Oct 7 2002
The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining launched its new Plastics and Rubber Division during Interplas 2002. This new division will provide a strong focus within the newly formed Institute for plastics and rubber activities, and brings together the interests of the separate Polymer and Rubber Divisions of the former Institute of Materials. The main aim of the division is to support the plastics and rubber industry by helping to provide appropriately educated and trained materials scientists, engineers and technicians, and to ensure that industry’s future technological needs are met.
The launch of the new division took place on Tuesday 1 October, and was marked by a keynote lecture entitled Stand out or stand still: designing the difference by Clive Grinyer, Director of Design and Innovation at the Design Council. Mr Grinyer spoke on design as the tool in identifying real opportunities for innovation, and delivering excellence in products and services.
The Plastics and Rubber Division’s activities are co-ordinated by a Board whose membership includes representatives from companies in the polymer supply chain, trade bodies, government and academia, as well as from the Institute’s regional polymer groups. The Division advises the Institute on its policies to ensure that they meet the needs of members and companies in the polymer sector.
The Division will develop an ongoing programme of events to disseminate knowledge in polymer processing, materials and applications. The programme will include previously successful conference series such as PVC. The division will also play a valuable role in its support of the Institute’s education, training and careers activities, and in its support of various design awards programmes through its Plastics Design Committee.
For more information contact Andrew Cluley.