A new print industry event dedicated to sustainable print production in retail, interiors, POP and packaging: 'EcoPrint Europe LIVE 2012' has been announced. Organized by FM Brooks, part of the Mack Brooks Exhibitions Group, and headed up by Frazer Chesterman and Marcus Timson, the first EcoPrint Europe will be held in Berlin on September 26 and 27, 2012.

EcoPrint's aim is to draw together a community of leaders, innovators and early adopters who see the true value of sustainable print production, moving the industry forward by enabling print service providers to improve the performance, profit and sustainable future of their businesses.

Frazer Chesterman, Director, FM Brooks, said: "Most importantly, EcoPrint is an event that focuses on good, sustainable business. We believe that true sustainability is a result of the focus on efficiency, the reduction of waste, implementation of effective process management and a committed, dynamic sales and marketing campaign. Our research suggests that increased profit and competitive advantage can result from a strategic investment in improving your business's sustainable practices."

Chesterman says the content and focus of EcoPrintLIVE 2012 will not only be different from any other event in the print industry's event calendar, it will also provide attendees with a defined and practical guide to implementing and enhancing profitability through a sustainable approach to print business.

Continues Chesterman: "Perhaps the greatest misconception in the industry today is that implementing environmental initiatives costs the printer money and that 'going green' is not commercially viable. However, in many cases the opposite is actually true and printers are missing out on an important and profitable new revenue stream if they don't engage with opportunities in the eco space. EcoPrint is as much about economics as ecology because sustainable businesses are in a far better position to embrace sustainable resources."

EcoPrint's unique focus will assist the industry in dispelling these misconceptions and myths, both in the eyes of printers, but also critically, in the eyes of the brands and the consumer. We see this event as a key component in helping the industry to get these positive messages out to printers, their customers and the end consumer."

Marcus Timson, Director, FM Brooks, said: "We see that the retail, point of purchase and packaging sectors are leading the change because this is where the consumer comes into direct contact with a product before any purchase is made. Many brands are in the process of aligning their supply chains to meet their carbon neutral pledges in time for 2015 and 2020 and will expect their suppliers to fall into step.

"But there are a number of forces impacting on the print service provider. These include consumer demand, brand and retailer CSR pledges, 'Greenwash' and the need to comply with new legislation. All this means printers must embrace a more robust sustainable policy. EcoPrint is fully committed to providing guidance, advice, innovation and inspiration in this respect. For exhibitors that have sustainable products, EcoPrint provides them with access to a focused community of print service providers who will be receptive to these innovative new products and practices."