Chairman's Corner

Professor John Evans

By now you must all be aware that we have adopted a policy within MNW of focussing on specific areas of interest throughout the year. In the last Bulletin we highlighted remanufacturing and recycling in metals. In this one, the recycling theme is continued but the emphasis is shifted to polymers.

Inside there are articles from RPC Containers, the Faraday Plastics and David Isaac who is carrying out research on recycling at Swansea University. The RPC Containers were recently highlighted on television for their ground-breaking work on recycled biodegradable polymers in consumer packaging. The Faraday Plastic are carrying out a major drive throughout the U.K. to promote research on and application of these exciting materials. Dr Isaac is the co-ordinator of a Masters of Research in Recycling and his article addresses some of the leading projects that have been carried out with Government and industry as part of that scheme. The recycling issue is clearly a major concern for all of us. It is our intention, therefore, to arrange a major seminar on this subject later in the year.We will be informing you of this shortly.

This Corner also gives me the opportunity to highlight future events. The next one will take place in Bangor on 16th October. It will focus on modern methods of construction and will be hosted by the BioComposites Centre. Materials feature strongly in the event and encompass metal-matrix composites, timber-framed housing and new insulation materials. The key presenters will be Professor Benfield and the Building Research Establishment. This is clearly a golden opportunity to learn about the latest developments in the construction business.

Further details are included with this Bulletin. Finally, I wish to inform you that the MNW will be carrying out a survey of members over the next few months. The objective is to discover the education skills requirements for the materials sector. On the basis of the information gathered, it is our intention to rectify inadequacies highlighted by applying pressure in the appropriate areas. Your participation is very important and will be greatly appreciated.