Press release: January 1, 1999

Icograda and Scheufelen - serving international visual design

Announcing the first international long-term partnership between a leading international paper manufacturer and Icograda, representative body of the international graphic design community.

The International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda) is pleased to announce an important agreement with the international quality fine paper manufacturer Scheufelen.

Icograda, established in 1963, unites the national professional and promotional graphic design associations in over 50 countries, at present representing over 100,000 professional graphic designers. The Council serves as the international voice for the visual communications profession, setting standards, creating contacts, supporting education and promoting quality in graphic communications.

As Icograda prepares itself for the new Millennium, it is changing its structure and focus. In view of the rapid changes in the graphic design profession due to developments in technology, and in view of the rapidly expanding and interconnected world economy, the General Assembly of Icograda, meeting in Uruguay in October 1997, adopted a proposal calling for partnerships to be forged with leading international enterprises.

One of the first of these partnerships has been created with Scheufelen.

Scheufelen, the world's largest producer of Real Art paper is located in Lenningen, 30 km far away from Stuttgart (Germany). It is a family owned paper mill, established in 1855. In 1892 Scheufelen became the first mill on the European continent to produce coated paper, called Real Art paper. Scheufelen has remained market leader in this segment. Besides this, Scheufelen is also producing special coated papers, machine coated papers, technical papers, packaging papers and playing-card boards.

Scheufelen will sponsor Icograda activities and will provide paper for Icograda communications needs. Special events will be held to permit Scheufelen to present latest developments and products to the international community of graphic designers and to future graphic designers through the Icograda education.

As changing technologies affect the way we communicate, the role of traditional paper-based media is changing. However, far from the 'End of Print' we are witness to new concepts in printed communications, energised by rapidly expanding market economies, a proliferation of specialised newspapers and magazines, expanding advertising-based societies and developments in sophisticated digital limited-run printing technologies.

Together, Scheufelen and Icograda will seek to examine current developments and promote new approaches and applications. This will be done through special events, competitions and exhibitions.

The agreement will benefit Icograda member associations worldwide, as local representatives of Scheufelen will provide direct local support. Special arrangements will be made to supply quality Scheufelen Paper to national associations to support their activities.

As with all Icograda partners, Scheufelen will be provided with the opportunity to address the international graphic design community through presentations and seminars at Icograda international and regional events.

For more information, please contact:

Papierfabrik Scheufelen GmbH + Co.KG
Marketing & Communications Department
D - 73250 Lenningen, Germany
Phone: +49 7026 66 597
Fax: +49 7026 66 703
E-mail: birger.hetzinger@scheufelen.de

Icograda:
Secretariat General
P.O. Box 398
UK - London W11 4UG, England
Phone: +44 171 603 8494
Fax: +44 171 371 6040
E-mail: 106065.2235@compuserve.com

Guy-A. Schockaert
President 1997-99
Venelle aux Quatre N[oe]uds 98
B - 1150 Brussels, Belgium
E-mail: guy.schockaert@euronet.be