17 October 2013

BESA SIG to embrace New Markets

The group met on 15th October at the BPIF offices in Hooper Street, London. The 15 members had the privilege of listening and discussing the sector with Bob Steffens the President of the Cronite Company in America. They are the leader in the flat stamping intaglio industry worldwide. He explained that the traditional market had declined considerably since 1990 and new markets were the survival in the future. Social Stationery in the USA had "died", and the UK were around 10 years behind, however the UK needs to act now.

He had identified new and potential growth areas, under the broad headings of - security and fine packaging. The sector could produce products both for end users, brand holders and manufacturers. The market was for smaller runs, quick make ready times and unique products. They had the advantage of the most beautiful 3D product in the Graphic Arts Industry. He explained that members were the only ones that could advertise their services as "security printing" in their marketing material and web sites. 20 minute make readies for short runs gave them a competitive edge. He asked if "anyone had approached companies like De La Rue, who currently would not produce anything under a 100k run, there has to be options with companies like them".

Security is a huge potential marketplace, it stops all the counterfeit problems. There are potential markets in many areas, examples would be labels in the wine and spirit industry, designer clothes and fashion accessories, currency, passports, tickets, passes etc. The advantage of including overt security on a products labelling with a unique 3 dimensional security print is tremendous in the fight against counterfeiting. It will always win when protecting the product's exclusivity and identity.

The discussion continued over dinner!