The academic sector plays an important role in the development of innovative medicines.

Installed for the very first time in its largest size at Orangina Suntory France’s plant in Meyzieu, Sidel’s conveying and accumulation solution Gebo AQFlex® increases the uptime of their PET packaging line for soft drinks by offering a high level of flexibility to address a much diversified production range of nine bottle formats with different shapes. Moreover, by covering a wide range of outputs, Gebo AQFlex has immensely contributed in preserving Orangina Suntory France’s product quality with smooth and contactless product handling. Suntory group were founded in 1899 in Osaka. Today, with 300 subsidiary companies and more than 38,000 employees they are cited as one of the oldest and largest companies in beverage distribution in Japan. The French company Orangina Suntory France were acquired by the group in 2009. As the leader regards fruit drinks in the French market with 20.2% of market share value (2019) and four production sites in France – La Courneuve, Meyzieu, Donnery and Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne –, Orangina Suntory France are one of the top players in the beverage segment with an 908 million euro turnover (2019) and a consumer base of 17 million households in France. They dominate the beverage market with more than 350 product references, among them six major flagship brands Orangina, Schweppes, Oasis, Pulco, Champomy and Maytea. New generation accumulation system with a high level of flexibility and complete product care In 2017, Orangina Suntory France bought a brand-new packaging line for their Meyzieu site, mixing equipment from different Original Equipment Manufacturers, including the Sidel Aseptic Combi PredisTM. As nine bottle formats from 0.2 L to 1 L are being manufactured on the line for four brands – Oasis, Pulco, Maytea and O’verger – Orangina Suntory France were looking for a new accumulation solution that could take care of various formats and shapes, including square bottles to which traditional mass accumulation solutions are not suited. “Our experience proved that the use of such an accumulation principle in which products are in contact with each other might damage the thin wall PET bottles we are using for our non-carbonated products, and thus alter the overall production quality,” explains Hubert Couppey, Project Manager in Operations Development Department at Orangina Suntory France. “Besides, flexibility was especially a sensitive issue since square bottles sometimes cause blockages when being handled with traditional mass accumulations. Such blockages may result in line stoppages and impair our overall productivity,” adds Hubert Couppey. The new accumulation solution also had to be able to cover a wide range of outputs from 27,000 to 45,000 bottles per hour and provide extensive buffer capacity from 3 to 5 minutes of net accumulation to secure the overall line efficiency. Taking into account the great number of products to handle, Sidel proposed the largest model of the Gebo AQFlex range at that time. To address the versatility of the line, Gebo AQFlex was a perfect choice, offering new level of flexibility due to the single-lane, contactless and smooth handling of the products. Moreover, this flexibility will provide the customer with great freedom in creating attractive packaging designs with different shapes in the future. Additionally, another key buying factor was its compactness, offering greater accumulation/space ratio compared to traditional systems and enabling an easy integration into a limited space area, which was the case at the Orangina Suntory France site. Gebo AQFlex convinces Orangina Suntory France in especially organised test As the accumulation solution was quite new on the market and was based on a breakthrough design, Orangina Suntory France called for evidence. Accordingly, delegations with experts from France and Japan were invited to a three-day factory acceptance test at Sidel. After the first day, which also turned out to be the closing one, everyone was highly convinced that the capacity of Gebo AQFlex was absolutely meeting the demanding requirements of the packaging line in Orangina Suntory France’s site in Meyzieu. Swanny Goussanou, Project Manager at Sidel, reflects upon the successful experience: “The all-in-one, compact design perfectly handled all nine formats fully respecting fragile and lightweight containers due to its smooth, contact-free single-lane product handling.” During the test, international experts also experienced the user-friendliness of the equipment in real life: “Gebo AQFlex is quite easy to use as it offers simple and automatic changeovers with just a few clicks on the Human Machine Interface (HMI) and minor mechanical interventions on the infeed and outfeed conveyors,” summarizes Hubert Couppey. As a result, such ergonomics help Orangina Suntory France save operator time. Easy and efficient installation with the help of a ‘twin’ solution Considering that this large model size was installed for the first