World's Largest Plastics Event Showcases How Plastics Contribute to a Sustainable World
June 17, 2009
Contact:
Barry Eisenberg
202- 974-5210
beisenberg@plasticsindustry.org
From Bioplastics to Energy, NPE2009 Exhibitors to Display Technologies Critical to Solving World?s Energy Crisis and Minimizing Environmental Impacts
NPE2009, the world’s largest international plastics exposition and conference, will bring innovative products and technologies to Chicago that show just how critical plastics are to finding solutions to environmental issues and making the world more sustainable. Taking place June 22-26 at McCormick Place, NPE2009 promises to be a manifestation of the new industry consensus that providing solutions to sustainability issues is the path forward to create new customer values and move beyond today’s business challenges. Sponsored by SPI: The Plastics Industry Association, NPE has been convened in Chicago every three years since 1971.
“So pervasive is the concept of sustainability at NPE2009 that its importance defies easy summary,” said Tracy Cullen, SPI senior vice president of communications and marketing. “Resource conservation, renewable resources, recycling, degradability, solid waste source reduction, energy efficiency, elimination of pollutants, shrinking carbon footprints—virtually every visitor at NPE2009 now has a vital interest in one or more of these goals. Many exhibitors offer at least one technology to help achieve them, as do a wide range of conference presenters. If there is a central theme for NPE2009, it’s sustainability.”
For example, the surge in growth of bioplastics -- materials that are biodegradable and derived from corn, castor beans, soybeans, potatoes, tapioca, and other renewable resources – will be evident everywhere at NPE2009. These materials can help reduce our dependence on oil and natural gas and expand options for degradability. Thirty-eight exhibitors offer bioplastics-related technology, from resins to specially designed additives and machinery to processed goods, and there are well over 50 conference presentations on the subject—42 in ANTEC, the world’s largest plastics technical conference, which will co-locate with NPE this year. SPI’s own exhibit will include the association’s newest special interest group, the Bioplastics Council, established as a forum for resin suppliers and other companies to promote the development of bioplastics as an integral part of the industry.
Plastics’ role in energy efficiency and generating new sources of energy will also be well-represented at NPE2009. Fuel savings are the advantage cited for new materials and processing methods that yield lightweight or more compact products that reduce gasoline consumption directly (as automobile components) or indirectly (by reducing shipping costs). “Automobile manufacturers recognize that one way forward from today’s difficult times is to develop new vehicles that compete effectively by consuming less fossil fuel, using more renewable resources, and reducing the impact of vehicles on the environment,” said Gene Sanders, SPI’s vice president of trade shows. “The plastics industry’s commitment to these goals will be evident throughout NPE2009.” In addition, alternate energy sources increasingly require plastics as essential materials of design, and a number of NPE2009 exhibitors will spotlight the role of their products in solar energy, lithium-ion batteries for electric-drive cars, and wind energy systems.
The first International Plastics Design Competition (IPDC), also being held at NPE2009, includes energy, sustainability and bioplastics categories allowing designers and manufacturers alike to showcase their most innovative parts or finished products. Whether it is a dumpster lid, office chair, media disc case, presentation binder, energy meter, shopping cart or refrigeration unit, numerous entries in the competition highlight their use of post-consumer recycled material or their ability to be recycled at “end-of-life.”
A stroll through the massive NPE2009 exhibit floor will make it clear that plastics play a starring role in developing solutions to sustainability issues.
Founded in 1937, SPI is the plastics industry trade association representing the third largest manufacturing industry in the United States. SPI's member companies represent the entire plastics industry supply chain, including processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers and raw materials suppliers. The U.S. plastics industry employs 1.1 million workers and provides nearly $379 billion in annual shipments.
