Rapra Conferences
2001 - 2009



For many years this was the official website for the Rapra conferences.

Rapra has been organising conferences for the plastics and rubber industries for over 25 years. Rapra provide business-to-business conferences on key technical subjects. Meetings are designed to assist the rubber and plastics industries to do business in an ever changing global market.
Content is from the site's archived pages of their conferences from 2001 - 2009.

Rapra Technology Limited is an international organisation with over 80 years of experience providing industry with technology, information and consultancy on all aspects of rubber and plastics.
In April 2006 the Smithers Group, an independent organisation based in the US, bought Rapra Technology, the UK polymer research centre. In 2010, Smithers Rapra Technology Ltd. in the UK and Smithers Scientific Services in the USA are being combined by their parent into an integrated business unit that will go under the global brand name of Smithers Rapra.

This website reflected these changes as the site was eventually redesigned and rebranded from Rapra Technology to Smithers Rapra.

The new owners of this domain have chosen to present archived content for historical purposes only.

 

 ~~~

 

Attending the Rapra Technology conferences from 2000 to 2009 was an enlightening experience. The discussion groups were particularly impressive, fostering an environment of innovation and knowledge sharing that was second to none. The presentations on new products, especially those focusing on the next generation of manufacturing techniques, were eye-opening. I gained a deeper understanding of plastics and polymers, areas I previously knew little about. A chance encounter with a fellow attendee from MIT, who shared insights on both the polymer industry and golf equipment technology, was a highlight. His expertise not only broadened my technical knowledge but also influenced my decision to purchase a set of Tour Edge golf clubs, thanks to the advanced technology they boasted. This event was not just an educational opportunity but also a networking goldmine, providing insights into the latest industry trends and technologies.

 

~~~

2000


Organising Conferences for the plastics and rubber industries for over 25 years, Rapra Provides business-to-business conferences on key technical subjects. Meetings are designed to assist the rubber and plastics industries do business in an ever changing global market.

Rapra brings together leading academics and industrialists in an annual programme of national and international conferences. Renowned for our quality coverage of polymer topics, Rapra conferences are of interest to polymer processors and industry-wide-users.

Welcome to Rapra Conferences

Please follow the links below for information on our upcoming conferences. Additional details for all conferences can be obtained from the Conference Producer, Janine Kitson. 

Organising conferences for the plastics and rubber industries for over 25 years, Rapra provide business-to-business conferences on key technical subjects. Meetings are designed to assist the rubber and plastics industries to do business in an ever changing global market.



     
  • High Performance Elastomers

  • 10 -11 October 2000, Berlin, Germany

    Introduction

    Rapra Technology Limited and European Rubber Journal are pleased to announce the first conference devoted entirely to the range of elastomers grouped as ‘high performance’ elastomers.

    The industrial use of elastomers is becoming increasingly demanding with respect to their resistance to their working environments. Sophistication of transportation vehicles of all types leads inevitably to more stringent specification requirements being applied to elastomers utilised as containment and transportation media for fluids and as equipment seals. Oilfield and gas producing environments, particularly, can be very demanding on the elastomers used.

    High performance elastomers and their compounds capable of surviving the hostile environments in which they are required to work can present problems in manufacture due to their nature, and can also require special handling and production techniques.

    The conference papers will examine and discuss many applications in practice, the properties which make them suitable for their application and the processing and product manufacturing methods.

    The papers to be presented will be of a high calibre, given by industry experts and will be of interest to materials suppliers, compounders and processors together with vehicle designers, manufacturers of products required for environmentally demanding applications, in fact all end users of these specialty elastomers.

    High Performance Elastomers Conference Venue

    The Crowne Plaza, Berlin City Centre is located in the heart of the city very close to the Kurfurstendamm, the famous KaDeWe department-store, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the Zoo.

    Hotel Room Reservations

    Book-o-Tel are acting as our agent for High Performance Elastomers and will facilitate all hotel reservations. A special rate has been negotiated for a single room at the Conference Hotel for 315DM. A booking form will be sent with your joining instructions on receipt of your completed reservation form. Alternatively, telephone Alison at Book-o-Tel direct on +44 (0)1905 610016 citing the High Performance Elastomers Conference.

    Conference Programme

    Tuesday 10th October

    0930 - 1010                       Registration and Coffee sponsored by DuPont Dow Elastomers

    1015                       Welcome and introduction

    Richard Simpson, Rapra Technology Limited, UK

    1030                       An overview of the high performance elastomer industry

    Richard Beswick, BMS Marketing Services, Switzerland

    1100                       HNBR and EVM for long lasting high performance applications in cars

    Martin Metzger, Bayer AG, Germany

    1130                       Coffee sponsored by DuPont Dow Elastomers

    1150                       Elastomers in flexible pipes for the oil industry

    Tibor Nagy, Taurus Emerge Rubber Industries Limited, Hungary

    1220                       Elastomers in hostile environments

    Robert Campion, MERL, UK

    1250                       Discussion

    1300                       Lunch

    1415                       High performance metallocene EPDM elastomers

    Wolfgang Steinhoff, DuPont Dow Elastomers GmbH, Germany

    1445                       Benefits of double mixing high performance elastomers

    Warren Febery, Clwyd Compounders Limited, UK

    1515                       Coffee sponsored by DuPont Dow Elastomers

    1535                       New developments for the optimization of high performance elastomers using 3D simulation tools

    Lothar Kallien, Sigma Engineering GmbH, Germany

    1605                       2-shot injection moulding - high performance and conventional elastomers

