May 29, 2013
The fourteenth meeting of the Global Phenolic Resins Association (GPRA) was held May 28 and 29 in Singapore. The GPRA discussed many topics of current relevance to the phenolic resin producers, including: GHS system, Safety in Maintenance, Phenolic Dust Risk Management, the economic status in various regions of the world, the raw material trends in the phenolic resin industry, the current state of formaldehyde regulations around the world, and technical topics of interest to phenolic resin manufacturers.
This meeting was held in Singapore to include more Asian phenolic resin manufacturers, which it did. The group heard introductory information about Momentive Union, a JV that includes Momentive, a giant in the industry, as well as Company updates from AICA Asia Pacific, UCP Chemicals, Kolon Industries, Sumitomo Bakelite, SI Group, Fenolit and the China Phenolic Resin Association.
A focus point of the meeting was Safety in the phenolic resin industry. The group saw a presentation on the Global Harmonized System (GHS) and its implications to the group. A presentation on Safety in Maintenance of PF Resin Production: Work Permits was made. This presentation emphasized the need to be careful and thorough in controlling maintenance work in the factories. An updated presentation on Phenolic Dust Risk Management was made. This presentation showed the dangers of phenolic resin dust explosions and provided a link to an excellent resource for further information on the subject. The group is interested in sharing best practices in Environmental, Health and Safety management within the industry.
The group saw presentations about the economic situation in various parts of the world as well as the latest information on raw material trends.
The meetings were held in the presence of the Treuhandbuero, an independent consulting group that ensures that all discussions comply with all national and international laws. All members have signed the anti-trust compliance documents.
The next meeting of the GPRA is scheduled for November 5 and 6 in Saigon or Bangkok. The GPRA Chairmen are Dr. Joerg Talbiersky of UCP Chemicals, representing Europe, William Scheffer of SI Group, representing the Americas and James Kim of Kolon Chemicals, representing Asia. Membership in the GPRA provides excellent value to its members as the only organization which allows proper meetings between phenolic resin industry representatives from around the globe.
The Mission of the GPRA is: ‘To enhance the reputation of the global phenolic resins industry with all its stakeholders by highlighting the unique contribution offered to society by these resins and to foster safe management of phenolic resins throughout their lifecycle’
Further information may be found on the GPRA website at www.gpraweb.com. Questions or comments related to the GPRA may be sent to:
Dr. Nausch Unternehmensberatung GmbH
– Treuhandbuero –
Hallbergstrasse 5
D-40239 Duesseldorf
Tel.: +49-(0)-211-68 78 940
Fax: +49-(0)-211-68 78 935
www.dnu.eu
treuhandbuero@dnu.eu