Taking the statements of many market leaders into consideration, our planned congress programme will showcase the links between the four areas shown in the graph, demonstrating the successful interaction of members in „Value-Chain-Packaging“ for optimum product packaging in the sense of economy and ecology.

Visitors to the Congress. which has become the meeting point for those interested in “Value-Chain-Packaging”, will not only be able to listen to insider information from high level speakers, but will also have ample opportunity for informal networking. An entertaining highlight will be the “Night of Packaging” with the 13th presentation of the international Pro Carton/ECMA Carton Awards to the winning teams.

The following recent statements of market leaders from the fields of package design, brand leadership, brand marketeers and consulting are just a small selection on the growing significance of sustainability – in the sense of combining economy and ecology.

12. January 2009: „The study „Green Minded Brands“ in 18 countries clearly shows: sustainability is the most valuable item for protecting the environment.“ Carsten Buck, owner of the Agency Mutter Packaging and Brand Design.

18. January 2009: „Sustainability is not a trendy gag - it is a new business. We can decide for ourselves, which influence this practice has on our companies and its brands, but there is no off-the-shelf solution. A sustainable brand also generates a long-lasting improvement of the company‘s image and a more secure future through customer loyalty, stakeholder loyalty and advocacy - this increases the brand value.“ Paula Oliveira, Senior Consultant Interbrand

23. February 2009: Philips achieved nearly a quarter of its turnover with environmentally compatible products. The company is on its best way of reaching the goals of its sustainability programme. Philips regards products as being „green“, they are at least 10% better than previous products in terms of energy efficiency, packaging, weight, longevity, dangerous substances as well as recycling or disposal. „We see the quest for green products as a business opportunity. Sustainability is a strong platform for innovation and growth.“ Rudy Provoost, Board Member Philips, responsible for sustainable products

26. March 2009: Procter & Gamble strengthens corporate commitment on sustainabilty. P & G publishes significantly higher sustainability targets for 2012. „P&G‘s commitment to sustainability is strategic. It has to do with how we do business. The increased sustainability goals demonstrate our continued progress in improving company results through innovations.“ A.G. Lafley, Chairman of the Board

4. May 2009: „For us, sustainable operation along the entire value chain has a long history. Economy versus ecology is only an imaginary conflict. Environmental-friendly production in fact lowers costs.“ Alfred Ritter, Managing Director Ritter Sport

4. May 2009: „Trade, industry, consumers, environmental organisations and last not least legislation, demand increasingly lower consumption of resources and lower emissions. Medium-sized businesses are noticing this increasingly. A growing number of trade and industrial companies are requiring their suppliers to provide information on the environmental load of their primary products. Companies unable to compete, risk being de-listed or are no longer invited to tender for business.“ Klaus Ballas, Partner, J&M Consulting

We expect some 300 participants – as at the last congresses –, which represent an attractive cross section from the areas of Food/Non-Food, advertising and package design, trade, cartonboard industry, carton manufacturers and finishers, pre-press, press, post-press as well as printing inks and adhesives.

If you would like to have further information and the invitation, please send us a short e-mail.

Pro Carton info@procarton.com

in cooperation with New Business Verlag, www.new-business.de