    Manfred Arning, Engel Vertriebeges mbH., Austria

    1635                       Ethylene acrylic elastomers - new developments for demanding automotive applications

    Klaus Kammerer, Dupont de Nemours, Switzerland

    1705                       Discussion and conference close day one

    1715 - 1845                       Evening drinks reception

    Wednesday 11th October

    0900 - 0925                       Coffee

    0930                       Silicone elastomers for high performance applications

    K Wieczorek, Wacker Chemie GmbH, Germany

    1000                       High speed vulcanizing htv-silicone - a one compound addition cross-linked silicone

    Hans Langbauer, Gummiwerk Kraiburg GmbH and Company, Germany

    1030                       Coffee

    1050                       LSR - the unique high performance material in applications and processing

    Clemmens Trumm, Dow Corning, Germany

    1120                       Elastomeric silicone adhesives for automotive engine gaskets and sealing

    Olivier Loubet, Rhodia Silicones, France

    1150                       Fluoroelastomers for extreme environments

    Nigel Page, James Walker and Company Limited, UK

    1220                       Discussion

    1230                       Lunch

    1345                       Base resistant elastomers for high performance sealing applications

    Jurgen Stefans, Dyneon GmbH, Germany

    1415                       FKM for severe demand product applications

    Ernst Osen, Carl Freudenberg GmbH, Germany

    1445                       New perfluroelastomers for semi-conductor applications

    Marco Apostolo, Ausimont SpA, Italy

    1515                       Discussion

    1530                       Chairman’s Closing Remarks, Coffee and Conference Close

    The organisers reserve the right to modify and/or change the programme and venue only if absolutely necessary and due to reasons beyond their control.

    Delegate Registration and Early Registration Offers

    Companies sending one or two delegates

    £650 plus German VAT at 16% per delegate before 1st September 2000

    £690 plus German VAT at 16% per delegate after 1st September 2000

    Companies sending three or more delegates

    £590 plus German VAT at 16% per delegate before 1st September 2000

    £680 plus German VAT at 16% per delegate after 1st  September 2000

    Please note that payment must be made prior to the conference

    The delegate registration fee includes both days at the conference, a bound copy of the published proceedings, lunch and coffee breaks on both days and an evening drinks reception following day one of the conference.

    Delegates registering before 1st  September 2000 will be entitled to a saving of £40 off the normal conference registration fee. Companies sending three or more delegates will receive a saving of £90 per delegate for registering before 15th September 2000.

    Corporate Promotion at Addcon World

    A wallet service is provided for companies wishing to communicate their corporate data to conference  delegates. A leaflet is inserted in each delegate pack used by the delegates for the conference.

    130 brochures need to be received at Rapra Technology Limited no later 1st September 2000. Only one brochure will be allowed to be given to each delegate.

    Wallet Service Fee £375 plus German VAT @ 16%

   
 
     
  • Addcon World 2000 - Plastics Additives and Modifiers

  • 25- 26 October 2000, Basel, Switzerland

   
 
     
  • Polymers in Mass Transit

  • 13- 14 November 2000, Brussels, Belgium

    Conference Scope

    This new conference for 2000, Polymers in Mass Transit, will investigate the application of polymers in all types of transportation including rail, road, air, in fact any mode or form of transport which moves people or merchandise from A to B. Particular emphasis will be placed on fire, electrical properties and durability which would reflect the choice of polymers, processes and compounding ingredients used in these exacting environments. Mass transit is a feature of 21st century life and in many respects can have a significant impact on public safety if problems arise due to property breakdown of polymers or in exposure to non-specified environments, such as fire.

    Call for Papers

    Papers are now being invited from a variety of sources including material suppliers, processors and compounders. Priority will also be given to specifying bodies, end-users in mass transit and health and safety organisations. The structure of the programme will probably be built up around four sessions; Overcoming environmental hazards, Compounding for fire and electrical performance, Prevention of degradation through outside forces and Hazards to public safety. Please submit a short abstract together with your paper title no later than 14th April 2000.

   
 
     
  • TyreTech 2000

  • 27-28 November 2000, Warsaw, Poland

   
 
     
  • Doing Plastics Business in Asia

  • 5-6 December 2000 Brussels, Belgium

   
 
     
  • European Automotive Supplier 2000

  • 11- 12 December 2000 Frankfurt, Germany

   
 
     
  • Rapid Prototyping

  • 6 February 2001 Coventry, UK

   
 
     
  • Polymer Rheology

  • 15 - 16 February 2001 Shawbury, UK

   
 
     
  • Blowing Agents and Foaming Processes

  • 13-14 March 2001 Frankfurt, Germany

    The third blowing agents, formulation and processing conference

    Rapra Technology Limited is pleased to announce the 3rd Blowing Agents and Foaming Processes Conference to be held in Frankfurt in March 2001. This conference follows successful forums in 1998 and 1999 at Rapra Technology Limited and UMIST, Manchester.

    This unique conference dedicated to the critical role of blowing Agents in foamed plastics and rubber will aim to assemble major blowing agent manufacturers and suppliers, foaming process providers and academia to present insight into the industrial progress and research for foam generation.

    Call for Papers and Paper Submission

    Papers are now being invited for submission on the following areas:

    latest advances within the industry

     Whereas we are always keen to hear of new developments and performance factors, no trade, grade or company names should be included in the title. Presentation time at the conference will be around 30 minutes. If you are interested in submitting a paper for consideration please email. Janine Kitson, Conference Producer  with your ideas.

    Register Your Interest in Attending

    Programme and registration information will be available during 2000. To make sure you receive delegate and programme information for Blowing Agents please complete this form.

