Page 20 - FINAT Yearbook 2012

The FINAT Technical Committee
the development of collection and recycling solutions for spent release liners. As the topic of ‘sustainability’ is broader than recycling, and promoting recycling is not just a matter of technical development, the Committee is looking at ways to consolidate the various efforts associated with these subjects with both the Technical and the Marketing Committees.
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
AND SUB-COMMITTEES
The Technical Committee exists to understand and promote the science and technology of self-adhesive labelling. Drawing its knowledge from a wide range of industry members’ interests, it provides an informed body of professional expertise focused on the processes and materials used in the manufacture of self-adhesive labelstocks, and their conversion and subsequent application. By monitoring developments and trends in the technology, in changing market use, and environmental issues, it provides an ongoing source of technical data and expert opinion and encourages networking and improved technical
understanding throughout the membership. Currently, the Technical Committee has 26 members.
• Test Methods Sub-committee: safeguarding the crown jewels
of FINAT
The Test Methods Sub-committee is chaired by Hans Lautenschlager (Wacker Chemie, D) who has succeeded Jacques Lechat from ExxonMobil who recently went into well-deserved retirement after having served FINAT in this role for more than ten years. The Test Methods Sub-committee, as part of the FINAT Technical Committee, focuses on updating the contents of the FINAT Technical Handbook, a prominent feature of FINAT’s brand identity. Recently, FINAT Test Method 28 − a method of evaluating adhesive bleed through paper − was written in English and translated into the other official FINAT languages French and German. FTM 23b on Testing for Die-strike on clear filmic liners, and FTM 25 on the Evaluation of Silicone Coverage, were both updated and translated. Translation into Chinese will be completed this year. This will help to
establish FINAT Test Methods in the fast-growing Chinese market and facilitate business in this region.
The FINAT Test Methods are printed in the FINAT Technical Handbook, which can be ordered through the FINAT website. The Test Methods Sub-committee plans to evaluate the possibility of making the FINAT Test Methods available through the FINAT website in a more educational form. This would include the addition of pictures and video sequences to promote an easy understanding on how to perform these tests.
• Technical Seminar and Communications Sub-committee: documenting and sharing the collective knowledge of the label industry
This committee is chaired by Sean Duffy of Bluestar Silicones (F), who also represents the Technical Committee at Board level. The committee just completed its busiest period in the run-up to the Technical Seminar held in Barcelona in March. See elsewhere for an extensive report. Sean reports that “The sub- committee members have an active role in preparing and chairing the seminar, and as a group we pay particular attention to monitoring all proposed content prior to the seminar to be sure we achieve the level of technical content required to satisfy our audience.
The group also spends time compiling technical items that can be published on the website or in other media, and − after the seminar − this is an area that we will try to activate again in the coming months, before the inevitable preparations for the next seminar begin again in earnest at the start of 2013 for the spring of 2014.”
• Sub-committee on Regulatory Affairs: keeping an eye on external legislative developments
The Sub-Committee Regulatory
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FINAT YEARBOOK 2012 |