News

MSA Grid software recently received an Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) magazine Industrial Hygiene Award in the “Auditing and Compliance Software” category.

 The awards feature winners across 28 categories, honoring the outstanding product development achievements of health and safety manufacturers whose products are considered particularly noteworthy in their ability to improve industrial hygiene.

 This year’s awards enjoyed a broad range of compelling entries with some hot competition in some of the categories,” said David Kopf, executive editor and publisher of Occupational Health & Safety. “This was particularly noticeable in categories such as Internet of Things—Connected Devices and Hearing Conservation & Noise Reduction. It just goes to show that the companies providing industrial hygiene products and services are continually working to innovate and improve.”

 MSA Grid is a cloud-based software solution that automatically integrates with the ALTAIR io™ 4 Connected Gas Detector to help enhance safety and productivity across workers, worksites, and workflows, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection via desktop or mobile.

Capabilities include:

Grid Compliance Service: Features over-the-air updates, digital device assignment, and lifetime data logs

Grid Fleet Manager: Enables safety managers to proactively address detector maintenance, streamline recordkeeping and compliance, and drive worker accountability

Grid Live Monitor: Offers real-time visibility of workers and worksites, including gas readings, individual or group evacuation alerts, and location awareness

New features recently released to Grid include Mobile Notifications, providing immediate in-app notifications when an alarm exposure or SOS event occurs along with live worker location and gas readings, and Shared Alerts, which notifies those on-site if a nearby worker or another worker in their group has gone into alarm.

Learn more about Grid software for ALTAIR io 4 devices here.

Aqua Safety Showers International Ltd is a UK manufacturer and supplier of emergency safety showers and eyewashes and has over 30years experience in this industry.  Based in the Northwest of England, they have strived to build up a brand well known in the marketplace.  Janet Waine, Managing Director of Aqua Safety showers explains how important a safety shower is and what is required to meet legal requirements.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states all employees have a safe place to work.  In industries and workplaces where employees handle hazardous materials, the importance of having an emergency safety shower cannot be overstated.  Accidents can happen, and exposure to chemicals or other dangerous substances can occur unexpectedly, putting workers' health and well-being at risk.

By installing a safety shower unit, you are meeting your duty of care to your employees as well as promoting a culture of safety within your workplace.

The latest specifications for safety showers state that the shower should deliver tepid water to avoid thermal shock and further injury.  The unit should be easily accessible and visible.

The best option to achieve this is to install a TS1500L self-contained safety shower.  This unit holds 1500L of water which is warmed to 18-20°C and will deliver the required 15minutes of tepid water both from the shower and eyewash (if fitted).

This unit is manufactured from stainless steel and GRP which are all corrosive resistant materials and comes with photo luminous signage as standard.  Many optional extras are available to suit site requirements and specifications.

A washdown hose reel is a piece of equipment that should be installed at the side of the safety shower so the area can be hosed down after any spillage.

Aqua safety showers offer a range of retractable wash down hosereels which are built into a heavy-duty GRP heated cabinet.  The cabinet is mounted on a stainless-steel pedestal.

A safety shower is an asset and should last for approximately 20 years.  To ensure this long service life of this piece of equipment the unit should be tested weekly to ensure correct operation and serviced ideally every 3-6 months.  At Aqua, we understand the importance of keeping your safety shower in optimal condition to ensure the well-being of your workforce. 

By ensuring a service contract is in place you are investing in the longevity and reliability of your asset.  Aqua Safety showers offer a complete maintenance package for any model of safety showers and offers site surveys should this be required.

Conclusion:

Having an emergency safety shower in the workplace is not just a legal requirement; it is a vital investment in employee safety. By providing immediate access to decontamination, safety showers play a crucial role in preventing and reducing injuries resulting from exposure to hazardous materials. Moreover, they ensure compliance with regulations, enhance emergency preparedness, reduce costs, and promote a culture of safety within the organization. Employers should prioritize the installation, maintenance, and regular training on the usage of safety showers to create a safer and more secure work environment for their employees.

