Nov 6, 2013
The fifteenth meeting of the Global Phenolic Resins Association (GPRA) was held Nov 5 and 6 in Bangkok, Thailand. The Association warmly welcomed Momentive and AICA to its membership. These additions added to the high fraction of phenolic resin companies represented at the GPRA, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. Attendees enjoyed presentations on many topics impacting the industry, with a particular focus on safety again at this meeting. Topics included: Avoiding Accidents in the Phenolic Resins Industry, HOP Safety Program, Education and Training in Labor Protection, Transport of Dangerous Goods, Landfills, Wastewater Treatment in China, 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 Bangkok, Thailand to allow easier access for Asian phenolic resin manufacturers. The group heard Company updates from attendees including Momentive, AICA Japan, which includes AICA Asia Pacific, UCP, Kolon Industries, Sumitomo Bakelite, SI Group, Fenolit, and the China Phenolic Resin Association (CPRA).
The topic of Safety within the phenolic resin industry was emphasized at this meeting, although many other topics were discussed. The group viewed a presentation on an overview of the HOP (Human and Organizational) Safety Program that SI Group is using in its North American facilities. The concepts of drift away from expected conditions and critical steps within procedures were discussed. A presentation on Avoiding Accidents in the Phenolic Resins Industry was made by UCP. It outlined the many steps a company must take to ensure safe operations. Fenolit presented on Education and Training: KSF (Key Success Factors) for Labor Protection. Kolon presented on Transport of Dangerous Goods. SI Group presented on Landfills and Their Use in the Phenolic Resin Industry and the CPRA presented on Treatment of Phenol-containing Wastewater in Changshu South-East Plastic Co., Ltd. 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, including Thailand, which was presented by Thai GCI Resitop Co. Latest trends in the key raw materials of phenol and methanol were also discussed.
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 June 11 and 12 in Hanoi, Vietnam. 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 Industries, 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