Budapest, Hungary — The Plastic Pipes Conference Association (PPCA) has announced a call for papers to be presented at its Plastic Pipes XVIII Conference and Exhibition taking place in Berlin’s InterContinental Hotel on 12 – 14 September 2016. The announcement comes on the heel of positive signs for the global plastic pipe market. Zoran Davidovski, Organizing Chairman of Plastic Pipes XVIII explains: “The construction and civil engineering sectors are major motors that drive a nation’s economy. Whilst US, China, India and Germany report major rates of growth in this sector, they also reflect a global trend towards sustainability as a strategic criterion for choosing building products. Plastic pipe systems are now the sustainable pipe material of choice due to their long life performance and low environmental impact.”

Davidovski points towards double digit growth in the global plastic pipe industry and the recognition that the replacement of antiquated non-plastic pipe networks is a universally accepted trend. “Our conference in Berlin will be a very interesting platform to discuss and review technical and business developments,” he says. “The world of plastic pipes is changing and excitement within the industry is intense. The whole supply chain will be there – from raw material suppliers to pipe installers and users. Even the makers that make the machines that make the pipes will be there.” Sarah Patterson is Organizing Co-chair of Plastic Pipes XVIII and Technical Director of the US-based Plastics Pipe Institute. Patterson and her jury colleagues will decide who delivers each of the 120 papers at the event in the German capital. “We are always open to new ideas and innovation even if the subject matter is not covered by the traditional list of key areas.

Materials, additives/ ingredients and processing capabilities are evolving plastic pipes and their uses globally. Presentations will address key technical and marketing issues relating to the design and development, testing, installation and operation of plastic pipe systems. Papers will offer solutions to engineering issues in the use of plastic pipes system and identify market trends for further growth in the use of these systems. In-depth review will also extend to latest developments in application areas, materials, additives/ingredients, testing, performance and the most recent expertise acquired in the area of sustainability and its assessment.” Patterson invites all potential presenters to submit a 300 word abstract in the English language before 25 November 2015. Title, name, position, company address and contact details should also be included through the online submission on the conference website: www.ppxviii.com Exhibitors are also encouraged to contact conference organizers as soon as possible through the same website where a floor plan has already been provided. Organizers of PLASTIC PIPES XVIII expect at least 450 participants drawn from all sectors of the plastic pipes industry and from over 40 countries. They also announce a spin-off conference to be held on the 21 and 22 of September 2015 in Shanghai, China.

Member associations of PPCA comprise PE 100+, Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI), PVC4Pipes and the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association (TEPPFA). Main corporate sponsors for PLASTIC PIPES XVIII are the Baerlocher Group, a leader in the supply of additives and Rollepaal, the Dutch plastic pipe machinery and equipment manufacturer. Silver sponsor is MOL, the leading German supplier of elastomer sealing systems. A new website devoted to all aspects of PLASTIC PIPES XVIII has been created. It includes details of registration, submission of papers, exhibition, accommodation, travel advice and sponsorship: www.ppxviii.com