This year’s conference started with a plant tour of four Finnish plastic companies. Titi and Tanja Sundberg hosted this local plant tour, a tradition in the past we consider continuing.
Pre-conference Plant Tour
The tour was a great start for our members. They met Risto Kalliainen from Leomuovi Oy, who showed them the oldest machine press, which originated in 1935. They saw ATOLLI OY and Muovityö Hiltunen Oy, had lunch with a beautiful view, and, last but not least, went on a plant tour of Admor Composites Oy.
Welcome Reception and welcome dinner
Our members met at the welcome reception, which was kindly sponsored by Isik Plastik. Networking continued with the welcome dinner, which over 70 members attended.
1st Conference day
Martin Walker was our keynote speaker, giving us a geopolitical overview and mindblowing insights into different European countries, including China, and its challenges. By crosslinking connections, people were introduced by finding their category and competing in a pub quiz. After lunch, we dived into new knowledge and skills in industry insights. New and old chemical recycling techniques were explained, an update was given on PFAS restrictions and fluoropolymers and an overview of European regulations and how AI can help.
Gala Dinner and Midnight Sun Celebrations
Before the gala dinner, we had Lonkero Hour. Lonkero is a typical Finnish drink invented for the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. Afterwards, we went on a boat to our private island for the gala dinner. The food was good, and the view was even better. We experienced the midnight sun in the hotel bar, which extended its opening hours until 02.00 a.m. for our Midnight Sun Celebrations.
2nd Conference Day
After the AGM meeting, we hosted four Expert-Led Discussion Groups.
1. Fluoropolymers, led by Ronald Bock (AGC Chemicals)
2. ISCC certification, led by Stefan Tielen (Exolon Group)
3. Challenges in the acrylic industry, led by Julien Renvoise (Trinseo)
4. Overregulation, led by Vesa Kärhä (Finnish Plastics Industries Federation)
After the discussion groups, we held a walking debate. We debated about the relationship between distributors and manufacturers, which is challenged by Asian manufacturers entering the European Market. A topic we all agreed on is whether we should welcome recycling companies to our membership categories.
Next-Gen Network Programme
After a discussion forum, two mentoring sessions, and an inspiring keynote speech by Anni Siltanen about future skills needed in the plastics industry, it was time for some team-building action! Many thanks to Exolon Group for sponsoring our Next-Gen Network.
Optional tour and dinner
Traditionally, we close our conference with a tour and dinner. This year, we cruised with champagne over Helsinki waters and had dinner at Ragu, where we were served by a waitress who had become 4th in the European Championship for serving.