   
 
     
  • RubberChem - rubber chemicals, compounding and mixing

  • 3-4 April 2001, Brussels, Belgium


    • RubberChem - rubber chemicals, compounding and mixing

    • 3-4 April 2001, Brussels, Belgium

    This second international forum follows the successful launch of this conference in 1999 in Antwerp, Belgium. RubberChem is dedicated to the subject of rubber chemicals, compounding and mixing technology and material innovations

    Call for Papers and Paper Submission

    Papers are now being invited for submission on the following areas:

    = processing and mixing technology = compounding innovations = antidegradants = colorants and pigments = extenders = protective agents = fillers = mould release agents =  processing aid systems = vulcanising agents = enhancement and modification technology

     

   
 
     
  • Medical Polymers 2001 

  • 14-15 May 2001, Brussels, Belgium

   
 
     
  • TPE 2001

  • 18-19 June 2001, Brussels, Belgium

   
 
     
  • PVC Challenges and Opportunities

  • 11-12 September 2001, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

   
 
     
  • Automotive Fuel and Rubber

  • 1-2 October 2001, Frankfurt, Germany

  • The seventh international plastics additives and modifiers conference
   
 
     
  • Addcon 2001 - Plastics Additives and Modifiers
  • 8-9 October 2001, Berlin, Germany
  •    
     
     
         
  • Oilfield Engineering with Polymers

  • 13-14 November 2001, London, UK

  •    
     
         
  • Rubber Bonding 2001

  • 20-21 November 2001, Turin, Italy

  •    
     
         
  • European Automotive Supplier 2001

  • December  2001

  •  

     
    Identification of Rubber & Plastic Materials
     
    Do you want to know what materials your competitors are using?
    Do you suspect your materials suppliers are not providing what you asked for?
    Have you found a product to manufacture but don't know what material to specify?

    Rapra provides comprehensive analytical services to Industry, individuals and other consultants. We have reference libraries of standard materials and can identify a wide range of polymer materials.

    Materials analysed include:

    Thermoplastic composites
    Cured elastomers
    Thermosets and composite materials and products
    Polymer additives and compounding ingredients
    Other polymer based products i.e. additives coatings, adhesives, inks and paints.

    The principal analytical techniques used at Rapra are:

    Spectroscopic - (FT-IR, Infrared Microspectroscopy, UV/Vis Spectroscopy)
    Chromatographic (HPLC, GPC, GC, GC-MS, IC)
    Thermal (DSC, TGA, DMTA, Thermal Diffusivity)
    Plus - a range of wet chemical and other general, specialist or miscellaneous techniques.

     

    The benefits to you

    Understand what materials your competitors are using
    Receive full report of tests undertaken and results obtained
    Get reliable analysis from independent, accredited laboratory
    Rapid service available - ask for details

    What Next ?

    Contact Rapra with details of your proposed application or problem by completing our online enquiry form

     

     



    2005 & 2006 Conferences

                 
    High Performance Plastics 2005
    Vienna, Austria, 5-6 April 2005




                 
    High Performance and Speciality Elastomers 2005
    Geneva, Switzerland, 20-21 April 2005         

     



                 
    Blowing Agents and Foaming Processes 2005
    Stuttgart, Germany, 10-11 May 2005


                 
    Doing Plastics Business in Poland 2005
    Krakow, Poland, 30-31 May 2005
                 
    TPE 2005
    Berlin, Germany, 14-15 September 2005      
                 
    Addcon World 2005 | The Eleventh International Plastics Additives and Modifiers Conference
    Hamburg, Germany, 21-22 September 2005

    Rapra Technology Limited is pleased to announce the 11th International Plastics Additives and Modifiers Conference, Addcon World 2005, to be held in Hamburg, Germany 21-22 September 2005. This is the leading additives, modifiers and compounding conference. It provides an opportunity to network with researchers and manufacturers from across the plastics industry. There will be information on new developments and a chance to meet and discuss the issues for the industry in 2005.

    The additives industry is rapidly growing. This conference will enable suppliers and compounders, together with plastics users and market researchers, to keep up to date with the latest technology and market changes.

    At Addcon 2005 there are overview papers from experts on markets and market forces (particularly European legislation) and technical sessions on processing aids, stabilizers, flame retardants, compatabilisers (coupling agents) antimicrobials, compounding, and additives that affect surface properties.

    Conference Venue
    The conference will take place at the Dorint Novotel Hamburg Alster in Hamburg, Germany. Telephone +49 403 919 00 for further information or click to download hotel information sheet.

    Programme
    Wednesday 21st September

    9.40 Welcome and Introduction to Addcon 2005
    Rapra Technology Ltd, UK

    SESSION 1. THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT - MARKETS AND LEGISLATION
    9.50 A global overview of the Plastic Additives Industry - "Adding value has never been tougher"
    Ronald G Babinsky, Townsend Polymer Services & Information, USA
    10.15 The plastics industry and REACH
    Dr Rüdiger Baunemann, PlasticsEurope Deutschland, Germany
    10.40 Safety data for the new EU REACH chemicals scheme and alternatives to testing
    Dr Derek Knight, SafePharm Laboratories Ltd, UK

    11.05 COFFEE

    SESSION 2. PROCESS AIDS AND NUCLEATING AGENTS
    11.35 Faster, better, cheaper - the use of non-polar processing aids to improve efficiencies
    Dr Niall Marshall, Sasol Wax: Polymer Additives, South Africa
    12.00 The mounting support for large particles in fluoropolymer process aids
    Steven Oriani, DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C., USA
    12.25 A versatile family of nucleating and clarifying agents for isotactic polypropylene
    Prof Hans-Werner Schmidt, Markus Blomenhofer, Bayreuth University, Germany; Magnus Kristiansen and Paul Smith, ETH Zürich, Polymer Technology, Switzerland; Klaus Stoll, Dietmar Mäder and Kurt Hoffmann, CIBA Specialty Chemicals, Switzerland

