"This is more than just a passing trend, green ideas are our future" said Stéphane Thiollier, Chairman of Pro Carton International, "We need to constantly think about how we can save resources, protect the environment and develop both sustainable and credible product concepts". As representative of the European Association of Carton and Cartonboard Manufacturers and organiser of the upcoming Pro Carton Trade Congress on 25th - 26th November in Düsseldorf, he is more than aware of the future demands on industry: "We need to balance the current sociocultural climate with commercial interests, find an equilibrium between ecology and economy, combine sustainability, cost efficiency, creativity and promotional aspects in innovative ways to enhance brand values" is how Thiollier aptly describes the challenge.

Packaging, by its very nature, plays a significant role in communicating sustainability and credibility as well as acting as a promotional messenger for the brand in a competitive environment. For this reason Thiollier welcomes decision makers and senior management from package design and marketing to attend the upcoming congress, which gives a current view on the potential of packaging. The topic is further fuelled by insights from a brand new study conducted by the GfK Market Research Group, entitled „Packaging & Sustainability“, which will be presented for the first time at the Pro Carton Congress. The study findings show how the "Corporate Responsibility Segments" of society correlate with sustainable packaging, what consumers expect from sustainable packaging. The experts all agree: "Ignore sustainability at your peril, by not sending the appropriate signals to your customers you will be "rewarded" by non-purchase.

Renown experts on sustainability and packaging, including Thomas Bachl (GfK SE), Achim Feige (Brand:Trust), Dr. Uwe Lebok (Konzept & Analyse), Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wimmer (ECODESIGN company) or Stefan Bestehorn (rlc packaging group), will be presenting new success potentials for sustainable packaging concepts based on interaction within the value chain, as well as giving valuable tips for better packaging.

The registration fee for the 8th Pro Carton Trade Congress on 25th and 26th November 2009 is 790.00 Euros, the early booking fee is 690.00 Euros (deadline 15th October). For further information and registration please visit www.procarton.com, or contact the Congress Office by phone MPR Dr. Muth, Melanie Schmidt (040 42 92 40 20) or by e-mail at kongress@mprdrmuth.de