time, it implied a high-level quality of collaboration between Sidel and Orangina Suntory France teams. To handle the unit’s modifications and start-up, a twin solution was set up at Sidel’s site. For fast troubleshooting a remote access was opened taking control of the Gebo AQFlex installed in Meyzieu site. Gebo AQFlex at Orangina Suntory France was successfully installed in September 2018. As of today, the solution is running at a high-efficiency level of 99,5%. The proven performance of Gebo AQFlex and the overall success of the project led to an order and installation of another Gebo AQFlex at Orangina Suntory France’s site in Donnery, and further orders of two units in Nagano, Japan. Editors Note: The images within this document are for illustrative purposes only and should not be used for reproduction. If high resolution copies are not attached with the document, please contact Nikolaus Schreck at F&H Porter Novelli for copies – see contact details below. ----------------------------------- For editorial, advertising and sponsorship enquiries, please contact: F&H Porter Novelli Nikolaus Schreck, Senior Consultant Tel: +49 (0) 89 12175-123 Email: sidel@fundh.de

Sitma Machinery is a company based in Spilamberto, Italy, that for more than 50 years has specialized in developing solutions for the packaging and logistics sectors. The company has always operated in response to market trends, and has been a forerunner in developing applications for the e-commerce sector to offer its customers both sorting and packaging systems. Machines such as the "e-Wrap 2.0" were designed for top performance while being capable of using new and innovative materials, including paper and biofilm, for a packaging characterized by sustainability. E-commerce, a step forward for a sector already at the top The Coronavirus epidemic has significantly accelerated the expansion of the e-commerce sector. According to data published by Forbes at the end of April, the North American market alone enjoys an annual growth rate of almost 130%, with acceleration in the early months of 2020 related to the pandemic. The sector’s expansion does not only involve the field of logistics and transport; the connected world of packaging is also experiencing growth and change, with forms and features that are increasingly defined according to e-commerce. This imposes new challenges on logistics hubs and on the entire supply chain, primarily that of having systems capable of packaging, sorting and managing an ever-increasing number of packages of different shapes and sizes, guaranteeing their traceability. A complete offer for multiple sectors Sitma boasts long-term experience in both the packaging and logistics sectors: the combination of this know-how has led it to develop a portfolio of applications specifically dedicated to e-commerce. The company's solutions are highlighted above all for flexibility, being able to work at different speeds and accommodate packages of different sizes and thicknesses. The company’s offering is vast and includes both stand-alone and complete automatic feeding solutions for perfect in-line integration. Machines such as the Quick Pack, Fast Pack, Thick Pack and the aforementioned e-Wrap have received unanimous praise in e-commerce supply chains, satisfying the needs of logistics operators, e-fulfillment centers and e-tailers, and being embraced by sectors such as such as clothing, consumer electronics, books and personal care products. Sustainable and tailor-made solutions There are many advantages to trusting in a Sitma solution. First, the company's machines are particularly appreciated for their incredible reliability developed during more than 50 years of experience in the field. In addition, the machines are built in the name of sustainability, allowing use of innovative and low-impact materials, such as paper or biofilm, instead of traditional packaging films. Another advantage is that Sitma machines create tailor-made and compact packages in order to limit not only material waste for packaging but also reduce package “emptiness,” facilitating transport during the downstream supply chain phases with a significant reduction of the carbon footprint. Thanks to the process offered by Sitma, it is in fact possible to manage the variable geometry of the packages and measure the dimensions of the product/s that make up an order, to create an ad hoc package. Track-and-trace for e-commerce and digital transformation A further added value is the possibility to implement complex data management systems on the line, thanks to the adoption of advanced track-and-trace technologies. The digital transformation that is changing all over the world has also borne fruit in Sitma. In the specific case of packaging, Sitma has implemented a system that allows users to trace information relating to the management of an e-commerce order along the entire distribution chain, ensuring its uniqueness and interconnection. During the preliminary phases, data relating to the product are collected, then later analyzed, associated and further