October 16, 2015

The nineteenth meeting of the Global Phenolic Resins Association (GPRA) was held October 13 and 14 in Taipei. Attendees enjoyed presentations on many topics impacting the industry, with a particular focus on furfuryl alcohol, carbores and megatrends at this meeting. The topics of furfuryl aldehyde and furfuryl alcohol as modifiers for phenolic resins and peat based carbores products as competitive products to phenolic resins was quite interesting. In addition, the group heard reports about dust explosion prevention in CCP factories, a review of the air and water emission measurements and regulations by each Company attending, the economic status in various regions of the world, the raw material trends in the phenolic resin industry and the current state of formaldehyde regulations around the world.

The group conducted an exercise to discuss the ways that phenolic resins can help provide solutions to some of the world’s megatrends. For the megatrend of “more energy”, phenolic resins provide solutions with improved insulation, improved efficiency in oil and gas recovery, improved energy efficiency of tires and critical support of manufacturing wind power equipment. For the megatrend of “more cars”, phenolic resins support car manufacturing in many ways including through: tires, insulation, lightweighting, engine block production, brakes and more. For the megatrend of “more housing”, phenolic resins support through wood, laminate, insulation, electrical equipment, and more. In addition, for the megatrend of “more food”, phenolic resins support the construction of insulated greenhouses and specialized packaging of certain foods for storage.

This meeting was held in Taipei to allow easier access for Asian phenolic resin manufacturers. The group heard Company updates from all attendees including Hexion, AICA, Fenolit, Huettenes-Albertus, SI Group, UCP, Kolon Industries, CCP (ChangChun Group) and the CPRA (Chinese Phenolic Resin Association). The group continues to share presentations relating to current and best practices in Environmental, Health and Safety management within the industry. In this meeting, Chang Chun presented ideas on how to reduce the potential for explosions in the phenolic molding compound production. These ideas included early dust management, dust collection and handling systems, humidification as well as effective grounding techniques. The GPRA meeting serves as an excellent forum for learning more about safe work practices in phenolic resin facilities.

The group saw presentations about the economic situation in various parts of the world, including several that showed Chinese growth slowed to about 7.0%, the EU growing a little more than was expected at the last meeting and US growth maintaining its recent 2-3% performance. Latest trends in the key raw materials of phenol, methanol and US shale gas were also discussed. SI Group gave an update on formaldehyde in the US and UCP gave an update of the European formaldehyde regulation changes.

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 April 13 and 14 in Columbo, Sri Lanka. The GPRA Chairmen are Dr. Joerg Talbiersky of UCP Chemicals,  representing Europe, William Scheffer of SI Group, representing the Americas  and an open position for the Asia Chairman. 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