For more information or advice on please call us on +44(0)1942 318096 or visit www.aqua-safety.com

Aqua Safety Showers International Ltd, Redgate Rd, South Lancs Industrial Estate, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan WN4 8DT.

Equipment breakdowns (e.g. pumps, motors, fans etc.) can be many times more bothersome if they occur in hazardous locations, e.g. potentially explosive atmospheres. This is because the entire process usually needs to be shut down to avoid the possibility of an ATEX (explosive atmosphere) existing during the repair/replacement. Particularly if power tools are likely to be required. This is why it is often essential to use a system of condition-based maintenance (CBM) to avoid unplanned shutdowns.

Given the obvious benefits, the adoption of CBM should be something of a no-brainer. Historically though, the high cost and complexity of Ex certified CBM equipment was often seen as something of a hurdle, with it typically costing over £20,000 for a complex Ex vibration analyser.

But not anymore! These days, as little as £4,250 gets you a simple-to-use instrument, such as the TPI 9085Ex, capable of simultaneous vibration and temperature analysis and certified worldwide for Zone 0 usage with any gas type.

The significant benefit of Zone 0 certification is that you simply don’t have to think! That’s because Zone 0 devices can literally be used in any hazardous location. Usually there is a price to pay for this flexibility however, as Zone 0 devices are typically more expensive due to increased manufacturing costs (e.g. additional safety components and higher levels of redundancy). However, building on its reputation for high quality but affordable instruments, Test Products International (TPI) has achieved a significant Zone 0 cost breakthrough with the very affordable TPI 9085Ex vibration analyser.

The TPI 9085Ex combines on-meter diagnostics with the all-important ability to TREND readings over time to simplify condition-based maintenance (CBM). Certified for Zone 0 with IECEx, ATEX and North American approval, the TPI 9085Ex can be used in ANY hazardous location anywhere in the world.

The TPI 9085Ex offers on-meter analysis for the detection of machine faults such as unbalance, misalignment, looseness and bearing wear. With full colour OLED display and Bluetooth communications, the TPI 9085Ex features colour coded (e.g. traffic light) alarms and zoomable on-screen vibration frequency plots with cursor readout. It can store lists (routes) of up to 1000 machines, each with up to 10 measurement points, with full waveform and frequency spectrum (FFT) capture and transfer to the included PC-based software.

Additionally, the TPI 9085Ex with its uniquely designed sensor, SIMULTANEOUSLY and virtually INSTANTANEOUSLY captures both VIBRATION and TEMPERATURE readings. So, if the indicated level of bearing wear is high and it’s hot, then you can be sure that what you have is a worn bearing and not for example something like pump cavitation.

The TPI 9085Ex comes complete with the included C-Trend II PC-based trending and reporting software featuring all the high-end benefits to implement a full CBM strategy, including automatic email notification of alarms and report generation.  Routes and readings can also be transferred to/from the TPI 9085Ex via Bluetooth using a smart phone or tablet running the free TPI Cloud Bridge App. This allows service personnel to be sent routes and return readings over the Internet, no matter where they are in the world. 

For more information please contact TPI Europe’s head office on +44 1293 530196 or take a look on the website at www.tpieurope.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In the dynamic world of cable gland manufacturing, where precision and efficiency are paramount, the significance of on-time delivery cannot be overstated. As an industry that plays a vital role in powering various sectors such as aerospace, energy and automation, timely delivery is not just a matter of convenience but a fundamental necessity for seamless operations and customer satisfaction.

In this demanding landscape, Peppers Cable Glands has established itself as a supply chain front-runner, consistently surpassing expectations with an impeccable on-time delivery record on the hundreds of orders going out every week. On-time delivery is crucial for maintaining project schedules, and when downtime translates into lost productivity and revenue, timely delivery of essential components like cable glands is essential to keep operations running smoothly.

