In these trying economic times, converters and their suppliers who may be "waiting" for business to recover...("Is the recession over already?" or "Things should pick up by late summer, right?")...may soon find themselves out of the loop and out of the running. How? By not staying technically current now and ready with new innovations for when things pick up again.

This issue of Converting is loaded with technical, economic and market information that will serve you well. Our cover story, by contributing editor

Eldridge Mount, looks at where metallized-film barriers are headed. A new surge in development is just around the corner, he says, especially through the potential gathering of old, new and emerging technologies.

In the first of two Special Reports this year on Slitting & Rewinding Technology, Tidland Corp.'s Reinhold Schable provides a thorough rundown on "practically-perfect" shear slitting. Just the kind of technical data you need to stay ahead of the curve for your next system purchase.

Converters, like CPFilms and Douglas-Hanson quoted in senior editor Laura McCluskey's Tech Update on silicone coating, know the value of the latest technical developments. They'll be well-positioned, along with the innovative suppliers mentioned, to hit the ground running before the economic tide turns.

And, regular Economic Outlook contributor Daryl Delano gives an up-date on his 2002 forecast with a quick overview of how consumer demand—the real driver of economic growth—already shows signs of a rebound for nondurable goods and the converted packaging that helps sell them.

Converting will always be a ready resource to help you do your job better. Last year alone we published 59 technical or economic columns and features—almost 110 pages. And nearly 120 pages of new products—more than any competitor.

Want another source of bright ideas? Why not use your own employees via an Idea Exchange? You basically set up a forum to encourage and promote innovative, profitable ideas across your organization. By letting employees follow the example of others, you may be able to help the whole company run more efficiently. Our parent, Reed Business Information, instituted just such an exchange recently on our Intranet.

We'd like your ideas, too. Call or e-mail me about how we can make Converting even more valuable to you.