Millennium Conferences International

Following substantial changes in the internal organisation and taking into account the current trends of the global FIBC business EFIBCA has moved into a new direction. In a first step it has opened its membership to companies from all over the world provided they are able to fulfil the high standards of membership. Moreover, EFIBCA is about to establish a new quality assurance system and enhanced communication concept for the FIBC industry.
Amir Samadijavan, President, EFIBCA, Germany

With low cost solutions, a wide range of products, world-class manufacturing facilities and good manufacturing practices, India is home to a fast growing FIBC Industry. This presentation will highlight the available resources and the competition in the marketplace. 
Manoj Agarwal, President, Indian FIBCA, India

Large corporations are consolidating and centralising their FIBC buying to drive the purchase cost down. This consolidation is a growing global trend of cross-continent consolidated buying. Here we look at the imperatives and opportunities.
Saurabh Kalani, President, Flexituff International, India

Authorised by the Ministry of Shipping and Surface Transport and Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, for the testing of various bulk packaging materials including FIBC for the carriage of dangerous goods for export by sea and air, the Indian Institute of Packaging is setting the pace in quality control. Based on the performance of the samples, the Institute is also authorised to issue UN Certificates according to the guidelines given in the IMDG and ICAO Manual.
H R Iyer, Joint Director of Laboratories Div, Indian Institute of Packaging, India

SAFETY & THE ENVIRONMENT
The increased use of FIBCs in different industries and the benefits of using them both for storage and transportation have been reflected in the continued rise in FIBC sales around the globe. FIBCs have played a major role in transporting bulk materials safely in unit loads, ranging from low-value products through to high-grade chemicals. However, in some cases, FIBCs are being used for materials that are not safe to be used with woven fabric and accidents are waiting to happen.

NEW TECHNOLOGY AND MACHINERY
Competition in the FIBC market is fierce and prices are spiralling down, while prices for 
the components are on the rise. Some FIBC manufacturers have discovered that, with the right machinery, savings can be made in the manufacturing process. New technology has come a long way and FIBC manufacturers are recognising that equipment manufacturers have not been standing still. On the other hand, FIBC users still have to be protected 
whilst filling and emptying FIBCs.  

The use of FIBCs has been steadily increasing in line with the requirements from industry to transport and store powdered, flaked and granulated products more efficiently and economically. However, the FIBC has brought with it some serious safety issues. Some of the products handled in FIBCs are inherently volatile and even the most innocuous of products such as flour are liable to explode quite violently if exposed to a sufficiently high ignition source.
Malcolm Ranson, Managing Director, Concord 21 Consultancy, UK

A new fully-robotised filling and handling line will offer enhanced efficiency and improved profitability in the filling and handling of FIBCs. The presentation will highlight key technology elements, including the development, solutions, handling and transport with integrated coding, marketing and labeling systems and traceability of the FIBCs.
Hans Vedde, Sales Director, Cronus Packaging Systems, Norway

New technology Forum
Discussion - question and answer session on the following issues:
- Is (sourcing) financing new equipment an obstacle?
- Will automation take-over FIBC production?
- Choice of machinery - recommendation or pot luck?

FIBC COMPONENTS
Are FIBC users aware of the consequences of UV degradation and incorrect testing of FIBC fabric and components? The FIBC market has an outstanding safety record - will failure 
of the components affect safety and should it be the FIBC manufacturer that educates 
the user? In this session we are looking at FIBC components, how they are tested and 
new developments coming on to the market.

The influence of natural weathering, light stability and UV degradation are all factors that might affect the fabric resulting in FIBC failures. Testing the durability of FIBC fabric can be done through developing a weathering programme.
Jeffrey Quill, Director of Technical Applications, Q-Lab Corporation, USA

Permanent antistatic agents for polyolefins, providing excellent static dissipation without affecting the mechanical properties of the original base resin system, have an exceptional compatibility with polyethylenes & polypropylenes.This means greater flexibility in design while colour consistency of bright coloured resins is not affected & providing a smooth finish.
Karlheinz Hausmann, Senior Research Associate, DuPont de Nemours International, Switzerland

ELECTROSTATIC, SAFETY & LOGISTICS

In 2005, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) published an International Standard for evaluating the safety of static protective FIBC. The purpose of this presentation is to summarise the contents of this important standard, and to explain the continuing development work that will result in the second edition, due for publication in 2010.
Paul Holdstock, Technical Services Director, Texene LLC, UK

In this last session of the congress, participants are invited to join an FIBC workshop, and to actively make a difference to the FIBC industry. The FIBC workshop panel will benefit form input from some of the speakers who will guide the question and answer session. Participants will be invited to take part in this last session by working in groups and commenting on questions that currently affect the FIBC industry. 

Each group will elect a spokesperson who will report back to the other groups. The FIBC workshop will provide the several FIBC Associations an insight into the views and concerns of the FIBC manufacturer, supplier and user. It is therefore of utmost importance that participants take this opportunity to get involved.