The arrival of a new school year in Germany is a stressful time for children but a happy time for Dieter Liebler. For hundreds of thousands of children making the big leap out of the Kindergarten, the first, daunting day is made more enjoyable because of a product from Mr Liebler’s company.

That product is the Ranzen, a boxy, satchel-cum-rucksack made from plastic and printed nylon. Alfred Sternjakob, Mr Liebler’s company, launched the first brand, Scout, more than 30 years ago – and found instant success. Few German six-year-olds do not carry a Scout, or one of the many lookalike brands.