Project objectivesDanubePIE supports SMEs through ecodesign related, technical services toa) optimize their products in order to make them more resource efficient and/orb) to develop new, innovative products, which are well designed from ecological view.The traditional sectors packaging and printing – packaging manufacturers as well as package end- users like food, cosmetics, electronic etc item producers– are the target group and main beneficiaries of the project activities.Danube PIE is dedicated to the Danube Region and supports the EU Strategy to create synergies in the field of environment and economic growth in this geographic area. Seven countries of the Danube region are directly involved in the project.Services to SMEs will be offered in close cooperation with product designers. The project pursues a cross-cluster approach between clusters from creative industry (product design, industrial design) and industry from different sectors in form of round tables for creative idea generation.SMEs can benefit from• direct exchange and cooperation with product and industrial designers as well as other technical experts in resource ecodesign and efficient technologies• company visits with individual, hands on and tailor made technical support and product analysis on the basis of ecodesign• in-house trainings and workshops for SME associations in applicable ecodesign related topics• round tables for SMEs with appropriate experts, in order to create new, innovative product concepts• support for eco innovative and participating SMEs in external communication of their ecodesigned products Achievements: Manufacturers face the challenge to comply increasingly with environmental standards of their products. At the same time cost reductions through energy and material efficiency are clear competitive advantages. Eco-design – the design of products considering their environmental impacts during the entire life cycle – is an opportunity for more sustainable processes and new market access.The EU-funded project DanubePIE promoted this life cycle thinking within the Danube region and used Eco-design as a powerful tool to encourage such product innovation. The project partners raised awareness on the related constraints and chances addressing manufacturing SMEs, industrial product designers, environmental advisers, educational institutions, stakeholders and the broader public. The traditional sectors packaging and printing – packaging manufacturers as well as package end-users like food, cosmetics, electronic etc. item producers – were the target group and main beneficiaries of the project activities.The project pursued a cross-cluster approach between the creative industry (product design, industrial design) and industry from different sectors in the form of round tables for creative idea generation.9200 small and medium sized enterprises (SME) benefitted from the support measures, trainings and conferences. 60 consultants have been trained on eco-design measures with the aim to help companies to improve products or develop new eco-designed products. 660 enterprises have been visited by the project partners. 460 enterprises participated in inhouse traninings.