Foundry industry as a base branch represents an important factor contributing to the economic potential of each country. Current market development as well as technical and economic objective, the production of high-quality, low-cost and environmentally friendly casting, requires application of recent and advanced materials, as well as production technologies, followed and supported by understanding of production process. Production imperative is pointed into the recent technologies and improved materials for everyday usage in our homes, workplaces, as well as materials with special requirements for specific applications such as those for the automotive or space industry. Industrial activities, which are defined as strategic activities in the Republic of Croatia are Metal Casting and Production of Final Metal Products, recognized as "economic growth drivers" because they are expected to realize higher rates of growth and employment. The importance of coexistence of material science and sustainable technology in economic growth reveals in collaboration between small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs´), industry and higher education institutions (HEI). International Foundrymen Conference organized by University of Zagreb Faculty of Metallurgy, Sisak, Croatia in cooperation with University of Ljubljana Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia, University North, Koprivnica, Croatia, Technical University of Košice Faculty of Materials, Metallurgy and Recycling, Košice, Slovakia, and ELKEM ASA, Norway found its significant position due to aforementioned reasons. Coexistence of material science and sustainable technology in economic growth comprehends to recent technology and educated and skilled engineers. The Conference topics were designed as presentations of the current "state of the art" research in collaboration with industry, and production innovation with the aim to improve the competitiveness. The scope of 18th International Foundrymen Conference (IFC) covers scientific, technological and practical aspects concerning research, development and application of casting technology with the common perspective – increase of competitiveness. Special attention will be focused towards the competitiveness ability of foundries, improvement of materials features and casting technologies, environmental protection as well as subjects connected to the application of castings.