UTECH Europe 2003 demonstrates polyurethane sector ready to meet challenges facing the industry

Confirming its success as an established specialist forum for the polyurethane technology sector, the UTECH Europe 2003 exhibition and conference, 25-27 March, The Hague, Netherlands, brought together a solid cross-section of the industry despite the current global tension and low growth in several leading economies.

The show comprised more than 130 exhibitors, and occupied all 8000m2 of available space at the purpose built Netherlands Congress Centre. Importantly, it drew a broad visitor audience of around 3.200 commercial and technical specialists from both PU producer and user companies - people determined to stay abreast of the latest technology and material developments.

The number of exhibition visitors included the 562 delegates participating in the UTECH Europe 2003 conference which was held simultaneously with the exhibition. The Plenary session, which started the three day forum at which a total of 57 papers was presented, was opened by Dr Reinhard Leppkes, managing director, Elastogran and president of the European Isocyanate Producers Association (ISOPA). “The entire polyurethane industry chain must pull together in the face of the regulations emerging from Brussels,” he said in reference to the new chemicals policy being formulated in the EU and its possible impact on the polyurethanes industry.

In his message, aimed equally at small processors and major suppliers, Dr Leppkes said: “The regulations will affect the prosperity of our industry for decades to come. The emerging chemicals management system may require testing in end-use applications in order for products to continue to be used.” He called on everyone to prepare risk assessment data on their products ahead of the regulations. “We have to seize the initiative, waiting for others is not an option,” he said.

He went on to highlight ISOPA’s work in establishing data on the chemical building blocks used in the urethanes industry in anticipation of the EU regulations. “No data, no industry,” Dr Leppkes said, adding that the industry group aims to provide “too much data rather than too little.”

Overall feeling was that the subjects and timing of the conference were right on cue given the challenges facing the industry. Coupled with the exhibition the conference makes UTECH Europe an ideal PU industry meeting point to tackle issues, share knowledge and, importantly, to do business.

Mr. G. Kommer of Akzo Nobel stated: “We have reached the people that we really wanted to talk to and have some very good leads to follow-up. We are happy that we came to the show.” Mr. Marco Janssen from Air Products said: “UTECH has been a great show for us; we had good discussions and gained good quality leads. Air Products certainly will be back in 2006.”

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