enriched. The product, defined as contents plus packaging, is associated with a unique ID that is then traced throughout the process. The technologies implemented by Sitma are engineered to integrate perfectly with the WCS and customer database, enriching the information already present and with the option to carry out a further data check. All of this allows high levels of efficiency and minimizes the possibility of errors, rejections and rework. This offer complies perfectly with Industry 4.0, which does not stop at the packaging phase. The proposal for the end of the line is in fact also rich and characterized by a high level of automation, which includes integration with weighing and labeling systems. For more information on Sitma’s dedicated offers for e-commerce, visit: https://www.sitma.it/packaging-for-e-commerce/ Sitma: facts and figures Sitma Machinery, founded in 1965, specializes in the design and construction of machines, systems and complete lines for the Packaging, Post-Press, DM/ Transpromo and e-Logistics sectors, with more than 9,000 machines installed worldwide. The company operates in more than 70 countries, coordinating the various activities from the Spilamberto (Modena) headquarters in Northern Italy. Three branches located in France, the United States and Japan, together with a widespread sales network, allow the company to operate on the global market, with an export percentage that exceeds 80%. Sitma constantly works together with its suppliers and with various university departments to develop new technologies and engineer systems that are modular and flexible, allowing high levels of customization. Contact: SITMA S.p.A.,VIA VIGNOLESE, Tel: +39059780311 Fax: +39059780300 Email: sitma@sitma.it web: www.sitma.com

Mr. Pete Petrie joins Michelman as the Sales Director for Printing & Packaging, Americas region.

It’s easy to expect more from the MS-TS Analytical balance. Designed to bring you performance, safety and durability, this balance works as hard as you do. Plus, for a limited time, EasyDirect data-management software is free with every MS-TS purchased, giving you the ability to collect results from up to 10 instruments at once to promote excellent data integrity and the highest productivity. Greifensee, Switzerland – [May 2020] – When you need a balance that offers you accuracy under the toughest lab or production conditions, MS-TS delivers. With a robust full-metal housing as well as built-in quality-assurance and safety features, the MS-TS brings you the weighing accuracy you need today and maintains it for years to come. Right now, MS-TS features that offer the highest in user safety are particularly important—especially when working on shared lab equipment. In addition to being easy-to-clean, MS-TS offers “Glove Mode”, which makes the touchscreen even more sensitive and easy to navigate through gloves. This means users reduce the risk of exposure to aggressive materials and Covid-19 yet still complete essential research activities. With MS-TS, multiple interface options make it easy to manage data, which is important when time-to-result is critical. And, with the addition of EasyDirect, you can collect results from anywhere and deliver them where they are needed. EasyDirect data-management software is included free with every new MS-TS purchased for a limited time. This robust software allows you to collect data from up to 10 balances simultaneously for fast, error-free reporting and enhanced regulatory compliance. Learn more about how the combination of MS-TS and EasyDirect software can help you enhance weighing accuracy and lab productivity while reducing transcription-error and disease-transmission risk today. www.mt.com/MS-TS-SIII * EasyDirect balance data management software included free with every new MS-TS balance purchased for a limited time. About METTLER TOLEDO METTLER TOLEDO is a leading global manufacturer of precision instruments. The Company is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial and food retailing applications. The Company also holds top-three market positions for several related analytical instruments and is a leading provider of automated chemistry systems used in drug and chemical compound discovery and development. In addition, the Company is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of metal detection systems used in production and packaging. Additional information about METTLER TOLEDO can be found at www.mt.com. Press Contact METTLER TOLEDO GmbH Laboratory Weighing Branko Radovinovic Head of Communications Laboratory Weighing Im Langacher 44, 8606 Greifensee, Switzerland Tel.: +41 44 944 20 39 Email: branko.radovinovic@mt.com