Peppers' reputation for punctuality extends beyond just meeting deadlines; they often surpass expectations by delivering ahead of schedule and are renowned for their impressive ahead of time dispatch. This proactive approach not only minimises the risk of delays but also allows customers to accelerate their timelines, gaining a competitive edge in the market.

Beyond the immediate operational implications, on-time delivery also has broader implications for supply chain efficiency and competitiveness. In today's globalised marketplace, where companies operate within complex networks of suppliers and partners, the ability to deliver products reliably and punctually can be a significant differentiator.

In addition, on-time delivery is essential for meeting regulatory requirements and industry standards. In sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy, where safety and reliability are paramount, Peppers’ adheres to strict timelines to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and certification processes. Any delay in delivery could jeopardise the entire project or compromise the quality and safety of the end product.

On-time delivery is not just a logistical concern but a cornerstone of success in the cable gland manufacturing industry. By prioritising punctuality, Peppers enable their customers to maintain project schedules, build trust, optimise supply chain efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

As the world continues to evolve and demand for high-quality, reliable products grows, the importance of on-time delivery will only become more pronounced, with Peppers serving as the industry benchmark for service and delivery

www.peppers.co.uk

For many years emissions were an unavoidable consequence of industrial development. An increase in consciousness of environmental issues combined with subsequent legislation means that major Oil and Gas companies are under pressure to cut their greenhouse gas emissions and several have responded by setting reduction targets over the coming decades.

There are several ways in which operators can work towards emissions reductions and our focus is on the impact the use of various safety devices can have on this target.

The first point of consideration in this regard should be the safety valves in use. Valves are an obvious place to start as no valve is 100% leak-tight, and this decreases every time there is an activation and the valve re-seats. In the building of new plants, it is a fairly simple solution to specify within the design of the plant a valve with a lower leak rate. However, existing plants are looking at substantial investments to replace older designs with newer technologies. Not a viable economical solution in most cases.

While there have been significant increases in the capabilities of safety valves, they are still not the ideal product when considering future net zero targets. No safety valve is 100% leak-tight and they struggle to meet the exacting requirements of the legislators. An alternative solution is needed.

Although rupture discs have been around for many decades, they are often considered only as secondary relief. To be used where there is a possibility that the safety valve may fail. There is a lack of understanding amongst engineers in industry and a number of myths surrounding the use of rupture discs.

A rupture disc is a non-reclosing device and therefore must be completely replaced when there is an activation. Nuisance downtime leads many operators to associate rupture discs as being problematic whereas if a disc is rupturing frequently there is likely a problem with the process. It is still unrecognized by many operators that when the disc performs correctly it is not the problem, but the solution.

How can a rupture disc help to get improved performance from a safety valve? Rupture discs are 100% leak-tight. By installing a rupture disc in front of a safety valve you get double protection and a solution which can meet emission requirements. There is no more leakage through the safety valve in normal operation and where there is an over-pressure activation, the valve reseats to seal the process once the pressure is vented.

The belief that this arrangement adds more cost into a project has been proven to be false, in fact the opposite is the case. A correctly engineered rupture disc will help lower operating costs and increase the up-time for any plant.

In processes where there is a high concentration of corrosive media, increased temperatures and an operating pressure close to the safety valve set pressure, safety valves are pushed to their limits. Poor performance is common-place. High maintenance costs are needed to keep the valve as close to original specifications as possible, increased downtime to the production for routine valve servicing and/or repairs and higher manpower costs to cover the work scopes.

The solution of the safety valve manufacturers is a higher specification valve, more exotic materials with higher capex costs as well as increased cost of spares to maintain the valves. If you consider a typical petrochemical plant with several hundred safety valves the capital expenditure is significant.