    12.50 LUNCH

    SESSION 3. STABILIZATION 1
    14.20 High heat and UV stabilization of polyolefins used under demanding conditions
    Dr Vincenzo Malatesta, Dr Leonard Davis & Dr John Zenner, Cytec Industries Inc, USA
    14.45 UV stabilisation with innovative blends
    Klaus Keck-Antoine, Michael Kearns, Cindy Doumen & Herwig Perck, Great Lakes Technology, Belgium
    15.10 Advanced nanoparticle stabilisation systems for polyethylene, polystyrene and poly(vinyl chloride)
    Dr Robin McIntyre & Dr Gareth Wakefield, Oxonica Ltd, UK

    15.45 COFFEE

    SESSION 4. FLAME RETARDANTS 1
    16.10 Technology advances in polycarbonate flame retardants
    James Innes & Ann Innes, Flame Retardants Associates, Inc., USA
    16.35 Progress with nanostructured flame retardants
    Dr. Günter Beyer, Kabelwerk Eupen AG, Belgium

    SESSION 5 ANTIMICROBIALS
    17.00 Antimicrobials in food contact applications in the EU – a regulatory puzzle
    Dr Anna Gergely, Keller & Heckman LLP, Belgium
    17.25 Impact of silver glass ceramic antimicrobial active ingredient in refrigerator inner surfaces on cold-tolerating germs
    Heinz Studer, Sanitized AG, Switzerland.

    17.50 Close of Day One

    19.30 Conference Dinner

    Thursday 22nd September
    SESSION 6. COMPATIBILISERS (COUPLING AGENTS)

    9.00 Comparison of non polar filler and surface treatment agents
    Manfred Gloeggler, Dow Corning GmbH, Germany
    9.25. Recent advances in maleic anhydride grafted coupling agents for filled polypropylene compounds
    Dr Mark Moody, William Sigworth, Leigh Allen & Abuzar Syed, Crompton Europe Ltd, UK

    SESSION 7. COMPOUNDING
    9.50 Additive dosing: What are the requirements for an additive feeding system in today’s compounding process?
    Alfred Häuptli, K-Tron (Schweiz) AG, Switzerland
    10.15 How to manufacture additive masterbatches on a twin-screw compounder
    Dipl Ing Reinhard Herrmann, Coperion Werner & Pfleiderer GmbH & Co KG, Germany

    10.40 COFFEE

    SESSION 8. STABILISATION 2
    11.05 High performance phosphite stabilizer for polyolefins and engineering plastics
    Dr Don Stevenson & Dr MichaelJakupca, Dover Chemical Corp, USA.
    11.30 Influence of environmental stress on efficiency trials of plastics stabilizers
    Dr Jan Pospisil, Dr Jan Pilar, Professor Stanislav Nespurek, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Republic.
    11.55 Unexpected reactions / interactions of phosphites within polyolefin stabilisation
    Dr Harry Øysæd & Svein Jamtvedt, Borealis AS, Norway

    SESSION 9. FLAME RETARDANTS 2
    12.20 A new halogen free flame retardant technology for plastics - under development in Russia
    Peter Flanagan, Firestop Chemicals Ltd, UK

    12.45 LUNCH

    14.00 New phosphorus based flame retardants for E&E applications: a case study on their environmental profile in view of European legislation on chemicals and end-of-life (REACH, WEEE, RoHS)
    Dr. Adrian Beard, Clariant GmbH, and Dr. Thomas Marzi, Fraunhofer UMSICHT Institute, Germany
    14.25 More effective flame retardant systems for extruded polystyrene foams.
    Rudi Borms, Y. Bar-Yaakov, I. Finberg, J. Scheinert and P. Georlette, ICL-IP /Eurobrom, The Netherlands

    SESSION 10. SURFACE AND IMPACT PROPERTY MODIFIERS
    14.50 New perfluoropolyether-based polyamide as surface properties modifier for thermoplastic materials
    Mr. Alberto Zompatori & Mrs. Grazia Meroni, Solvay Solexis S.p.A., Italy
    15.15 Novel compounds for engineering polymers' impact modification
    Karlheinz Hausmann, DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers, Switzerland
    15.40 Study of scratch resistance in homo- and co-polypropylene filled with nanometric calcium carbonate
    Saeid Zokaei, R Lesan Khosh M., S Zebarjad, V Serpooshan & R Bagheri, Sharif University of Technology, Iran

    16.05 Closing Remarks and Conference Close


                 
    The Art of Plastics Design - Sensory Design 2005
    Berlin, Germany, 18-19 October 2005          
                 
    Multilayer films 2005
    Brussels, Belgium, 8-9 November 2005        
                 
    Automotive Fuel Containment 2005
    Hannover, Germany, 6-7 December 2005    
     
    2005 Media Sponsor

     
    Latex 2006
    Frankfurt, Germany, 24-25 January 2006     
                 
    Rubber Bonding 2006
    Düsseldorf, Germany 21-22 February 2006  
                 
    High Performance Fillers 2006 | The Second International Conference
    Cologne, Germany, 21-22 March 2006 

    CALL FOR PAPERS
    Rapra Technology Limited is pleased to announce the Second 2-day International Conference on High Performance Fillers to take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cologne, Germany from 21-22 March 2005.

    Fillers are playing an increasingly important role in polymer applications, a trend that will increase with the rise in the cost of oil and hence polymer feedstocks.