METTLER TOLEDO is proud to be celebrating 75 years of weighing equipment excellence, and our focus on hygienic design and operator safety has never been stronger. For more details on our robust portfolio and how our usable designs can help you achieve accuracy and productivity in your lab, visit www.mt.com. Press Release: METTLER TOLEDO: Bringing You the Most Robust, Safety-Conscious Weighing Equipment Portfolio for 75 Years Greifensee, Switzerland – [May 2020] – METTLER TOLEDO is proud to offer a complete portfolio of high-quality balances along with the know-how to help you choose the right one for your lab application and budget. With a broad range of sizes, readabilities, innovative features, and easy-to-connect accessories, these weighing instruments bring you the right combination of performance, reliability, and ease-of-use. Perhaps most importantly, our balance portfolio includes features that can provide a higher level of user safety. In addition to being easy-to-clean, “Glove Mode” makes balance touchscreens more sensitive and easier to navigate through personal protective equipment. This means that operators can limit the possibility of contracting or passing on COVID-19 when using shared equipment while still getting critical research work accomplished. As it has been since our inception 75 years ago, your process needs are our focus. Whether you require simple weighing instruments or the most exacting mass comparator, our range of design experience means we stand ready to deliver the accuracy level and usability you require. Learn more about our deep weighing experience and discover world-class weighing that fits your process and your budget by visiting www.mt.com today. To help identify which METTLER TOLEDO balance or scale meets your needs, use our free GWP® Recommendation tool. www.mt.com/MS-ML-ME-SIII About METTLER TOLEDO METTLER TOLEDO is a leading global manufacturer of precision instruments. The Company is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial and food retailing applications. The Company also holds top-three market positions for several related analytical instruments and is a leading provider of automated chemistry systems used in drug and chemical compound discovery and development. In addition, the Company is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of metal detection systems used in production and packaging. Additional information about METTLER TOLEDO can be found at www.mt.com. Press Contact METTLER TOLEDO GmbH Laboratory Weighing Branko Radovinovic Head of Communications Laboratory Weighing Im Langacher 44, 8606 Greifensee, Switzerland Tel.: +41 44 944 20 39 Email: branko.radovinovic@mt.com

The Certificate released by Carbon Trust that has calculated the CO2 emissions for all our products.This is the first t

EMA has endorsed two statements about the importance, safety and effectiveness of vaccines published today by the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA). International regulators from around the world have come together and jointly developed these statements for healthcare professionals and the general public to give assurance that the regulatory processes for the authorisation and safety monitoring of vaccines are robust, independent and focus firmly on public health. ‘The COVID-19 health emergency reminds us how important vaccines are to protect ourselves and our loved ones against infectious diseases,’ said Guido Rasi, Chair of ICMRA and EMA’s Executive Director. ‘In fact, vaccines are that one medical intervention that benefits not only those who receive it directly but also those who are too young, too old or too ill to be vaccinated themselves.’ The two ICMRA statements aim to reassure healthcare professionals and the public around the globe that medicines regulators only allow vaccines onto the market that fulfil the highest standards of safety, efficacy and quality. In recent years, vaccination coverage has dropped to sometimes dangerously low levels in some countries, which increases the risk of the disease spreading and affecting the unvaccinated. The ICMRA statements reiterate that it is everyone’s responsibility to get vaccinated in order to protect not only themselves but also their friends, communities, vulnerable populations who cannot get immunised as well as the generations to come. ICMRA is an international coalition of 29 medicines regulatory authorities from every region in the world, with WHO as an observer, which works to address global regulatory challenges. Medicines regulators recognise their important role in facilitating access to safe and effective high-quality medicines that are essential to human health and well-being. This includes ensuring that the benefits of vaccines outweigh their risks. The development of the joint statements followed a series of discussions among ICMRA members on new ways to collaborate and enhance confidence in vaccine safety and effectiveness. The ICMRA statements are available in multiple languages on the ICMRA website. Contact point EMA press office Tel. +31 (0)88 781 8427 E-mail: press@ema.europa.eu Follow us on Twitter @EMA_News