Fig. 1: Rupture disc for isolating safety valves

A rupture disc fitted upstream of the safety valve completely isolates the valve from the process. This protects the safety valve from the process which in turn reduces maintenance requirements. There is also the possibility of reducing CAPAX costs by sourcing a rupture disc and holder in an exotic material and a standard safety valve. The costs of a discs and holder are usually significantly lower than having to source a high specification safety valve which is compatible with the process media.

The protection of safety valves with rupture discs has become increasingly more common in recent years across several industries. However, many operators miss the opportunity to fully protect the safety valve by also isolating the valve from potential corrosion issues on the outlet of the valve.

In many cases, the valve outlet is not a separate discharge line to but is connected to other parts of the plant via a manifold which allows process gases/vapor to enter the outlet of the valve. If there is a risk that the process media can damage the valve via the inlet, this is also the case downstream.

A rupture disc can also be used to isolate the safety valve outlet and prevent any contact with the process media. The rupture disc will also block any back pressure from entering the safety valve and remove those concerns during valve selection.

With burst sensors installed both upstream and downstream rupture discs can be monitored and connected back to the control room for system reporting across the plant, so operators know instantly which valves and discs are in a green or red state.

Another myth surrounding rupture discs is that they can leak. If the disc is to be installed as the primary safety device, that’s to say, without a safety valve behind it, this can be a concern for operators looking to reduce emissions. The majority of leakages via rupture discs are caused by corrosion or damage during installation by mishandling or incorrect torquing. Rupture Disc technology has improved significantly over the years to ensure that damages caused by corrosion or incorrect handling are all but eliminated.  Today’s modern rupture discs no longer use mechanical scoring techniques during manufacturing which can lead to works hardening and corrosion over time.  Advanced manufacturing technologies have resulted in robust rupture discs which are no longer sensitive to torque and virtually immune to damage during installation. Most spurious failures from rupture discs can be avoided by working together with the disc manufacturer to select the ideal rupture disc for the process conditions.

Overall, rupture discs can be used as a cost-effective and efficient way to create a leak-tight process and reduce emissions whether on their own or in combination with a safety valve.

Fig. 2: Ideal combination – safety valve and rupture disc

www.rembe.de

Combustible waste is a deadly hazard that impacts businesses across a wide range of verticals from bakeries to paper plants. Left unchecked; this waste material can cause combustible dust explosions, which can be devastating to both life and property. As such; the removal of this waste material is a must for building owners and cleaning teams.

Cleaning in these designated combustible zones - designated ATEX in the UK and Europe and Div.2 in the USA - requires specially certified cleaning equipment that has been approved for use in these areas.

SpaceVacs award winning ATEX high-level cleaning systems allow for the safe and cost-efficient removal of this waste material from the safety of the ground floor - removing all of the risks associated with cleaning at height. The systems utilise an interlocking pole system; accessorised with a range of cleaning accessories and brushes providing operators with options to easily remove dust and combustible waste across a range of areas - from walls and ceilings to vents, ducting and pipework.

By moving cleaning to the ground floor, these ‘high reach’ systems allow operators to clean up to 20m high without the need of additional access equipment; reducing the costs associated with these specialist cleans - as well as minimising the impact on the kind of high-volume production environments such as bakeries and woodsheds where this waste can often be found.

Manufactured in the UK, the ATEX cleaning system is made from 100% Carbon, making it completely conductive, and it was the first system of its kind anywhere in the world to be certified as safe for use in these specialist combustible environments.

In addition to these high-level cleaning systems, SpaceVac also offer a range of powerful industrial vacuums for the removal of combustible dusts - including the TITAN range of ATEX vacuums, the MERCURY line of ACD models (for removing combustible dust from non-combustible areas) and even specialist options for the removal of metal, pharmaceutical waste and other specialist materials. This family of new machines offer market leading filtration and suction as well as durable construction, to stand up to the rigours of cleaning in the industrial space.

In addition, the ATEX line can be further accessorised with a range of add-ons, including an ATEX certified wireless camera and monitoring system (the Explorer Extreme) which allows for real time monitoring of cleaning work, and even a set of brushes and tools specifically designed for use removing organic, combustible waste material from Food & Drink production environments.

