As 2024 draws to a close, we thank you for your continued support and collaboration. We look back on another year of challenges and achievements. On the challenges side we experienced economic uncertainty, inflation and high volatility in demand across Europe. We faced these obstacles by aligning our forces and working together in alliances of different associations.
This led to major achievements such as concluding on PPWR legislation and defending the circularity leadership of cartonboard and folding carton packages. We have emerged with greater experience, resilience, and determination.
The ECMA Congress 2024 in Berlin, themed “Resilience in a Sea of Adversity,” was a testament to the tenacity and innovation of our industry in an ever-changing world. From the brilliant ideas of students to the expertise of seasoned professionals, we witnessed Europe’s finest packaging innovations in all their remarkable creativity. With such drive, the future of cartonboard packaging in Europe shines brighter than ever.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas filled with joy, warmth, and happiness, and a prosperous New Year as we step into 2025. We are looking forward to reconnecting in Istanbul 2025, where we will celebrate again innovations, ideas, and talents from across the industry.
May the new year bring health, success, exciting opportunities, and memorable moments for all.
Warm wishes,
Michele Bianchi President of Pro Carton
most valuable experience for the students. Please also read the feedback some of the student’s gave after their return to their home countries.
"My personal highlight of the year were the training days with 13 students hosted by Van Genechten Packaging, UMKA and Billerud. This year we spent good time in preparing the most valuable experience for the students. Please also read the feedback some of the student’s gave after their return to their home countries."
European Council will now formally ratify the agreement before the publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. This will be done by written procedure.
The one-year additional transition period will allow for a better implementation of the Regulation. Without an adequate phase-in framework, the new Regulation would have risked considerable chain disruptions with no tangible impacts on the root causes of deforestation.
There is still more work needed on the official EU FAQs and Guidance to the Regulation, in order to further clarify persisting ambiguities, solve potential inconsistencies and define operative solutions that are easily implementable by the operators, without compromising the integrity of the Regulation.
"He spoke about the day the wall fell and how it changed the world as well as the German nation forever. It was an important reminiscing of an optimistic world where the international community was becoming more united than ever."
This year we joined forces with FFI and 4evergreen. We had the combined competence of the European Cartonboard Industry at our booth serving an ever more knowledgable audience. Part of the exhibition were the freshly crowned ECEA and PCYDA 2024 winners, the PCSVA student videos were running in an endless loop to inform visitors. We look back at many visits from members and journalists
We had three slots at the "Packbox", covering topics from PPWR, consumer survey and a most interesting round table discussion with participation from Andreas Helbig (Seda), Ralf Mack (GPI), Peter Görlitz (Sonoco), and Usman Shaukat (Delsci).
packaging.
We will join again in 2025. If you are interested, please contact us for some special priced tickets. We label this summit as a “must be” in your calendars.
Here we cover some latest member news we picked up from member's websites and posts. Please share with us those articles you want us to feature in the next issue of the Pro Carton Magazine.
ESRS E3: Water and Marine Resources – Ensuring responsible water use and safeguarding marine resources.
ESRS E4: Biodiversity and Ecosystems – Preserving biodiversity and restoring vital natural habitats.
ESRS E5: Resource Use and Circular Economy – Promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable material sourcing.
FOLBB emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and transparency, crediting its dedicated team for making this achievement possible. The report is available in English and German via the link provided. https://folbb.com/our-sustainable-promise/our-standards-and-values/
energy-intensive industries,” says Ivar Vatne, President and CEO of Billerud.
Billerud actively supports the transition to fossil-free electricity, aligning with its Science Based Targets (SBTi) to reduce fossil emissions by 42% by 2030.
Launched in spring 2024 by leading industrial companies, Industrikraft welcomed Billerud and other partners as equal shareholders in the fall of 2024.
MEMBER NEWS
RDM Group Apprentices Drive Energy Efficiency with “Energy Scouts” Project
A team from RDM Group Arnsberg Mill—Cathleen Beckmann, Denise Degenhardt, and Jan Wunderlich— successfully participated in the “Energy Scouts” program organized by IHK Arnsberg. The program focuses on improving energy and resource efficiency, providing apprentices with hands-on experience in identifying savings potential and developing sustainable solutions.
As Energy Scouts, the team gained valuable skills, raised awareness among colleagues, and actively contributed to climate protection while helping reduce operational costs. The initiative also fosters teamwork and critical thinking, encouraging apprentices to observe and optimize resource use within their company.
RDM Group is proud of its talented and motivated apprentices for driving sustainability forward and engaging in projects that positively impact the planet’s future..
Stora Enso Launches Water Programme to Enhance Water Conservation in Forestry
Stora Enso is introducing a new water programme in Finland to improve water quality and conservation in forestry operations. Starting in January 2025, the initiative will explore sustainable forest management practices, focusing on water ecosystems and providing conservation services to forest owners.
"Wood production and water protection can go hand-in-hand. With this programme, we aim to enhance water habitats and deepen our expertise," says Pekka Kallio-Mannila, Head of Sustainability, Stora Enso Finland. Partnering with Luontoa Oy, a leader in nature impact assessments, Stora Enso combines scientific insight with actionable measures to advance water protection.
The programme aligns with Stora Enso’s biodiversity goals and a broader forestry action plan to strengthen environmental performance. Key actions include increasing sustainability resources, enhancing staff and contractor training, and implementing stricter supervision in sensitive areas. Efforts will also focus on freshwater pearl mussel protection and IT system improvements to ensure compliance and effective operations.
These initiatives reflect Stora Enso’s commitment to balancing sustainable wood production with nature conservation across Finland, Sweden, and the Baltics..
MEMBER NEWS
MM Group Achieves ISO27001 Recertification for Information Security
MM Group is proud to announce its successful recertification for the ISO27001 standard, reaffirming its commitment to the highest level of information security and the protection of client data. ISO27001 is an internationally recognized framework for implementing and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS), requiring rigorous risk assessment and control measures.
Having first achieved certification in 2019, MM Group has continuously enhanced its security practices to address evolving digital challenges. The recent recertification process involved a comprehensive audit by an independent third-party.
“Information security is a top priority for us, and this recertification demonstrates our ongoing efforts to protect client data and maintain trust,” says Jacqueline Wild, Head of Group Information at MM Group.
MM Group ensures data protection across all operations, working closely with clients through security controls, assessments, and employee training. This achievement underscores MM Group’s dedication to safeguarding client information and maintaining the highest security standards.
