Spoil Track” and “Smart Wash” that mitigate human error.

Belvac, too, made waves with Adilcimar Gomes announcing the launch of their fully operational Brazilian branch in Indaiatuba. The facility promises robust service support and a well-stocked warehouse to serve South America’s growing market.

The Future—Powered by Robotics and Vision

One of the most talked-about moments came courtesy of Andy Raynor, product director at Stolle Machinery. He showcased the company’s next-generation “Smart Bodymakers” and “Sustainable Can Washers,” engineered to slash energy and resource consumption. But it was the jaw-dropping video of a fully automated, AI-monitored can factory—absent of any on-site human supervision—that truly stole the show. With robotic arms gliding along rails, taking orders from a central AI hub, the future of manufacturing felt closer—and more cinematic—than ever.

Spotlight on Innovation

Beyond the presentations, the exhibition hall featured standout innovations:

• IST METZ GmbH introduced FREEcure, a pioneering UV curing technology that eliminates the need for photo initiators.
• Hyperion Materials and Technologies launched its DZ18 carbide-grade tooling—15% lighter than traditional materials without sacrificing strength.

A toast to legacy and a look ahead

The closing ceremony honoured two giants of the Brazilian canmaking world—Metalgrafica Palmira and CMP – Metalgraphica Paulista Ltda—both of which marked their centennials this year. Industry legend Jack Knight also received a special award for his long-standing contributions to LATAMCAN’s technical programming (though he cheekily attributes the recognition to his “good looks”).

To wrap up the event, attendees were treated to a high-energy samba performance worthy of Rio’s Sambadrome—an unforgettable send-off, albeit one that no AI-generated video can truly replicate.

Onward to Mexico City

LATAMCAN 2026 is already on the horizon, scheduled for February at the Hilton Hotel in Mexico City. If this year is any indication, the next edition promises even more innovation, insight and inspiration.

¡Hasta pronto!