Third Quarter - SPE Thermoforming Division

Society of
Plastics
Engineers
developments, materials and market opportunities that
exist. Further presentations gave room for comprehensive
discussions around Industrial Design, environmental
challenges, the thermoforming process and trends.
7th European Thermoforming
Conference, Antwerp 2010:
Another highly successful event of the
Thermoforming Industry
What are the current trends in thermoforming
technology How can intelligent technical solutions
be translated into higher productivity and decisive
competitive advantages, and which innovative
materials can help in this respect
These were the key issues discussed at the 7th
European Thermoforming Conference, designed and
run by SPE – European Thermoforming Division,
which was held between 22nd and 24th April 2010 in
Antwerp, Belgium
due to heavy atmospheric ash from the Iceland volcano
eruption, some 200 delegates including many of the key
players within the European Thermoforming Industry,
found their way to Antwerp, where they discussed various
technological aspects and future developments. This
year’s forum once more has been an interesting platform
for exchanging experiences with experts and business
partners alike.
The conference programme included a rich and varied
combination of well-researched presentations and highlycharged
discussions. The event concluded with a series of
expert presentations organised by a leading company in
the thermoforming sector.
Conference room
The Conference has been complemented by an informative
and comprehensive exhibition of relevant latest product
developments and services offered by a variety of leading
suppliers to the thermoforming industry.
This event was a major success and demonstrated
E.T.D.’s ability to pull together many of the engineers and
managers of the European thermoforming industry as
guest speakers to ensure lively debates and unrivalled
networking opportunities.
View of the Tabletop Display
In a competent and comprehensive way the presentations
covered the theme of the conference “All Facets of
Thermoforming”.
Following this theme, the General Session started with
the topic “Plastics and the World in 2030”, presented by
Dr. Wilfried Haensel from Plastics Europe. Dr. Haensel
highlighted the never-ending, amazing, dynamic evolution
of plastic, which makes plastic the material for the 21st
century.
A thin gauge session and a parallel heavy gauge session
offered the audience informed insights into new
With special thanks to our Conference Sponsors!
32 Thermoforming QUArTerLY
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