It's almost time to head for Munich for this year's international converting show - ICE '07. I seem to remember that the weather entered into the spirit of things last time round, with the snow movers and the ice scrapers well in evidence. This year the forecast looks much better. Hopefully there will be dry skies and spring sunshine to entice the visitors.
Judging by some of the news covered in our extensive preview to the show this month, there is indeed plenty to attract them. If you are thinking of going and haven't yet booked a room or registered I'd advise you to make use of our special Converting Today visitor offer. All the information on how to speed up your arrangements and make efficient use of your time in Munich is detailed on the opposite page. So just click onto the site now and use your special code.
Speaking of codes, and following on from last month's special report on counterfeiting, I came across another exciting innovation on the anti piracy scene at the end of January, with the UK launch of Holospot (see this month's features). It ticks all the boxes on buzzwords: for example, nanotechnology, overt and covert layers, secure and cost effective.
Seriously though, the German development from tesa scribos does seem to be far more than just hype - a case study provided by Nivea shows how, by using the individually laser written polyester holographic labels on hair care products, a serious piracy problem in Russia was completely turned around. Zero per cent counterfeits were found on the retail shelves just eight months after the proportion was recorded at 30 per cent! Apparently the content of the counterfeit packages (beautifully forged graphics I'm told) was dog shampoo!
As you may imagine, that didn't do much for the brand at the time, but the investment in the labels has brought it right back on a good growth track.
Pauline Covell
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