CVMP adopts a draft strategy on antimicrobials 2021-2025 CVMP opinions on veterinary medicinal products The Committee adopted by consensus a positive opinion for a grouped type II variation application for Bluevac BTV8 to add the strains BTV1 and BTV4 into the vaccine. The Committee adopted by consensus a positive opinion for a type IB variation application for Stronghold Plus and Felisecto Plus (selamectin/sarolaner) to correct the translations of product information. More information about the above-mentioned medicines, including their full indication, will be published on the Agency’s website. Renewals of marketing authorisations The Committee adopted by consensus positive opinions for the renewal of the marketing authorisations for Simparica and Zycortal. The Committee, having re-assessed the benefit-risk balance of these products, concluded that the quality, safety and efficacy continue to be appropriately demonstrated and, therefore, recommended the renewal of the marketing authorisations. Community referrals and related procedures The Committee concluded the referral procedure for Dinolytic 12.5 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml solutions for injection and associated names, and generic products thereof. The matter was referred to the Committee by France under Article 35 of Directive 2001/82/EC due to concerns relating to the appropriateness of the withdrawal periods in cattle. The Committee agreed that the withdrawal periods for cattle meat and offal should be amended to provide assurance for consumer safety. The Committee adopted by consensus an opinion concluding that the marketing authorisations of the concerned products should be varied in order to amend the product information accordingly. The Committee adopted by majority a corrigendum of the opinion adopted on 20 May 2020 on the procedure under Article 45 of Regulation (EC) No. 726/2004 for Suvaxyn PRRS MLV from Zoetis Belgium SA. In the corrected opinion, a sentence was reinstated in the product information. Maximum residue limits The Committee adopted by consensus a positive opinion recommending the establishment of maximum residue limits for bupivacaine in bovine. More information about the above recommendation will be published on the Agency’s website. The Committee agreed to include natural crystalline graphite as a new entry in the list of substances considered as not falling within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 470/2009 under the heading of excipients and adopted a revised list (EMA/CVMP/519714/2009-Rev. 44). This decision followed the Committee’s review of a request that had been submitted in accordance with the relevant CVMP guidance. The document will be published on the Agency’s website. Minor use, minor species (MUMS)/limited market Following the Committee’s review of a request for classification under the MUMS/limited market policy, the CVMP classified a product (immunological) for dogs as indicated for MUMS/limited market and eligible for reduced data requirements, where applicable. The product is not eligible for financial incentives as it is intended for use in non-food producing species. The Committee also reclassified a product (systemic hormonal preparation) for horses as indicated for MUMS/limited market and eligible for reduced data requirements, when applicable. The product is not eligible for financial incentives in line with the Guidance on the classification of veterinary medicinal products indicated for minor use minor species MUMS/limited market (EMA/CVMP/388694/2014) as according to the MUMS policy, products for horses are generally not eligible for fee incentives. Pharmacovigilance The Committee reviewed the PSURs for Purevax FeLV and Vectra 3D, and recommended amendments to the product information. The Committee also reviewed the PSURs for Comfortis, Credelio, Innovax ILT, Masivet, Melovem, Nasym, Osurnia, ProZinc, Sileo, Ubac and Zactran, and concluded that no further action or changes to their product information were required. Concept papers, guidelines and SOPs Quality The Committee adopted a new guideline on water for pharmaceutical use (EMA/CHMP/CVMP/QWP/496873/2018), further to its adoption by CHMP at their May 2020 meeting. It replaces the Note for guidance on quality of water for pharmaceutical use (EMEA/CVMP/115/01). This guideline takes into account comments received during public consultation and addresses changes in some European Pharmacopoeia monographs (water for injections – revised, water for preparation of extracts – new, water highly purified – deleted) as well as current expectations for the minimum acceptable quality of water used in the manufacture of active substances and medicinal products for human and veterinary use. The document(s) above will be published on the Agency’s website. Antimicrobials The Committee adopted the draft CVMP strategy on antimicrobials 2021-2025 (EMA/CVMP/179874/2020) for a 3-month period of public consultation. In the context of this strategy, the focus of the CVMP’s activities regarding antimicrobials over the next five years will be on supporting the effective implementation of those provisions in the Regulation (EU) 2019/6 that take forward the EU’s One Health Action Plan against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Proposed actions address measures embedding the responsible use of antimicrobials in veterinary medicine, the protection of public and animal