    Increasingly though, fillers are seen as high performance additives, not just cost lowering diluents, and this is the focus of the conference. We are looking for papers from both users and producers of performance enhancing fillers, including the crucial area of filler to polymer adhesion.

    If you are interested in presenting a paper at this event, please send a title, short summary, speaker name(s) and company name(s) to Dr Sally Humphreys email shumphreys@rapra.net or Fax +44(0)1939-251118.

    Programme Consultant
    Professor Roger Rothon is an independent consultant, specialising in the production, surface modification and application of particulate fillers for polymer composites. He previously worked for ICI in the UK for over 25 years, where he was responsible for several new product developments, including new types of coupling agents for silica and calcium carbonates and novel conductive and magnetic fillers. After leaving ICI, he was Technical Manager for Flamemag International for 8 years. In this position, he led the development of a new process for the production of magnesium hydroxide flame retardant fillers.

    He has several patents and many scientific publications. In 1996 he was made a visiting Professor at the Manchester Metropolitan University, where he is now involved in research on filler surface modifiers. Roger Rothon has also spent considerable time as a visiting scientist at the CSIRO Division of Minerals in Melbourne Australia.

                
    Joining Plastics 2006
    London, England, 25-26 April 2006   
                 
    Silicone Elastomers 2006
    Frankfurt 19-20 September 2006

     



     

    Testing
    Mechanical testing of products and materials in UKAS accredited laboratories

    Processing
    Support for product and material development and small scale specialist production.

    Analysis
    Chemical analysis of rubbers and plastics including material identification and failure

    Consultancy
    Product design, material choice, injection moulding simulation and regulatory advice.

    iSmithers

     



    Overview

    Smithers Rapra Technology Ltd is better known as Smithers Rapra, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Smithers Group and is recognised as a World leading rubber and plastic consultancy. Smithers Rapra provides a comprehensive Independent service covering, testing, analysis, processing and research for the polymer industry and industries using plastics and rubber in any component, product or production process.

    Working for industry

    Smithers Rapra supports a varied selection of industries requiring Polymer specialisation. End-user industries include: automotive, Industrial, consumer, medical and transport. Smithers Rapra has a unique mix of on-site expertise and facilities enabling the application of an integrated approach to problem solving. The companies core capabilities lie in the skills and experience of its people, many of whom are recognised and accepted as leading experts in their field. Clients can commission individual services, specialist consultancy or participate in multi-client research projects. Assistance in obtaining funding from the European Community and UK government and/or industry, to progress research and development of polymer technology and applications can be provided.

    Testing, analysis and calibration services

    The physical testing, analytical and chemical laboratories at Smithers Rapra are UKAS accredited and can provide UKAS certification. Testing is also instigated to a range of national and international standards and those tailored to an individual company’s requirement. A variety of physical tests assess material properties against abrasion, fatigue, impact and stress and their performance in products in particular conditions. Smithers Rapra’s analytical and chemical laboratories undertake a variety of tasks including material identification and characterisation using a range of advanced chromatographic, spectroscopic and thermal techniques.

    Consultancy services

    Smithers Rapra’s plastics and rubber technical services can prevent, identify or solve problems and improve on or ensure continuing quality. Supported by comprehensive testing, analysis and information facilities, technologists can tackle most polymer related projects. Whilst details of specialist services are available on the web www.rapra.net , the following represents Smithers Rapra’s core technical expertise:

    • Materials selection & application support
    • Product design & development
    • Manufacturing process assessment and development
    • Prototyping & small scale/specialist production
    • Engineering & tooling
    • Fault & failure diagnosis
    • Material and Product testing & analysis

    Company History:

    • 1919 - Established as RABRM (the Research Association of British Rubber Manufacturers).
    • 1960 - Evolution into RAPRA (Rubber And Plastic Research Association) when plastics were added to the companies remit
    • 1986 - Saw the incorporation of Rapra Technology Ltd and a board of directors were appointed
    • 2002 - The management team of Rapra Technology Ltd, exercised a Management Buyout (MBO), acquiring the assets and liabilities of the company from Rapra Technology Ltd
    • 2002 - The former Rapra Technology Ltd was re named Rapra Ltd and remained a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee
    • 2006 - The Smithers Group acquired the company and renamed it Smithers Rapra Technology Ltd

    Company Statistics:

    • 5,000 clients worldwide from 60 countries per annum
    • 2,000 technical projects completed each year
    • Industry leading Information Centre with the world’s largest Polymer information resource
    • 2 sites in the UK: Shawbury Shropshire, Billingham Cleveland
    • 130 Employees made up of Scientists, technologists and support personnel

     



    2008 & 2009 Conferences

    REACH Europe 2008
    Antwerp, Belgium, 16-18 September 2008

    Taking place 15 months after the adoption of the controversial REACH policy and coinciding with the pre-registration phase of the legislation, Smithers Rapra’s third conference will provide a crucial update for chemical manufacturers, material formulators and end users of chemical products.

    The programme has been specifically developed to inform all those impacted by REACH of the current status of the legislation and the developing requirements to enable REACH compliance in the most cost effective and efficient manner possible.

    Key themes will include;

    • Has REACH impacted the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry?
    • Has there been a disproportionate burden on SMEs?
    • Has REACH proved a barrier to innovation?
    • What testing is required and how is this being exchanged and submitted?

    REACH Europe will feature case studies from international companies including Rolls-Royce plc, Hewlett Packard, Kingfisher plc, Henkel KGaA, Ciba Inc and Mitsui Chemicals.

    Post Conference Workshops
    REACH is a broad subject and there are many intricacies that cannot be addressed within the course of a conference. For this reason, we have included a third day of workshops to help you tackle some of the more in depth areas of the legislation in a more informal and interactive setting.

