Virtually all cartonboard and carton manufacturers of the finalists were present as the 34 finalists of the Pro Carton/ECMA Awards 2011 had their grand appearance. New in 2011 was the category „Sustainability“ with its first finalist – until now sustainability had been a special award. Winners will be chosen from among the finalists in nine categories, as well as for the ”Carton of the Year“ and the „Most Innovative Carton“ . In addition there will be a special prize awarded by the president of Pro Carton.

Not only has Pro Carton fully documented all finalists this year for the first time, but we have also researched the development background. All finalists with photos and background information, including links to the cartonboard and carton manufacturers as well as the brand owners involved, are given on www.procartonecmaaward.com. A special highlight: short videos give some insights on the deliberations of the jury for the individual categories.

For the first time the finalists will also participate in a travelling road show. Some dates have already been set:first was the Easyfairs packaging exhibition at the end of September in Vienna, the Pro Carton Marketing Events in Austria and the Netherlands will follow as well as the Easyfairs packaging exhibition in October in London and two marketing events in Germany during autumn. Further venues are planned in Germany and the UK. If you are interested in hosting an exhibition: some dates are still available!

The 2011 finalists have certainly deserved all this attention: the hit parade of convincing and sustainable ideas is a feast for the eyes, not only for professionals. A welcome opportunity for all companies with a finalist “in the race“ to do some advertising. But also an opportunity for intensive discussions: everyone can decide on their personal favourites and tip as to who will eventually win.

The big award ceremony will be held on 18. April 2012 at the Pro Carton Congress in Düsseldorf. Until then it means patience and keeping your fingers crossed.