Lord Taverne, Chair of the Sense about Science independent charitable trust, got PVC 2008 off to an excellent start with a forceful keynote speech about the need to promote good science and respect for evidence in public debates.

Over 450 delegates participated in the conference which was again organised by IOM Communications via the PVC Committee of The Polymer Society. The committee, consisting of PVC experts from industry and academia, as well as representatives from co-sponsors the British Plastics Federation, the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers and the Packaging and Films Association, brought together 70 papers spread over nine themes, covering markets, sustainability, profiles, pipes and fittings, polymerisation, flexibles, processing technology and property modification, additives, and recovery and recycling.

Held over three days from 22-24 April, the new venue of the Brighton Dome proved to a popular choice with a combination of excellent facilities and Grade 1 listed heritage. PVC 2008 was the 10^th International PVC Conference, with the first held in 1978.

For the first time, online abstracts were submitted and reviewed via a dedicated conference website which was also used for delegate registration. In another first a DVD was made of the first day proceedings and presented to the conference delegates at the end of the conference in exchange for a completed feedback form. As a result, more feedback forms were received. These will be analysed to assist in the planning for PVC 2011.

The verbal feedback has been very positive and reinforces the reputation of PVC 2008 as theworld’s largest and most reputable PVC conference, supporting the future of PVC across the world through information, education, debate and informal discussions.

Copies of the conference proceedings can be purchased by contacting Eileen Ellis, tel: 01782 221707.

Further information

PVC2008 Conference Webpages