Duffel, Belgium - Mondi Group organised its first building conference , called "Building Tomorrrow" about the future of PU/PIR (polyurethane/polisocyanurate) insulation, on 26 Sept in Brussels, with 50 participants from 20 companies attending.
This was a forum for experts from different domains of the building industry to share their knowledge and learn about upcoming market challenges, as well as changes for PUR/PIR insulation, said Mondi, in a company statement. The group added that it is already planning the next meeting.
Presenters included Deutsche Bank, polyurethane supplier Huntsman, CEDUBO (the Dutch sustainable building centre), Firewarrington (a fire safety consultancy), PU machinery maker OMS, the isocyanate industry association, ISOPA and consultancy de Walque & Associates.
Topics covered existing challenges of the building industry - namely the turbulent global economy, increasing market dynamics and stricter regulations - as well as opportunities for the industry.
One of the major topics was energy efficiency ratings: "The presentations were of high quality, with two speakers fully supporting the concept that as insulation become thicker, the energy efficiency ratings should be calculated for the entire building and not just the insulation panel" said David Evans, IB & B Business Development, Huntsman.
Organiser of the conference Mondi is a key player of the industry. The aim of the meeting was to gather experts in different areas and "give them the opportunity to learn about upcoming market challenges and opportunities for PUR/PIR insulation," said Jurgen Van der Donck, managing Director Mondi Belcoat NV, based in Duffel, Belgium.
Dr Wolfram Frank from ISOPA said: "The delegates were of a high standard and fully supportive of Mondi's initiative to promote PUR/PIR insulation."
International paper and packaging group Mondi says it has "extensive experience in the PU/PIR
insulation board industry," with its Coating & Release business offering building
industry products, including insulation materials and building membranes based on advanced polymer technology, new raw materials and co-extrusion technology.
"Recently we launched a new generation of insulation facings, embossed and paper-free. We are also in the process of introducing a complete range of roofing underlays," Van der Donck added.
PIC: Van der Donck speaking at the meeting
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