    Each of the four workshops will use a combination of presentations, group work, scenario planning and case studies to help you develop the tools you need to implement REACH within your own organisation. Please come armed with questions to ensure that solutions can be tailored to meet your individual circumstances.

    REACH Europe 2008

    Tuesday 16 September

    08.00 REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE

    08.55 Welcome and Introduction to REACH Europe 2008

    Session 1: Current Status of REACH

    09.00 The European Chemicals Agency: state of play (missions, achievements and challenges)
    Johan Nouwen, ECHA, Finland

    09.30 The time is now: the current status and next steps
    Andrew Fasey, PTK Ltd, UK

    Session 2: Materials and Formulation

    10.10 Flame retardant industry and REACH: preparation and coalition time
    Dr Sander Kroon, European Flame Retardant Association, Belgium

    10.40 Panel Q&A

    11.00 COFFEE

    11.30 Opportunities for new substances in Europe
    Dr Jan Backmann, Ciba Inc, Switzerland

    Session 3: Supply Chain Implications

    12.00 The impact of REACH on non-EU supply chains
    I. The importer's perspective
    II. The non-EU perspective by Japanese industry
    Dr Regina Döller, Mitsui Chemicals Europe GmbH & Nobumasa Arashini, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc

    12.40 Panel Q&A

    12.50 LUNCH

    14.15 The impact of REACH on a global paint company serving many sectors
    Dr Peter Oldring, Valspar Europe, UK

    14.45 REACH for article manufacturers: a systematic approach to managing product and supply chain risks
    John Fox, Synapsis Technology, USA

    15.15 Panel Q&A

    15.45 COFFEE

    16.15 REACH and articles: a view from the IT industry
    Michael Seidel, Hewlett-Packard, Germany

    Session 4: Systems, Procedures & Testing

    16.45 Managing uncertainty: REACH to RIP
    Dr Steffen Erler, Smithers Rapra Technology Ltd, UK

    17.15 Panel Q&A

    17.30 END OF DAY ONE

    18.30 EVENING DRINKS RECEPTION


    Wednesday 17 September

    08.30 COFFEE

    09.00 Impact of REACH on business processes – a case study on how business applications can support REACH compliance efficiently and timely
    Marko Lange, SAP AG, Germany

    09.30 The reality of REACH: the IT puzzle
    Aad van Keulen & Clarine Sieger, Atrion International Inc, Canada

    10.00 Consortia planning and SIEFs
    Paul Ashford, Caleb Management Services Ltd, UK

    10.30 Panel Q&A

    10.45 COFFEE

    11.15 Data sources, capture, sharing and submission
    Dr Derek J Knight, SafePharm Laboratories Ltd, UK

    11.45 The effect of REACH in commercial contracts
    Brian E Harris, Nottingham Law School, UK

    12.15 REACH testing requirements: organisation of your testing scheme
    Dr Wolf G Heil, Springborn Smithers Laboratories, Switzerland

    12.45 Panel Q&A

    13.00 LUNCH

    Session 5: Case Studies

    14.00 REACH - an aerospace approach to the business issues
    Andrew Page, Rolls Royce plc, UK

    14.30 Swimming downstream –getting ready for REACH in the oil & gas industry
    N L Robinson, BMT Cordah Limited & G C Graham, Maersk Oil North Sea UK Limited, UK

    15.00 Panel Q&A

    15.10 COFFEE

    15.40 How the electrical sector is complying with REACH
    Chris Robertson, ERA Technology Limited, UK

    16.10 The impact of the REACH regulation on formulators
    Dr Hermann Onusseit, Henkel KGaA, Germany

    16.40 Panel Q&A

    16.50 END OF CONFERENCE

    Please note: The conference organisers reserve the right to change or modify the programme if necessary.

    Conference Language
    Please note that the conference will be conducted in English.

    Thursday 18 September
    Post Conference Workshops

    09.30 – 13.00

    WORKSHOP A
    Lessons Learned for the Year Ahead

    This interactive session reviews the first year of REACH and then looks forward into 2009. The workshop will consider compliance issues, policy developments, industry and NGOs activities and the emergence of tools and guidance. With deadlines for registration fast approaching, a series of practical solutions to technical and legal challenges facing companies will be discussed. The workshop will also give companies an opportunity to exchange experiences, such as pre-registration and communication through the supply chain. References to guidance notes and best practice will be made available.

    Key issues covered:

    • RIPs: Key points & outstanding issues
    • IT Tools: available and forthcoming
    • Rules for Substance Information Exchange Forum
    • Consequences of communication through the supply chain
    • Downstream user assessments
    • Managing the Candidate List

    Workshop Leader
    Dr Steffen Erler, Director of REACH Services, Smithers Rapra

    Steffen has been following REACH for almost a decade, since working with the OECD Existing Chemicals Programme. His academic background is in chemistry combined with studies on toxicology. Steffen’s practical knowledge of regulation includes work on REACH at the European Commission. Over the past four years, he has acted as a researcher and consultant for companies, investors and regulators preparing for REACH. Through various mechanisms and as a Stakeholder Expert, he has been involved in drafting and designing parts of the REACH Implementation Projects.

    Workshop Co-chair
    Mamta Patel, Editor, Chemical Watch

    Before setting up Chemical Watch, the specialist online newsletter for businesses on REACH and chemicals risk management, Mamta worked for 14 years as a reporter and section editor for environmental publisher ENDS on its monthly report and European daily, covering a wide range of issues and specialising in chemical industry initiatives and corporate social responsibility. Prior to that, she reported for European Chemical News. Mamta holds a BSc degree (Hons) in Applied Chemistry.

