ADDCOM Conference 2012

This was the official website for the 2012 ADDCOM Conference. Content is from the site's 2012 archived pages.

ADDCOM Conference
26-27 September 2012
Aachen, Germany

ABOUT

 ADDCOM (previously known as Rapra's "Addcon" conference) has been successfully running for a number of years, constantly keeping the industry up to date with freshly researched information to tackle the challenges faced by plastics additives and compounding professionals year in year out.

Having gained an enviable reputation for being the place for plastics additives suppliers, manufacturers and compounders to get together to learn and network side by side with industry visionaries, expert speakers and end users of plastics additives, ADDCOM is the conference delegates made sure not to miss.

It will feature two parallel tracks devoted to plastic additives and compounding, giving delegates the opportunity to attend the session most relevant to their business needed.

A number of significant advances will be discussed, including the new, super strong trash liner bags, created with the aid of the new polymers. These trash can liners are super strong, fire-proof, and stretch to accommodate large loads. The development of disposable plastic bags and containers for industry is a huge opportunity waiting to be tapped

Over 150 delegates from throughout the supply chain will network with one another and exchange business opportunities at this leading event. ADDCOM is the place to be to engage in a dynamic discussions about the challenges currently impacting the market, with the opportunity to share knowledge about new materials and processing technologies that will improve existing application performance and material selections.

About Smithers Rapra

Smithers Rapra, renowned for over 90 years of delivering expert information to the plastics, rubber, and composite industries, excels in connecting industry professionals through their well-structured, networking-rich conferences. These events are meticulously designed to foster long-standing relationships in a relaxed yet focused environment, often featuring coffee breaks, evening drinks receptions, and informal meals.

For over 30 years, Smithers Rapra has been organizing world-class technical conferences for the polymer and related industries. Drawing authorities from both industry and academia, these conferences are ideal forums for presenting original, pioneering technical papers and for facilitating idea exchanges among like-minded peers globally. Covering topics from the latest developments in rubber and plastics technology to legislative changes and market trends, these conferences attract over 1,200 senior technical executives and decision-makers each year.

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In essence, their participation could add a significant layer of technological advancement and software solutions expertise to the Smithers Rapra conferences, aligning perfectly with the event's focus on innovation and industry progression.

 

Glossary

Most, if not all aspects of the present is influenced by plastics and many depend entirely on plastics products. Across a whole host of industries from automotive, aerospace, medicine, electronics, household goods and more rely on the unique combination of characteristics offered by plastics.

An introduction to plastics additives:

Plastic products are made from essential polymers mixed with a complex blend of materials known as additives. Plastics rely on additives in order to be safer, cleaner, tougher and more colourful. Although additives cost money, by reducing production costs and making products last longer, costs can be reduced and usage of the world's precious raw material reserves can be reduced.

An introduction to plastics compounding:

Plastic compounding consists of preparing plastic formulations by mixing and/or blending polymers and additives in a molten state. From here the blends are automatically dosed with fixed setpoints usually through feeders/hoppers. it is mostly a blend of copolymers such as ABS, SAN, SMA etc. with additives such as anti-oxidants, UV-stabilizers and other value adding agents. Occasionally a strengthening component such as glass fibre is added.

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Topics to Be Discussed

 

  • Improving productivity and lowering costs through high performance additives
  • Additive technologies for environmentally sustainable plastics
  • Innovations in property enhancing additives
  • Key market developments and opportunities for additives in new end user applications
  • Case studies of plastics additives for use in the packaging, electrical and automotive industries
  • Current and future requirements from raw materials and processors
  • Latest developments in compounding and periphery machine technology
  • Novel simulation tools for compounding tasks
  • Process and efficiency improvements for compounding and compounded specialties
  • Innovative compounds to fulfil specific material requirements

 

Who Should Attend

Whether you’re an additive supplier, compounder, manufacturer or end user of polymer materials, this conference provides arguably the best forum to learn about quickly changing technical and market developments in the global plastics industry

Achieving Profit, Performance and Process Efficiency

Back for the sixteenth year and freshly researched to tackle the challenges faced by today’s plastics professionals, Europe’s must attend plastic additives and compounding conference comes to Aachen this September. Smithers Rapra and the Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) at RWTH Aachen have combined their collective experience and expertise to produce an exciting event for 2012 where suppliers, manufacturers, compounders and end users of plastic additives can get together to hear original technical papers on cutting edge research and network with other likeminded practitioners from across the plastics industry.

This is your opportunity to keep informed about the additive and compounding industry in an uncertain market and stay one step ahead of the competition. Two parallel tracks dedicated to Additives and Compounding will give you the chance to choose the appropriate session for your business needs. From the latest acrylic additives for improving polycarbonate scratch resistance and inorganic additives for infra red absorption, reflection and spectral filtering to the vacuum conveying of powders and granules and latest compounding machinery and processes, this conference covers it all.