After a decade at the forefront of cleaning innovation, SpaceVacs range of cleaning systems are trusted by some of the biggest companies in the world including Tesla, Nike, Facebook, Coca Cola, Harley Davidson and more…

To find out why, and to see the impact SpaceVac could have on your cleaning and facilities management regime - be sure to reach out to the team to book a free consultation today at spacevacinternational.com or call the team to discuss your requirements on +44 1604 968668

Isola, based in Notodden in the south of Norway, offers environmentally friendly products for the construction industry. The company manufactures insulation materials, roofing membranes, wind protection and sealing products. As the construction sector is responsible for around 40 percent of all CO2 emissions worldwide, there is great incentive to reduce harmful emissions with such building materials. However, efficient production is also an important lever in counteracting climate change.

Vacuum supply harbours potential for savings
At Isola the focus is on environmentally friendly production: for this goal, energy efficiency is an important factor that is prioritized in day-to-day production – for example in the vacuum supply. The Norwegians need a sustainable central vacuum system for processes such as extrusion, thermoforming and injection moulding. "And by choosing the right vacuum pumps, considerable savings potential can be realised in these processes," emphasises Ulf Strand, Factory Manager at Isola in Notodden.

Conversion to speed-controlled screw vacuum pumps
Until recently two Roots vacuum pumps formed the centrepiece of these rough vacuum applications. "However, the disadvantage of these roots pumps was their high energy consumption – up to 90 percent of the energy used was lost via the waste heat from the motor," reports Ulf Strand. This was reason enough for Isola to adapt the production process and switch the vacuum supply to two oil-sealed, speed-controlled screw vacuum pumps instead: The GHS 2002 VSD+ including HEX@TM control from Atlas Copco. A major advantage of the system for the applications mentioned is the energy recovery that the models have.

Controller enables intelligent resource management
"Since the changeover, the manufacturer has been able to recover three quarters of the heat loss via hot water by means of recuperation and utilise it productively in the process," summarises Roy Mikalsen, the responsible account manager at Atlas Copco. The pump's HEX@TM controller harbours further savings potential: this control system allows the speed to be precisely adjusted to the required vacuum level. And this is particularly useful in applications where the vacuum requirement varies greatly depending on the process and time of day. The bottom line is that there is no unnecessary vacuum performance and no more wasted energy, which significantly increases efficiency and effectiveness.

Smart functionalities via user interface
Other features are also advantageous for Isola: thanks to the Industry 4.0 capabilities of the GHS VSD+ series, the vacuum system status can be checked at any time via smartphones or PCs. In addition, users can start and stop the setup or adjust the setpoint as required via the configurable user interface. "This allows the vacuum pumps to be configured even more specifically and sustainably for the respective applications," summarises Roy Mikalsen. Other optional functions include intelligent scheduling, pump-down optimisation and leak detection.

Noise level 30 dB lower
The pioneering installation also fulfils modern ergonomic requirements and is 30 dB quieter than the old system. This effect is partly due to the absence of a fan. With the GHS VSD+ series, on the other hand, oil cooling ensures the optimum motor temperature across the entire speed range. "The noise level was a relevant criterion for us when making the decision because our production facility is located in a residential area," explains Factory Manager Ulf Strand. Overall, the new screw pump allows Isola to utilize important savings potential, ergonomic advantages and a variety of intelligent functions. Based on these vacuum solutions, the manufacturer can organize its operations sustainably in the future and thus contribute to environmentally friendly construction.

Atlas Copco GHS VSD+ vacuum pumps help Isola contribute to energy efficient building practices
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDsQNey3sjw&t=5s

Novotech, the global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) that partners with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase, has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with New Zealand Clinical Research (NZCR).