    OR

    WORKSHOP B
    Planning for Consortia: Critical Factors for Success

    One of the primary building blocks of the REACH registration process is the consortium. The European Commission and the emerging European Chemical Agency are keen to promote the use of consortia on the basis that they reduce the number of individual submissions received by Agency, encourage the early sharing of data and the identification of data gaps, prevent duplication of testing strategies and limit the cost of registration.

    However, there are a number of potential pitfalls that can arise from poorly planned and managed consortia. This workshop will take you through the characteristics you should look for when forming a new consortium or joining an existing one. You will learn how to:

    • Recognise the important distinction between a consortium and a SIEF
    • Establish a plan for the analysis and filling of data-gaps
    • Ensure that existing data is properly valued
    • Resolve conflicts over the validity of differing data-sets
    • Manage differing time-scales and data requirements for registration within the same consortium
    • Secure sub-contractors for supporting roles (eg toxicologists and/or laboratories)

    Workshop Leaders:
    Mr Paul Ashford, Managing Director, Caleb Management Services Ltd

    Paul, a chemist by training, has over 15 years’ experience in managing committees and task forces at the industry/regulatory interface including industry task force inputs to the US HPV Challenge Program, the OECD SIDS Programme and other chemical regulatory frameworks at both global and national level.

    Mr John Yates, REACH Projects Manager, Caleb Management Services Ltd
    John leads the delivery of a series of consortia that will focus on the assessment of chemicals data/data-gaps, the filling of these data gaps and subsequent submission of dossiers that meet the requirements of REACH. John has substantial senior projects management experience in a variety of manufacturing environments.

    OR

    WORKSHOP C
    Developing Chemical Safety Risk Assessments through Effective Testing Procedures

    One of the fundamental objectives of REACH legislation lies in reducing, refining and replacing animal testing. REACH will promote the use of data from in-vitro testing, validated (Q)SARs and data from structurally related substances (read across) when conducting chemical risk assessments.

    Estimated data generated by (Q)SARs may be used both as a substitute for experimental data, and as a supplement to experimental data in weight-of-evidence approaches. Clearly the interpretation of such data and the selection of appropriate ecotoxicological tests will play a key role in developing effective exposure assessments and appraising hazards to human and environmental health. Testing on vertebrate animals will be seen only as a last resort; after all other data has been assessed.

    This half-day workshop will take you through the steps you need to conduct a scientifically robust but practical risk assessment to comply with REACH testing requirements. Through case studies, group work and scenario planning you will learn tools to help you reduce, refine and replace animal testing. You will:

    • Understand which toxicological and ecotoxicological tests are most suitable for your needs
    • Decide when and how to use alternative methods (in vitro, (Q)SARs) or animal testing
    • Interpret, justify and report testing data
    • Reduce costs through intelligent testing strategies
    • Develop exposure and hazard scenarios

    Workshop Leader
    Arthur E Putt, Research Director, Springborn Smithers Laboratories

    Arthur has extensive experience in the design of GLP-tests and their interpretation. Over the past 19 years, he has conducted and applied test results to environmental risk assessments. His main experience is in aquatic ecotoxicity testing.

    13.00 – 15.00

    LUNCH & DROP IN CLINIC
    The opportunity is provided to discuss individual issues related to REACH on a one-to-one basis with any of the experienced workshop facilitators. 20 minute appointments can be booked through Smithers Rapra on a free, no obligation basis for those attending the workshops.


    Early Registration Offers
    Register before 16 July 2008 to take advantage of the special Early Bird Discount registration fee.

    Companies sending one or two delegates
    €850 + VAT at 21% per delegate before 16 July 2008
    €1050 + VAT at 21% per delegate after 16 July 2008

    Companies sending three or more delegates
    €750 + VAT at 21% per delegate before 16 July 2008
    €950 + VAT at 21% per delegate after 16 July 2008

    Half day workshops (each)
    €400 + VAT at 21% per delegate before 16 July 2008
    €450 + VAT at 21% per delegate after 16 July 2008

    Registration includes a copy of the proceedings, lunches and refreshments during the day.
    Please send registration enquiries to Sharon Garrington, Conference Organiser.  Tel: +44 (0) 1939 250283; Fax: +44 (0) 1939 252416

    Conference Venue
    The conference will be held at:

    Park Plaza Astrid Antwerp
    Koningin Astridplein 7
    2018 Antwerpen
    Belgium
    Tel: +32 (0) 3 203 1234
    Fax: +32 (0) 3 203 125
    1

    With an economically strong hinterland and moderate year-round weather, Antwerp stands as one of Western Europe's most affluent cultural centres, thanks to its many museums and an affinity for music, fine cuisine, and pampered living.

    Park Plaza Astrid Antwerp is centrally located in the heart of the world famous diamond area, opposite the monumental train station and zoo, near the bustling shopping areas 'De Keyserlei & Meir'. The hotel is also home of Aquatopia, Antwerp's newest and most exciting attraction with over 3,500 fish and other creatures. Other area attractions include the New Diamond Museum, the market and various museums. Antwerp Airport Deurne is a 10-minute drive and Brussels International Airport Zaventem is just a 35-minute drive.

    Hotel Reservations
    The conference will be held at the Park Plaza Astrid, Antwerp. Please use the Rapra Booking Form to book accommodation at the conference venue and send back to the number indicated on the form. (We do not handle accommodation from the Smithers Rapra office).

