Ohio is the leader in the global polymer industry and is among the top states in the country for plastics and rubber production, according to PolymerOhio, Inc.
The
Rubber and Plastics Research Association (RAPRA) in Hudson will be showcasing Ohio’s prominence in these areas at its first international polymer conference. The organization is hosting the
Global Polymer Innovation Expo (GPIE) at Battelle Hall in Columbus August 26-29. RAPRA is collaborating on the event with regional partners Polymer Ohio and the Ohio Polymer Strategy Council.
“The conference will provide a venue for attendees to discuss and learn about new technology innovations in high-growth polymer sectors,” explains Laura Woods, RAPRA president.
The four-day conference will address critical needs in the polymer industry. According to a RAPRA news release, one of those needs is to accelerate innovations to market, thereby creating jobs through business growth. There will be a focus on introducing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educators to the polymer industry in an effort to address the shortage of skilled workers available to the polymer industry. Another goal is identifying career paths in the polymer industry for veterans, displaced skilled workers and the under-employed.
“Attendees will have an opportunity to gain skills and knowledge to implement the new technologies in their business,” Woods says.” We’ll also announce new product innovations during each opening session.” Woods anticipates 600 attendees.
The expo will feature a unique one-to-one online networking system available to participants and exhibitors that will remain open after the conference ends for easy follow-up communication. The conference also includes site visits to prominent industry companies.
According to Woods, “GPIE will provide the international polymer community with resources that will impact its growth for years to come.”
Source: Laura Woods
Writer: Lynne Meyer