The phenomenal contribution that the PVC Industry and its products make to society was the focus of the PVC 2005 Conference in Brighton UK. Around 500 delegates from the UK, mainland Europe, USA and the Middle and Far East participated with the conference theme in this regular triennial conference 'Adding Value to Society' being continually reinforced.

Over seventy papers were delivered by experts from around the world in a packed three days at the Brighton Metropole Hotel. Continuing the popular format of previous years, parallel sessions on Day Two and Three allowed delegates to choose the papers, products and topics most relevant to them. The exhibition, arranged for companies with particular interest in PVC matters to interface with the delegates, was also well supported.

An excellent first day, which included a thought provoking opening from Nancy Russotto, Executive Director of Plastics Europe, covered a variety of perspectives on PVC's role as an innovative material in modern society, including input from the multinational retail group B&Q, and the European Commission. The progress made addressing sustainable development together with analysis of the global PVC market including the USA, China and South-East Asia also pointed to the prospects for the material's future image and application around the world.

A full day session was devoted to PVC profiles covering market analysis and end-user perspectives as well as the latest developments in additives, mixing, and processing in the windows sector. Similar sessions included pipes, additives, stabilisers, polymerisation, and the flexible PVC market as well as a sustainability session devoted to specific research and development in this area.

The conference was again organised by IOM Communications Ltd with the very active participation and involvement of the PVC Committee, part of the Plastics and Rubber Division of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. The committee comprises of a cross-section of differing expertise from PVC industry and academia and includes support from the British Plastics Federation (BPF), the Packaging and Industrial Films Association (PIFA), and the European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers (ECVM).

The quality of presentations was probably the best we have witnessed. In addition the discussions during the Question and Answer sessions were particularly spirited and relevant. Delegate feedback has also been very positive.

We believe that the Conference continues to offer excellent value for money by managing to retain its focus being organised by a committed team of PVC based professionals for the PVC industry.

Hard copies of the Conference Papers are available at £100 each from Melanie Boyce, Conference Manager, IOM3.