Thermoplastic Elastomers 2010

From 26-27 October 2010, iSmithers organised its Thirteenth Annual International Conference on Thermoplastic Elastomers in Cologne.  Featuring an impressive array of high quality presentations from over twenty international companies, this conference highlighted how the demand for higher performance TPEs is set to drive technical product developments for the future.  Timed to coincide with the K Exhibition, many delegates were able to combine an up-to-the-minute technical briefing at the conference with a visit to the tradeshow.

Given the global economy as a backdrop to TPE shifts, this highly topical conference gave delegates the opportunity to hear about winning strategies and question experts from some of the major players in the industry.

In his keynote speech, Robert Young, Robert Eller Associates, highlighted the huge potential of emerging markets and gave particular mention of China as a major driving force in this sector.  With demand set to rebound in the automotive and medical device industry sectors, there was a note of optimism for the future. Delegates were also encouraged to look forward to future growth in the demand for bio-based TPEs.

The delegates then had the opportunity to hear from experts representing major players in the industry including Kuraray, DOW, Exxon-Mobil, Arkema, AlphaGary Ltd and Elasto into specific areas where TPEs provide excellent cost saving and technical advantages. Delegates benefited from hearing about real-life case studies and gained practical advice from experts such as Niklas Ottosson, Elasto, who highlighted special considerations for medical TPE projects.  A key theme running throughout these presentations was the importance of creating and ensuring confidence throughout the supply chain.

Many of the afternoon sessions focussed on market trends and drivers for end users and highlighted the importance of combining cost savings with good performance, thus enhancing the overall customer experience. Delegates were brought up-to-date on the latest developments in the safe use of TPE additives by Dr Hendrik Wermter, Budenheim KG.

Dr. Roger Morgan, ex-VP of the IISRP said "it was an excellent opportunity to not only hear about the latest developments from the leaders of the TPE industry but also to discuss the papers in further detail with the presenters on a one-to-one basis".

At the end of the conference, delegates enjoyed further networking opportunities during an informal drinks reception hosted by iSmithers.

This year's conference also featured an award for the best paper to be submitted for presentation and the organisers were delighted to announce the winner as Dr Frédéric L G Mallet, Arkema, France for his paper on "How a 'pinch' of PEBA can enhance your recipe" which was presented on the second day of the conference.

If you would like to present a paper at the next TPE conference, please send a title, short summary, speaker name(s) and company name(s) to tpeconference@ismithers.net or fax +44 (0)1939 252416. For further information please visit www.polymerconferences.com.

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