Pro Carton, the European association of carton and cartonboard manufacturers, and Cepi Cartonboard, the cartonboard branch of the Confederation of European Paper Industries, are considering to join forces.
Pro Carton reports that a consultation process has already been launched to evaluate a possible combination of the two entities. This process is expected to be finalised during 2023.
According to a press release, the new association would retain the name of Pro Carton. Michele Bianchi, the new President of Pro Carton, commented on the plans and said that the merger would enhance cooperation and member engagement and would support sustainable growth of the industry. The main objective of the alliance is to achieve greater efficiency.
Michele Bianchi is new Pro Carton President
Michele Bianchi was apppointed new President of Pro Carton only recently, during the ECMA Annual Congress on 15 and 16 September. He succeeds Horst Bittermann, who had been holding the position for the last four years.
Mr Bianchi is the CEO of Italy’s cartonboard producer Reno de Medici and has also been President of Cepi Cartonboard since 2020. Mr Bittermann has meanwhile been appointed General Director of Pro Carton and will be in charge of leading the consultation and reorganisation process of the association.
