The eleventh meeting of the GPRA

Mach 26, 2011

The eleventh meeting of the Global Phenolic Resins Association (GPRA) was held March 23 and 24 in Beijing, China. The GPRA discussed many topics of current relevance to the phenolic resin producers, including: alternative feedstock for phenolic resin manufacture, threats to the use of phenolic resins in mineral wool applications, 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 China, the current state of formaldehyde regulations around the world, and technical topics of interest to phenolic resin manufacturers. In addition, a Symposium with Chinese Phenolic Resin Association (CPRA) was held on March 24.

This meeting was held in Beijing to include more Chinese phenolic resin manufacturers, which it did. The group heard presentations about the economic situation in various parts of the world as well as the latest information on raw material trends. A presentation of “The Future of Phenolic Resins in Mineral Wool: Ecose and PureOne” was made. The group also learned about Kolon’s initiative to find Alternative Feedstocks for Phenolic Resins. Finally the GPRA discussed technical topics for GPRA emphasis.

The group held a half day Symposium with the CPRA member companies. GPRA members presented information about the Ecose and PureOne happenings, the
alternative feedstocks and the use of PEG to treat phenol burns. The group also had introductory presentations by two of the CPRA Companies.

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 2 and 3 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. 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, Inc., 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