Hear from brand owners Danone Research about their vision for the future of plastics packaging and materials and the role of additives and masterbatches in achieving their company goals. Discover the performance requirements for polymers and compounds from further processors and end-users, such as Ford Motor Company, Electrolux, Simona and Oechsler and experience the latest developments in compounding machinery and processes. Attend AddCom 2012 and you’ll be in very good company with senior representatives from BASF, DuPont, Dow, Merck KGaA, Bayer Technology Services, Automatik Plastics Machinery, Milliken, Coperion and others confirmed to attend.

Make the most of the numerous networking breaks, site visits to the Institute of Plastics Processing and HPF - The Mineral Engineers and a relaxed evening drinks reception to start up new business relationships and take home new ideas to implement in your own company.

 

A partnership between Smithers Rapra - World leader in rubber, plastics and composites expertise and IKV - Institute of Plastics Processing at RWTH Aachen University.

Smithers Rapra and IKV are combining their vast collective experience and expertise to bring a new offering to the plastics additives and compounding community.

Smithers Rapra has been providing expert information to the plastics, rubber and composite industries for over 90 years. Our products and services unlock our expertise, delivering the information you need direct to your desktop and through industry leading events. With topics spanning the latest developments in rubber and plastics technology, legislative changes and market trends, Smithers Rapra conferences continue to attract over 1,200 senior technical executives and decision makers per year.

IKV, the Institute of Plastics Processing at RWTH Aachen University, is Europewide the biggest research and education institute engaged in the field of plastics processing enjoying outstanding reputation. More than 300 staff are employed in finding solutions to problems connected with processing, materials technology and part design in the plastics and rubber industries. IKV’s close contacts with industry and science, together with its outstanding facilities, enable cutting edge research in plastics technology and ensure that students benefit from a comprehensive, practically oriented course of study.

Attend for FREE

All Smithers Rapra Plastic member companies get three FREE places at AddCom 2012 plus a whole host of other member benefits including the best picks from the world’s largest collection of polymer and plastics databases and publications. If plastics form a critical part of your business, this membership is your essential partner for success.

 Get in touch for more information on how Smithers Rapra membership can benefit you.

e: sfrier@smithers.com | t: +44 1372 802006

 

Venue information

Pullman Quellenhof Hotel

Located right next to the Kurpark, located between the casino and the convention centre, lies the elegant Pullman Aachen Quellenhof. One of the prime addresses of the European hotel business, the Quellenhof has been the preferred residence of prominent Aachen visitors from politics, industry and culture for many years. Restored with much love and dexterity, it offers you tradition with state-of-the-art comfort and top-class service.

How to Book Your Accommodation

Speakers and delegates are responsible for booking their own travel and accommodation. Please contact the hotel directly to book your room at the Pullman Quellenhof Hotel. T: +49 (0) 241 91320 • F: +49 (0) 241 9132100 • E: h5327@accor.com

How to Register

Online:
Phone: +44 1372 802006

Pricing

Early bird price €849 (expires 31 July 2012)
Full delegate price €949 (1 August – 14 September) IKV
Member price €749 (available any time)

Please note: A late booking fee of €100 will apply to any registrations received after 14th September 2012.
VAT will be applied at the German rate of 19%.

 

 

More Background on The ADDCOM Conference

The ADDCOM Conference is a notable event in the plastics additives and compounding sector, recognized for its role as a major networking and knowledge-sharing platform for industry professionals. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the conference, its history, reputation, audience, and broader significance within the plastics industry, drawing from external sources and industry context.

History and Evolution

The ADDCOM Conference, formerly known as the "Addcon" conference, has a longstanding history within the plastics industry. It has been organized for many years, with a consistent focus on delivering up-to-date, research-driven content for professionals involved in plastics additives and compounding. The conference has roots in Europe, with events frequently held in Germany, a hub for polymer research and manufacturing. Its continuity and annual recurrence have helped establish it as a staple in the technical conference calendar for plastics professionals.

The event is typically organized by Smithers Rapra, a globally recognized authority in rubber, plastics, and composite industries, often in partnership with leading research institutions such as the Institute of Plastics Processing (IKV) at RWTH Aachen University. This collaboration ensures the conference remains at the forefront of technical innovation and industry trends.

Conference Structure and Content

Tracks and Sessions

ADDCOM is known for its dual-track format, typically featuring parallel sessions devoted to plastics additives and compounding. This structure allows attendees to tailor their experience, focusing on the most relevant topics for their businesses and interests.