    Nanopolymers 2008
    Frankfurt, Germany, 7-8 October 2008

    Addcon World 2008
    Barcelona, Spain, 15-16 October 2008

    TPE 2008
    Prague, Czech Republic, 12-13 November 2008

    RubberChem 2008
    Prague, Czech Republic, 3-4 December 2008

    Reach Houston 2009
    Houston, USA, 19-20 January 2009

    Polymer Electronics 2009
    Barcelona, Spain, 4-5 February 2009

    High Performance Fillers for Polymer Composites 2009
    Barcelona, Spain, 4-5 March 2009

    CALL FOR PAPERS
    Smithers Rapra is pleased to announce the fourth 2-day international conference on High Performance Fillers for Polymer Composites to take place in Barcelona, Spain, from 4-5 March 2009.

    Fillers have always played an important part in the development of polymer applications. The present scenario of rising energy, raw material and polymer prices, together with the emphasis on recycling and weight reduction, is creating opportunities and threats for existing products and opening the door to new ones.

    The main theme of the conference will be how the fillers markets are responding to these challenges.

    Why give a paper?
    This is your chance to become part of an established event and to join what has traditionally been a prestigious panel of speakers at the forefront of filler technology. The conference will be attended by compounders, moulders, processors, materials specialists, polymer engineers and researchers in polymer science, together with end users of polymer materials. So if you have something to say, these are the people that need to hear it!

    Presenting authors at High Performance Fillers 2009 will be entitled to a free registration on both days of the conference including meals, refreshments and a copy of the proceedings.

    Papers are invited on:

    • Market overviews and trends; including the effects of increasing polymer costs and of recycling issues
    • Legislation affecting the industry
    • Advances in filler production, particularly for reduced specific energy consumption
    • Advances in the manufacture of filled composites, including reduction in energy costs.
    • Developments in surface treatments
    • Emerging fillers, especially those from recycled sources
    • The use of fillers in all polymer types, including thermoplastics, thermosets and rubbers; film, fibre, sealants and adhesives
    • The use of fillers with functional effects such as reinforcement, flame retardant, conductivity, magnetic, optical effects, rheology control, sound damping, density control and antiblock
    • Papers on the production and use of the following filers are particularly sought. Carbon black, precipitated and fumed silica, precipitated calcium carbonate, non-continuous glass fibre, milled glass fibre and natural fibres.

    REACH Antwerp 2009
    Antwerp, Belgium, 21-23 April 2009

    Leachables and Extractables for Pharmaceutical Products 2009
    Barcelona, Spain, 12-14 May 2009

    Blowing Agents & Foaming Processes 2009
    Hamburg, Germany, 19-20 May 2009

    In recent years soaring energy prices and a series of environmental regulations have hit the plastics industry hard. Materials costs are posing a significant economic challenge to manufacturers in high volume markets and, constrained by the market structure and strong competition for low-prices, many have been unable to transfer to their customers the increases in raw material expenses.

    Pressure is on to find innovative ways to keep costs down, identifying new materials, sources and material alternatives. Foamed substrates may represent cost effective alternatives in many cases. Blowing agents or blowing gases are excellent “fillers” and have the dual benefits of saving material and reducing weight – the latter again minimizing shipping and other related expenses.

    Today there are numerous solutions on offer – new methods, technology, processes, and additives – not to mention the wealth of experience in this area of plastics.

    Smithers Rapra’s eleventh conference is now well established and the only one world wide offering such a range of academic, practical and industrial papers.

    Drawing interests from all relevant industries involved in actual and potential foam applications, the next conference will be a good platform to report your findings and share experiences in various areas of expanded polymers such as:

    • Standard, biodegradable and bio plastics
    • Energy saving and foamed insulation
    • Environmental view on foamed materials
    • Environmentally safe gases e.g. nitrogen
    • Foaming of packaging material
    • Optimising cell structure through nano technology
    • Latest discoveries, developments and fundamentals in foams and nanostructures
    • Relation of foamed polymers and flame retardancy
    • Processing: extrusion, injection moulding
    • Studies on rheology of polymer/gas dispersed systems
    • Using, introducing and controlling gases

    Presenting authors at Blowing Agents and Foaming Processes 2009 will be entitled to free registration on both days of the conference including lunches, refreshments and a copy of the proceedings. If you are interested in presenting a paper at this event, please send a title, short summary, speaker name(s) and company name(s) to Alix Yates Fax +44(0)1939 252416 by the deadline of 7 November 2008.

    Conference Language
    Please note that the conference will be conducted in English.

    Who Should Attend?
    This conference is being developed for companies operating in the following sectors or manufacturing these products:

    • Blowing agents
    • PS foam board manufacturers
    • PU foam manufacturers
    • Resin suppliers for foam applications
    • Gas companies
    • Chemical blowing agent suppliers
    • Foam injection moulders
    • Foam extrusion companies
    • Cable foam companies
    • Wood-fibre composite foaming companies
    • TPE foaming companies
    • Foaming equipment manufacturing companies
    • Mucell licensees
    • Structural foaming companies
    • Sound insulation
    • Biofoaming
    • Biodegradable polymer resin companies

    Conference Venue
    The conference will be held at:

    Hamburg Marriott Hotel
    ABC Strasse 52
    Hamburg
    20354
    Germany
    Phone: +49 40 3505 0

    Hamburg, a charming European seaport and German commercial centre, is an ideal destination for business and leisure travel. Located in the city centre near the main train station, the Hamburg Marriott Hotel is ideally located.

    Hotel Reservations
    Please send reservation enquiries to Sharon Garrington, Conference Organiser, email conferences@rapra.net. An accommodation booking form will be sent with your joining instructions on receipt of your completed conference registration form.

    Early Registration Offers
    Register before 19 March 2009 to take advantage of the special Early Bird Discount registration fee.

     



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