The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) recently announced speakers who will present at the 2013 Polyurethanes Technical Conference, scheduled to take place September 23-25 in Phoenix. Emmy Award-winning journalist Frank Sesno will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Opening Session on Monday, September 23. He will discuss the future of energy and the importance of communicating the latest innovations and benefits offered by the polyurethanes industry. Currently the director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at The George Washington University, Sesno has more than 25 years of journalistic experience, including 18 years at CNN. He currently leads Planet Forward, a viewer-driven website and television project focusing on innovations in energy, climate, food production, and sustainability issues.

The conference will also feature two presentations from regulators. Elizabeth Whiteley of the Office of Atmospheric Programs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will give a talk on labeling requirements mandated by the Clean Air Act that pertain to products containing or manufactured with hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). In addition, Sven Rundman of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will discuss the recently announced National Enforcement Program for isocyanates, providing attendees an opportunity for first-hand access to information about this program and what it means for the industry.

At the Closing Session, conference attendees will be the first to learn about the findings from CPI’s biennial end-use market survey. The 2012 End-Use Market Survey for the Polyurethanes Industry in the U.S., Canada and Mexico reportedly presents historic trends by market segment and identifies new applications and uses in each country. In addition, the survey presents data on product use, opinions on market drivers, and regulatory and other issues that affected the industry on both a domestic and global scale. Hanne Hirsimäki of IAL Consultants, which collects the data and prepares the report, will present the survey’s findings.   

For additional information, visit http://polyurethane.americanchemistry.com.