New Conference on Biocides and Plastics

Rapra Technology's announces dates for New Conference on Biocides and Plastics.

Rapra Technology, a subsidiary of the US-based independent testing, consulting and contract research organisation, The Smithers Group, has announced dates for a new conference on Biocides and Plastics taking place in Brussels from 26-27 February 2008.

Global concern over hospital acquired infections such as MRSA and conditions such as "sick building syndrome" have brought about an increase in consumer demand for products with hygienic benefits.

So much so, European sales of biocidal actives to the plastics and resins market are expected to grow by 5% over the next five years, with silver-based actives growing 10% annually (Kline and Company).

Biocides are being increasingly used in materials such as PVC, PU, PE and WPC and in low-VOC water-based paints and coatings to prevent microbial deterioration and provide hygienic effects.

However impending environmental regulations both in Europe and abroad present major challenges for suppliers of biocides and formulators of treated articles.

The EU's Biocidal Products Directive (BPD) will force rationalisation of many product lines, removing a large number of active ingredients from the market and requiring manufacturers to source replacement "green" actives.

With this in mind, Rapra Technology is inviting papers for a new conference on Biocides and Plastics - From Preservation to Hygiene Control.

Papers are invited on new technical developments relating to:.

* Regulatory updates on the Biocidal Products Directive (BPD) and REACH and their impact on the biocides sector.

* Update on regulation relating to the testing of treated articles.

* Health and safety in handling of biocides.

* Case studies of the effects of biocides on polymer properties and performance * Processing of biocides.

* High performance masterbatches.

* Case studies of applications e.g healthcare and medical devices, construction, active packaging.

* Migratory biocides.

* Silver-based biocides: new developments and applications.

* Sustainable antimicrobial polymers.

The conference provides an opportunity and a platform to present your research, product or process developments in this area to an influential and informed audience.

If you are interested in presenting a paper, please send a title, short summary, speaker name(s) and company name(s) to Alix Yates email ayates@rapra.net or Fax +44(0)1939-252416 by the deadline of 20th August 2007.

Presenting authors at Biocides and Plastics will be entitled to free registration on both days of the event including meals, refreshments and a copy of the proceedings.

Contacts for further information: To request conference information please contact Sharon Garrington, Conference Organiser sgarrington@rapra.net and view forthcoming conferences on the website.

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