Novotech’s Senior Therapeutic Strategy Manager, Dr. Shawnna Barrett, and Senior Business Development Manager, Lainie Mulvanny, will announce the MOU at the 4th Annual Psychedelic Therapeutics and Drug Development Conference in Boston, MA, on May 23-24, 2024.

NZCR, which has 4 sites across New Zealand, is a leading early phase research center with a strong track-record conducting psychedelics studies.

Novotech has previously collaborated with NZCR on multiple psychedelic studies. This partnership further signals Novotech’s commitment to pioneering research in the field of psychedelic medicines.

For decades, Novotech has been establishing relationships with specialized clinical research sites worldwide, ensuring clients receive priority access to some of the most experienced sites and clinical teams.

The global market for psychedelic drugs, was estimated at US$5.50 Billion in 2023, and is projected to grow 13% from 2024 to 2030, with revenues anticipated to reach close to US$12.94 Billion.

Psychedelic drugs come in three main categories:

• dissociative pharmaceuticals like phencyclidine (PCP)
• empathogens like 3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine (MDMA; ecstacy)
• serotonergic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

The leading drugs being investigated in trials are psilocybin, LSD, ketamine hydrochloride, and mebufotenin.

A Novotech review of current research applications reveals that CNS disorders are the leading therapeutic area in global psychedelic drug trials, with primary indications including depression, anxiety disorders, pain, and substance abuse.

“This MOU signifies a further collaboration with NZCR to support Novotech’s psychedelic therapy biotech clients. With their extensive experience and expertise in conducting clinical trials, coupled with a passionate team of psychiatrists deeply invested in this area, NZCR is an ideal research partner for exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Together with NZCR, we aim to unlock new insights, drive meaningful progress, and ultimately, make a positive impact on patients' lives,” stated Dr. Barrett.

NZCR CEO, Dr. Christian Schwabe said, “NZCR has a close and long-standing relationship with Novotech, who we have successfully partnered with on previous psychedelic drug trials. We are excited about the opportunities this MOU brings as we continue to lead research in this therapeutic area.”

Novotech research has found that during the period from 2019 to 2023, nearly 75 psychedelic drug trials were initiated and remained ongoing. The trials are predominantly conducted in Europe and North America, accounting for 39% and 38% respectively. The Asia-Pacific region follows with 20%, while the Middle East, Africa, and South and Central America together hold 3% share.

The number of psychedelic drug trials had grown by more than fourfold from 2021 to 2023.

When analysing trials by phase the data shows Phase II dominates with 37 trials, followed by 11 trials each in Phase I and Phase III. Additionally, there were 4 trials in Phase I/II and 2 in Healthy Volunteers. The prominence of Phase II trials suggests a prime focus on assessing efficacy and dosing of psychedelic drugs in the period from 2019 to 2023.

NZCR was formed in 2020 through the merger of Auckland Clinical Studies (ACS) and Christchurch Clinical Studies Trust (CCST) and is New Zealand’s leading early phase clinical research provider. In 2023, NZCR acquired Optimal Clinical Trials, a late phase clinical trials operation, to form the NZCR Group. NZCR Group brings experience in over 850 trials involving over 20,000 participants.

With physician led, world class research sites and six units located in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton, the NZCR Group conducts complex multi-phase clinical research in healthy participant and patient populations.

For more information or to speak to an expert team member visit www.Novotech-CRO.com

With over 20 employees, six offices, and 40 years of project execution experience, PES is the right partner for your most important investments. We are a privately-held, platform independent engineering, automation and information system provider poised to take on your challenges.  We’ve helped our partners execute some of their largest and most complex projects in their history, and we stand ready to help you as well.

People

While PES is a large organization with processes and procedures in place to ensure success, our customers count on us to be responsive and agile. We understand that projects can become high priority quickly and that priorities can change mid-stream. We strive to respond to your needs and be there to help you find the best possible solution to the challenges you face in each project.

