As a result of the unfolding worldwide Coronavirus pandemic, at TBM Group we have decided to move our Global PVC Compounding & Production Cycle Forum to the virtual world. This, both for the general safety of our attendees as well as due to the ongoing global restrictions on travel.

In these difficult times for all areas of business, such events can at least help break the isolation that the coronavirus has imposed on everyone globally, whilst at the same time broadening the possibility of online attendance to professionals from Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Whilst we hope to welcome all industry professionals to our regular ‘real world’ events in the not too distant future, until then we aim to provide platforms for business learning, information-sharing, debate and networking in a virtual setting.

TBM Group will continue to monitor the situation extremely closely and will of course reintroduce ‘real world’ forums when the situation is deemed safe for all our speakers, delegates and sponsors.

Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, is one of the most important and used plastics in the world. It currently accounts for about 20% of all plastic manufactured worldwide, second only to polyethylene. The whole PVC production cycles employs over 1.45 million people in approximately 62000 different companies, most of which are Small and Medium Enterprises (SME).

PVC is easy and cheap to make – its main ingredients are available in nature in virtually infinite supply – it does not require many resources, has an incredible number of practical applications, is highly resistant and weatherproof as well as safe and easily recyclable. PVC products are distinguished by their longevity, low costs for maintenance, and recyclability. Their life-cycle costs are correspondingly low: this is a fact that has direct influence on their market success.

In this context, the role of the Compounder is extremely important in the whole Production Cycle of PVC, insofar it is the link in the chain that allows to find the right balance and compromise between the polymer and the chemicals, in order to produce an effective, performing and competitive material.

This event, the only one currently focusing exclusively on PVC Compounding, puts the Compounder at the centre and sums up what is happening in and around the sector, what are the future trends and how to tackle the challenges.

Topics covered include:

• The key role of the Compounder in the PVC Production Cycle
• From the granule to the product: innovations and developments from PVC’s main applications
• Strong focus on sustainability and cost cutting while keeping high quality levels
• A look on the whole PVC Production Cycle: stabilisers, plasticisers, pigments and machinery to ensure a consistent, effective and competitive product
• What does PVC recycling mean for the compounding sector?