Key Topics

The conference covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including:

  • Advances in additive technologies for plastics

  • Innovations in property-enhancing additives

  • Market developments and new end-user applications

  • Case studies from packaging, electrical, and automotive sectors

  • Requirements from raw material suppliers and processors

  • Developments in compounding machinery and simulation tools

  • Process and efficiency improvements in compounding

  • Sustainable and environmentally friendly additive solutions

Speakers and Participants

ADDCOM attracts a diverse group of participants, including:

  • Additive suppliers

  • Compounders

  • Manufacturers

  • End users of polymer materials

  • Academic researchers

  • Industry consultants

Speakers are typically drawn from leading companies (such as BASF, DuPont, Dow, Merck, Bayer, Milliken, Coperion) and major end-users (like Ford, Electrolux, Danone), alongside academic and research leaders.

Reputation and Industry Standing

The conference has built a strong reputation for:

  • Technical Rigor: Presentations are often original technical papers, sometimes debuting cutting-edge research or new product developments.

  • Networking Opportunities: The event is renowned for its networking breaks, site visits, and social receptions, facilitating meaningful business connections.

  • Market Insight: It is viewed as a key venue for understanding current challenges and future trends in plastics additives and compounding.

Smithers Rapra’s involvement adds credibility, as the organization is respected for its expertise and longstanding service to the plastics and rubber industries.

Audience and Participation

The ADDCOM Conference typically attracts over 150 delegates per event, representing a cross-section of the plastics supply chain. Attendees include senior technical executives, R&D specialists, production managers, and business development professionals. The event is particularly valued by those seeking to stay ahead of technical and market developments in a rapidly evolving industry.

The international nature of the conference, with delegates from across Europe and beyond, further enhances its value as a forum for global knowledge exchange.

Press & Media Coverage

While the conference itself is a technical event rather than a consumer-facing expo, it has received coverage in trade publications and industry news outlets. Reports often highlight:

  • Key technical breakthroughs announced at the event

  • Strategic partnerships formed during networking sessions

  • Trends in sustainability and regulatory compliance discussed by speakers

  • Insights from leading companies on the future of plastics additives

Coverage underscores the event’s role in shaping industry direction and fostering innovation.

Cultural and Social Significance

Within the plastics industry, ADDCOM is more than just a technical meeting-it is a community event. It brings together stakeholders from across the value chain, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared problem-solving.

The conference’s emphasis on sustainable solutions and innovation reflects broader industry trends toward environmental responsibility and technological advancement. By providing a platform for discussing regulatory changes, market pressures, and technical challenges, ADDCOM helps shape the industry’s collective response to global issues such as plastic waste, recycling, and product safety.

Examples of Conference Impact

Technical Advances:
Past conferences have featured the debut of new polymer additives, such as super-strong, fire-retardant trash liner bags, and advances in compounding machinery that improve efficiency and material performance.

Industry Collaboration:
Delegates have reported forming lasting business relationships and research partnerships through the event’s networking opportunities, leading to collaborative projects and new product launches.

Educational Value:
Workshops and technical sessions provide valuable professional development, helping attendees stay current with evolving technologies and best practices.

Conference Logistics

Venue and Organization

Events have been held in prestigious venues, such as the Pullman Quellenhof Hotel in Aachen, Germany, known for its high standards of comfort and service. The choice of venue reflects the conference’s commitment to providing a professional yet welcoming environment for learning and networking.

Registration and Membership

Smithers Rapra member companies often receive benefits such as complimentary conference passes and access to exclusive industry databases and publications, incentivizing ongoing engagement with the organization and its events.

Reviews and Testimonials

Feedback from attendees and industry observers is generally positive, with particular praise for:

  • The quality and relevance of technical presentations

  • The breadth of topics covered

  • The caliber of speakers and participants

  • The value of networking opportunities

Some past delegates have noted that the conference’s dual-track format allows for a customized experience, ensuring that both technical specialists and business leaders find sessions relevant to their needs.

Industry Context and Related Events

ADDCOM is part of a broader ecosystem of technical conferences in the plastics sector, alongside events such as the K Show (Düsseldorf), PlasticsEurope conferences, and the SPE (Society of Plastics Engineers) annual meetings. Its focus on additives and compounding distinguishes it as a specialized forum for these critical aspects of polymer technology.

 

The ADDCOM Conference stands out as a premier event in the plastics additives and compounding field. Its blend of technical rigor, market insight, and networking makes it a must-attend for professionals seeking to navigate the challenges and opportunities of this dynamic industry. Backed by respected organizers and a tradition of excellence, ADDCOM continues to shape the future of plastics through knowledge exchange and collaboration.

 

 

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

 

ADDCOM-Conference.com