ACC: Commentary

Welcome to this special publication, prepared by ICIS in association with the American Chemistry Council (ACC), for the Polyurethanes 2014 Technical Conference, taking place in Dallas, Texas, from 22-24 September.

The polyurethane (PU) industry has proven resilient after several difficult years but there is now plenty of optimism. The versatility of the product is helping to increase uptake in various end-use markets, with new applications in a range of sectors from construction and automotive to clothing and healthcare. So much so, that the North American PU market is now growing more rapidly than the overall economy.

Innovation continues to see many exciting avenues opening up for PU. This publication highlights how sustainability and energy efficiency remain at the top of the agenda and how these issues are providing countless opportunities for the industry. Demand for biobased products continues to grow and the market is becoming even more aware of the many advantages offered by renewable content. Of course, many challenges remain, from managing the cost premium to optimising – and not compromising – performance, but the future is certainly looking positive.

ACC’s Center for Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) is also concentrating efforts to enhance its outreach programme with the launch of a new campaign. Its focus will be on improving public perception and how best the industry should be conveying the many benefits of polyurethane to the consumer.

This year’s event once again provides a comprehensive programme, with 14 technical sessions and over 60 presentations offering valuable insight into the latest developments in the PU industry in North America. Besides the opportunity to network with their peers, delegates will be able to participate in various workshops and the CPI’s 11th annual Polyurethane Professional Development Program (PDP).

I hope you enjoy this special supplement and find this year’s event valuable.