Our people are what set us apart. We employ only the best and brightest in our industry, giving them the tools and techniques they need to apply their knowledge in the most efficient and effective way.

What can you expect? A consistent and reliable team to help you achieve your goals project after project. Our recruiting practices find and attract the best talent the industry has to offer, our core values and culture keep them engaged and empowered. You will always have a dedicated and knowledgeable team ready to put your needs in the forefront and meet your most demanding schedules.

Performance

When industrial manufacturers turn to PES for assistance, it’s because they need a trusted partner that brings the resources and knowledge to deliver a successful project. We have served a wide variety of industries (food and beverage, chemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, metals, glass, mining, automotive, and discrete manufacturing) for decades. Our industry teams will bring their knowledge and experience to your project to hit the ground running and ensure success.

Our customers also want to know that the time and money they are investing to build a relationship with us will be invested for the long run. PES has a 40 year history of providing top quality engineering services and more than 87% of our business is repeat engagements with satisfied customers. We focus on developing partnerships for the long term and look forward to adding you to the list of our partners.

Services 

• DSEAR Training
• DSEAR Risk Assessments
• Design and installation of electrical and mechanical services
• CompEx Inspections
• Testing
• Maintenance
• HAC Drawings
• Ventilation Systems
• Safety Shut Down Controls

www.pesme.co.uk

CHEMUK Expo records a 17% increase in visitors for the 2024 edition!

CHEMUK 2024 opened its doors on Wed 15^th & Thu 16^th May at the NEC in Birmingham to a record attendance of 4641 visitors (excluding exhibitor staff) over the two days, representing an increase of 17% from the 2023 edition. The total two-day attendance (visitors plus exhibitors) was 6677.

CHEMUK show founder, Ian Stone, sums up the positive response to this year's event: “Standing in the hall mid-morning on the first day was electric! So much volume and energy in the hall with our biggest concentrated audience ever, from literally every corner of the sector.”

“I think the seniority of attending technical, scientific, supply chain, and business visitors rocketed to a whole new level this year, one visitor badge after the next from the biggest names across the sector.”

Minister Alan Mak represents the UK Government at CHEMUK 2024

Visitors to CHEMUK were invited to an exclusive pre-recorded address by Minister Mak, Minister for Industry and Economic Security at the Department for Business and Trade, and Minister for the Investment Security Unit at the Cabinet Office.

The address was supported by a comprehensive UK Government footprint at the show, with several government departments exhibiting this year, including the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Health and Safety Executive, the Home Office, and the Department for Energy Security and NetZero.

CHEMUK Group of Events

CHEMUK redefined itself this year with the introduction of several sub-brands: the Chemical & Process Engineering Show, the Chemicals Supply Show, the Chemicals Management Show, and the Chemical Laboratory Show. The organising team was delighted to see not only an increase in the number of visitors but also an increase in the quality of visitors, which they largely attribute to the introduction of these more focused show zones.

Ian Stone commented on the new brands, “The introduction of individual sub-branded shows underneath the 'single destination’ CHEMUK24 brand has been a great success and allowed attendee groups to lock onto their primary focus area, whether as a process engineer, analytical chemist, hazardous transportation manager, and so on, whilst still benefiting from the serendipitous opportunities, intelligence, and connections drawn from the other branded show streams.”

The CHEMUK 2024 Conference covers the big issues

Reflecting on the enormous CHEMUK 2024 speaker programme, Ian Stone comments, “CHEMUK24 was our most comprehensive conference programme to date and certainly our best attended, with standing room only at so many of the keynotes and panel programmes.

The ‘drop-in’ nature of the CHEMUK conference stages carries so much appeal, giving instant access to senior figures, expertise, technology, innovation, and the most topical and lively debates around the BIG issues affecting and influencing the sector, whether Sustainability, UKREACH, Decarbonisation, Future Skills, Digitalisation, Bio-based Transition, Scale-Up and so much more.”

