SHROPSHIRE, UK (February 29, 2012) - iSmithers, formerly the Information division within independent testing, research and consulting organisation Smithers Rapra, has been forced to move its seventh international Latex & Synthetic Polymer Dispersions conference to a new venue to cope with a dramatic increase in delegate numbers.

The conference, which takes place from 13-14 March 2012, has been moved to the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel, a stunning 5-star hotel located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle. 

Speaking about the conference, programme consultant, David Hill of David Hill & Associates, International Latex Consultancy, said "The high attendance is a sign of the awareness within the industry of the current challenges facing this sector, including raw material prices, new industry standards and regulations, and the growing need for barrier protection in a whole range of situations. The iSmithers' latex conferences have become appreciated for the breadth and quality of their programmes, and this one promises to maintain the standard".

The two day conference organised by iSmithers, will be the seventh in their international series of latex events and follows previous events in central Europe.  Latex and Synthetic Polymers Dispersions 2012 will provide a forum to discuss all the latest market, technology and materials news, addressing perennial problems such as the need to find cost effective alternatives to natural latex, particularly in the face of rising oil prices.  The conference will cover a wide range of applications from the use of water-based dispersions and latices as substitutes for solvent-based systems such as adhesives, sealants and coatings to the use of latex for condoms and disposable medical gloves.

Registrations for the conference can be made via the iSmithers website www.ismithers.net or by contacting Sharon Garrington at conferences@ismithers.net. iSmithers is offering a special discounted rate for wholly owned Asian companies.

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Note to Editors:

Smithers Rapra is a global leader in rubber, plastics, polymer and composites testing and consulting services mainly in the tyre, industrial, transportation, consumer and medical industries.  Smithers Rapra encompasses what was previously Smithers Rapra Technologies, established in the United Kingdom in 1919 and Smithers Scientific Services, established in the United States in 1925. For more information, visit www.rapra.net or www.smithersrapra.com

About The Smithers Group:

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, The Smithers Group includes Smithers Viscient, Smithers Pharma Services, Smithers Rapra, Pira International, Intertech Pira, Smithers Quality Assessments, and iSmithers.  These companies provide technology-based services to a diverse mix of market sectors, with expertise in well-defined niche areas. This strategy fosters stability and longevity, enabling Smithers companies to leverage their technical and brand equity to compete effectively on a global basis. For more information, visit www.smithers.com.