The conference addressed the duality of economic and environmental benefits (Lean & Green) as an industry strategy. This initiative underlines that effective responses on these issues requires creative cooperation across the industry process chain.

The conference addressed three themes: Environmental Footprint with a focus on energy; Sustainability for Success including practical application of Lean Manufacturing; and Communicating on the Environment including labels and certification.

Attendees and speakers were drawn from printers, suppliers, industry associations, universities, NGOs and governments to make it a fully cross-industry event with some dynamic debates.

Mr Michael Makin, President of the WPCF said that “The conference was a wonderful success and addressed all of the key environmental issues facing graphic communications professionals today. From Lean and Green tips from printers to the perspective of the NGO, the event delivered a powerful series of topics.”

“The conference speakers demonstrated that there is a direct correlation from a Lean & Green approach to provide strong benefits across the industry value chain. The holistic management of economic and environmental issues is a key to sustainability, and also impacts on the use of print as a medium,” added John Dangelmaier, President of PrintCity.