“It's pretty much a ‘freeze frame’ of where the industry is each year and is invaluable in intelligence gathering, empowering all important directional and investment decisions.”

CHEMUK 2024 Partner support continues to underpin CHEMUK's growth

The 2024 show welcomed several key new partners to the show this year who brought invaluable content and member groups to the show. The new partnering organisations included the British Plastics Federation, IMechE, ScotCHEM, CICA (Chemical & Industrial Consultants), and the CHCS (Chemical Hazards Communication Society).

The show’s success was underpinned by the continued support and input provided by their longstanding partner network, comprising the CBA, BCA, BASA, BVAA, BPMA, BioVale, BCMPA, BADGP, CPI, CCUK, IBioIC, GAMBICA, NEPIC, SIA, InnovateUK KTN, Chemicals Northwest, UKLA, and the UK & Ireland Spill Association, to name a few.

Stone commented on the importance of CHEMUK’s partner network, ‘The importance of our partnerships across the industry cannot be overstated, and from professional bodies such as RSC and IChemE through to the wealth of invaluable trade, technical, industry, and innovation bodies that support the event and, in most cases, are active on the show floor or contribute to the high-quality content and session development in the conference, I think all partnering bodies and institutions place great value on disseminating their key roles, priority agendas, and outputs to a truly sector-wide audience annually through the CHEMUK experience.

RSC as CHEMUK 2024

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) was again at the centre of CHEMUK, with a packed two-day programme including an RSC Team stand, an RSC Careers Clinic, an RSC Panel Discussion focusing on the importance of a positive science culture, an exclusive keynote from current RSC President, Professor Gill Reid, and a dedicated RSC member’s reception.

IChemE at CHEMUK 2024

The IChemE brought together a fantastic programme of content that included two keynote addresses by current President and CEO, Nigel Hirst, and Yvonne Baker OBE. In addition, visitors were invited to a feature panel discussion around sustainable production.

The Chemical Business Association’s ‘Chemical Supply Chain in Action’ feature zone is a massive hit

The Chemical Business Association team pulled out all the stops to present their 2024 feature zone, which represented some of the key support services and mechanics of the UK chemicals supply chain. The feature zone included DHL’s Box Stacker VR game, Road Haulage Association HGV Drive Simulator, Brenntag Fleet Stainless Steel Tanker Exhibit, CBA Live People & Skills Hub, Meet Your Industry Stakeholders: Dft and Police (CDGFP), CBA Sustainability Hub, and DGSA Discussion with Sukhpal Randeva, DFT.

This was all in addition to the CBA’s keynote address by CEO Tim Doggett and two panels entitled, ‘Transitioning into the Digitally-Enabled Age" How equipped is your Chemical Supply Chain?’, and ‘Achieving & Demonstrating Sustainability in the Chemical Supply Chain’.

CHEMUK 2025: Looking ahead

In 2025, CHEMUK will introduce ‘The Formulated Product Manufacturer Show’. Ian Stone talked through his vision for 2025, ‘CHEMUK is all about providing a single destination where all strands of the chemical industries converge through its individual show stream brands, and 2025 sees the introduction of a brand new ‘5th stream’ with the “Formulated Product Manufacturer” show. 

Aimed squarely at the downstream consumer and industrial formulated product industries, from cleaning and disinfecting products to car care, from personal care and cosmetics to adhesives and sealants, coatings and paints, lubricants, oils and fluids, plastic compounds, etc., the list goes on.

For brand owners, large and small, formulators, contract and toll manufacturers, packaging, dispensing, and aerosol solutions, and all businesses involved in the business of formulating, producing, fulfilling, and packaging formulated chemical products, this will provide an intensive supply chain showcase supported with dedicated panel discussions and expert insight into the BIG issues shaping and influencing these downstream ‘to the shelf’ sectors.’

• Dates for Diary: CHEMUK 2025 (NEC, Birmingham) Wed 21^st & Thu 22^nd May 2025.

www.chemicalukexpo.com