11-12th July, 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand
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SUSTAINABILITY - ISSUES & SOLUTIONS
This key session will clearly identify the main issues, problems and suggest solutions and policies which will ensure sustainable development of the rubber industry. Signature presentations will be:-
Natural Rubber in a Changing Market – Creating a Global Sustainability Framework
Dr Ulrich Hoffmann, UNCTAD, Geneva
Second Frontier of Sustainability: Malaysian Progress
Datuk Dr Salmiah Ahmad, Director-General, Malaysian Rubber Board
Thai Rubber Industry Commitment to sustainability
Dr Pongsak Kerdwongbundit, President, Thai Rubber Association
Innovation for Sustainability
Mr Lim Kwee Shyan, President, MARGMA

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS OF SUSTAINABILITY
Climate change is of major global concern because of its impact on mankind and livelihoods. It is necessary to understand the significance of carbon studies to identify areas of the production chain that need new technology.
Carbon stocks in Rubber Plantation
Mr.Chakarn Saengruksawong et al , Faculty of Chiang Mai University
Meeting Carbon Footprint Standards
Dr Katharina Plassmann, Institute of Agricultural Climate Change Research, Germany
Energizing Efficiently
Ir Francis Xavier Jacob, Energy Commission Malaysia

RUBBER PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
With the economies of developing countries growing rapidly, there is a related demand for rubber goods and accordingly sourcing of products and strategic investments are necessary.
Presentations will be made by Mr Vinod Simon, President, All India Rubber Industry Association (AIRIA), The Board of Investment (BOI), Thailand and Malaysian Industrial Development Authority(MIDA). A forecast for the demand of automotive related products will be made by Mr Hajime Yamamoto of IHS Automotive, Thailand.

LATEX – NEW REQUIREMENTS AND TECHNOLOGY
This session will examine some of the issues to be faced by the latex industry.
Presentations include regulatory requirements and advances in research.
Regulatory requirements for Medical Devices in Thailand
Ms Yuwadee Pattanwong, Director for Medical Device Control, FDA Thailand
Sustainability of Medical Gloves – durability under repeated stress
Drs Tajul A Y and Amir Hashim, Malaysian Rubber Board; Prof.Dr.Pramuan Tangboriboonrat, Mahidol University
Nitrile Latex for improved performance
Synthomer R&D

SUSTAINABILITY – USE OF PERFORMANCE POLYMERS AND MATERIALS
The use of high performance polymers and materials which contribute to enhanced product performance contribute to sustainability such as the reduction of rolling resistance in tires.
Polybutadiene – advantages in tires
LANXESS
Highly Dispersible silicas and silane to enhance product properties
Dr J. C. Nian, EVONIK, Taiwan
Papers on exploiting the unique properties of Epoxyprene and high quality recycled rubber will illustrate how they contribute to sustainability