health from the risk of AMR and support to the development of new antimicrobials and their alternatives. Immunologicals The Committee adopted questions and answers on management of extraneous agents in immunological veterinary medicinal products (EMA/CVMP/IWP/669993/2019). The Committee adopted a revised mandate, objectives and rules of procedure for the CVMP Immunologicals Working Party (EMA/CVMP/IWP/208689/2004). The questions and answers document and the revised mandate will be published on the Agency’s website. Regulatory Further to the request from the European Commission, the Committee adopted scientific recommendations for implementing measures under Article 57(4) of Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products regarding the format of the data to be collected on antimicrobial medicinal products used in animals. The documents will be sent to the European Commission and published on the Agency’s website in due course. Contact point EMA Press office Tel. +31 (0)88 781 8427 E-mail: press@ema.europa.eu Follow us on Twitter @EMA_News

Five-year agreement makes Antares exclusive supplier of all inspection and tracking technologies, and lays groundwork for innovative jointly-developed solutions Two Italy-based equipment solutions leaders to bring digital innovation into sectors with high growth potential Travagliato (BS), June 17, 2020 – Antares Vision has entered into a partnership with IMA, a company listed in the STAR segment and a global leader in the design and production of machines for process automation and packaging of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, foodstuffs, tea and coffee. The two companies’ 20-year history of cooperation supplying inspection systems to ensure the quality and integrity of pharmaceutical packaging will now extend to a variety of other segments – including food & beverage, cosmetics and medical devices – for product traceability and smart data management. This turns Antares Vision into one of the go-to technological partners supporting digital innovation efforts for the entire IMA Group internationally. Aimed at consolidating and strengthening the leadership of both partners in existing and emerging markets, the five-year agreement involves synergistic cooperation for developing and implementing innovative solutions via specific projects, new business opportunities and new products. These will initially take the form of new, collaborative production lines, then expanded to comprise upgrades and retrofits of existing lines. The agreement will result in significant growth in the integration of Antares Vision technology within IMA machines, further strengthening this important commercial and technological partnership. Emidio Zorzella, Chairman and Managing Director of Antares Vision: “We are extremely pleased with the agreement we have reached with our partner, with whom we have been sharing experiences and skills in the pharmaceutical sector for over 20 years, through the supply of visual inspection systems for product quality control. IMA has affirmed and strengthened its partnership with our company – the only technological player able to offer a single, comprehensive solution by integrating the supply of inspection systems with tracking and data analysis solutions along the whole production chain, thereby guaranteeing product quality and transparency. The agreement with IMA will allow us to penetrate new sectors more quickly and consistently, per our mission to bring our high-value offerings into high-leverage sectors beyond pharmaceuticals. Together, the two global leaders promote the digitisation of the supply chain, with future-ready applications, from automation, to interconnection, to smart data management, to guarantee Trustparency – transparency that generates trust.” ABOUT ANTARES VISION Listed since April 2019 on the Italian Stock Exchange in the AIM Market after a business combination with ALP.I (SPAC promoted by Mediobanca), Antares Vision guarantees the protection of products during their life cycle through visual inspection systems for quality control, Track & Trace solutions for anti-counterfeiting and supply chain control, smart data management for maximized efficiency and customer engagement, in all the most demanding industrial sectors, from pharmaceutical to biomedical devices, from food to beverage, from cosmetics to fashion. Antares Vision reaches over 60 countries in the world with complete and flexible solutions, hardware and software, and related services: four Italian branches (Brescia, Parma, Piacenza, Latina), 12 foreign branches (Ireland, Germany [2], France [2], USA [2], Brazil [2], India, Russia and Hong Kong), two Innovation Centers (Italy and Ireland) and a worldwide network of more than 30 partners. With 20 years of experience in vision technologies, Antares Vision is supplier of 10 of the 20 leading pharmaceutical Companies in the world with more than 25.000 vision systems, that ensure every day product safety and quality, 6.500 inspection checks on production lines and more than 3.500 serialization lines