The European Committee of Organic Surfactants and their intermediates (CESIO) held their 7th World Surfactants Congress on the 22-25 of June under the headline ”Surfactants, the key to your sustainable applications.” With over 100 lectures, poster sessions and an exhibition, the delegates had a busy schedule.

“The content of the lectures was well balanced with a focus on the environment and legislation as well as some interesting discussion of product knowledge,” says Mahnaz Company, one of the delegates joining from ANSC.

Eva Österberg, Product Stewardship & Regulatory Affairs Manager, ANSC Europe took part in a round table discussion on the topic: “Surfactants for the future – from raw materials to sustainable and responsible uses.” “It was really interesting to hear that we have a common view that innovation is key and that legislation is not a barrier for success; on the contrary we think it can stimulate the innovative climate. One thing that I believe is important is that we need more young people to study chemistry and we need to catch their interest at an early age,” says Eva Österberg.

Jan Rosenblom, External Affairs Manager, shared his experiences on working together and setting up consortia within REACH, the EU legislation that came into effect on June 1, 2007.  “Efficient structures and working procedures are needed to cope with the short timeline given by the legislation,” says Jan Rosenblom.

As a major sponsor of the event AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry participated in giving lectures, poster sessions and had a booth at the exhibition.