In a move designed to counter the growing menace of counterfeit paints in the GCC by refilling used paint drums of well-known brands, Sigma Paints has announced that it has introduced a redesigned tamper-proof drum to the market.

"Our new paint drums are still plastic and re-sealable," explained Fred Aalbers, marketing manager of Sigma Paints. "However, we have added two break away seals in the rims of the drum. Only by breaking these seals can the lid of the drum be opened." Once the lid is removed, Aalbers emphasised that the drum can still be closed to reuse any remaining point. But the broken seals would be a clear signal to any consumer that the drum had already been used.

The company, in the wake of the counterfeit paint phenomenon, introduced the tamper-proof drums. Counterfeiters would collect discharged empty drums of branded paints, and refill them with cheap paints of their own making, to sell them again as the original branded product, says Aalbers.

"Sigma was one of the first to be hit by the phenomenon, which began in Saudi Arabia during the last two years," he says. "We have a very strong brand with a reputation for high quality. Added to which we were the first one in the industry to introduce plastic drums for the convenience of our customers. Both of these were strong attractions for the counterfeiters."

The new drums are already in use and the company expects that by the end of May all Sigma Paints water-based products will be in the new tamper-proof drums. "Combating counterfeiters will require a concerted effort on the part of our industry", commented Aalbers. "Introducing tamper-proof drums will go a long way to restoring consumer confidence and preventing counterfeiting. We now also need to look at the legal and commercial aspects of preventing this menace."