installed all over the world to guarantee the tracking of more than 5 billion products across the whole supply chain. With the aim of continuing and supporting the growth and development strategy, during 2019 participation agreements were finalized with T2 Software, a Brazilian company specialized in smart data management solutions, and Orobix, an Italian company leader in artificial intelligence services, as well as the acquisition of 100% of FT System, leader in control and inspection in the beverage sector. In April 2020, Antares Vision finalized an agreement for the acquisition of 82.83% of Tradeticity, a Croatian company specialized in software management of advanced traceability processes. In 2019 Emidio Zorzella and Massimo Bonardi were awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for innovation. www.antaresvision.com

Speciality security printer Eltronis has reported a 20 per cent increase in enquiries for its brand protection and track and trace solutions since the outbreak of Coronavirus. The majority of these new enquiries have come from the pharmaceutical sector, reflecting the rise in public demand for immunity and health protection against the virus. Eltronis, which recently opened its European head office in the UK in Oxfordshire, delivers security and authentication solutions to leading global brands in the pharmaceutical, automotive, security, brand protection and industrial sectors. The significant growth in enquiries follows the recent warning from the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA), of which Eltronis is a member, about criminals profiting from the COVID-19 crisis. Its report highlighted the urgent need for more investment in anti-counterfeiting technologies. The message from the IHMA coincided with alerts about counterfeit goods from Europol and EUIPO, particularly regarding the international trade in fake pharmaceuticals, which is worth in excess of $4bn. Pete Smallwood, Business Development Manager for Eltronis, said, “Since the outbreak of Coronavirus we have seen a significant increase in the number of anti-counterfeit enquiries we have received, largely from our pharmaceutical customers. “These enquires have not only come from our traditional markets but also from further afield, with projects throughout Europe, the Middle East and a number of specific requests in Indonesia and the Far East.” Eltronis technologies and products enable consumers to carry out a quick and trusted authentication check, while also ensuring a significant deterrent to counterfeiters. The patented solutions can be integrated into a range of label and packaging applications and combine with other technologies such as Eltronis’ in-house track and trace system. This not only allows customers to quickly and easily check that their goods are genuine, but also gives brands the opportunity for greater consumer engagement. In addition, bespoke software development can help detect grey imports across markets, providing multi-layered functionality from one product. “Counterfeit goods generally do not meet the required quality standards and pose a real threat to public health, particularly during this pandemic,” said Pete. “People who buy these fake products are given a false sense of security, when in fact they are left unprotected against the virus, as well as being at potential risk from the contents of the fake medicines. “Having an effective brand protection strategy is now an essential part of today’s medicines and pharmaceutical goods, ensuring they meet all legislative requirements, as well as enabling examiners and consumers to clearly verify the authenticity of the products in the market and protect themselves from fakes.” Ends ABOUT ELTRONIS Founded in 2003, Eltronis is a privately owned speciality security printer which has established itself as a trusted partner for a wide range of global brand owners, pharmaceutical suppliers and automotive manufacturers alongside its various long-standing governmental projects. Headquartered in the UK and with manufacturing in Eastern Europe, Eltronis combines all forms of traditional security print with digital and holographic technologies. By identifying the key issues faced by each customer, the business ensures its unique and often patented solutions meet the specific needs of each project. As an established supplier of security solutions for governments worldwide, Eltronis offers a single source supply for security documents such national IDs, voter programmes, tax stamps and driving licences. Production is within a guarded and patrolled environment with full access control, CCTV, secure storage and waste destruction. Eltronis is ISO certified for Quality, Environmental and Health and Safety and is a member of the IHMA. Visit online at www.eltronis.com For Eltronis sales enquiries please contact: Pete Smallwood, Business Development Manager Tel: +44 (0) 1473 356544 Email: pete.smallwood@eltronis.com For Eltronis media enquiries please contact: Simon Wildash or Phil Stubbs, Nielsen McAllister Tel: +44 (0)1332 293939 Email: info@nmpr.co.uk