February 17, 2012
The twelfth meeting of the Global Phenolic Resins Association (GPRA) was held February 13 and 14 in Bangkok, Thailand. The GPRA discussed many topics of current relevance to the phenolic resin producers, including: runaway reactions in phenolic resin manufacture, the increased focus needed on Process Safety versus Occupational Safety, the economic status in various regions of the world, the raw material trends in the phenolic resin industry, the size of the phenolic resin business in various parts of the world, the current state of formaldehyde regulations around the world, and technical topics of interest to phenolic resin manufacturers.
This meeting was held in Bangkok to include more Asian phenolic resin manufacturers, which it did. The group heard introductory information about Thai CGI Resitop, Inc. Ltd., a significant phenolic resin producer in Thailand as well, as Company updates from UCP, Kolon, Sumitomo Bakelite, SI Group, Fenolit and the China Phenolic Resin Association.
A major focus of the meeting was Safety in the phenolic resin industry. The group saw an excellent presentation regarding runaway reactions in the phenolic resin industry, including two events that occurred within the past year. Also a presentation on the need to increase focus on Process Safety versus Occupational Safety was made. The group is working towards more technical requirements to carry the Quality seal of the GPRA.
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 Treuhandbuero showed compiled statistics on the market for phenolic resins in several regions of the world and by application.
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 13 and 14 Hong Kong. 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