Hi everyone,
I'm Simon Freed, a longtime IoPP member based in Austin. I've recently taken the lead on revitalizing our Gulf Coast Chapter. Last month, I met with Beth Hilpert and John Hayward, who have volunteered their time as treasurer and advisor, respectively.
We discussed several ideas about meetings and chapter structure, and here's what we came up with:
- Meetings will be held on the second Thursday of each month.
- These meetings will include tours, virtual speaker presentations, and social events in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas/Fort Worth.
-
-
- Speaker and presentation topic ideas include:
- Clean room design and requirements
- Cushion specialists discussing static stress curves
- Digital folding carton/flexible film printing
- Discussions on ISTA vs. ASTM tests
- Experts on the permeation of gases through plastics
- Glass fracture analysis and testing
- Testing lab discussions on ASTM D4169
- U.S. Army Natick labs discussion on creating multi-layer films for long-term storage
- Vibration experts to speak about what causes packaging damage
-
-
- Tour location ideas include:
- Airfreight or container terminals to observe unloading processes
- Breweries
- Corrugated container plants
- Digital labeling or carton manufacturer
- Digital printing and flexible film operations
- EPS molder facilities
- FedEx or UPS distribution centers
- Film-blowing or laminating operations
- Folding carton plants
- Food warehouses
- Hazmat repacking facilities
- Pharmaceutical CMO facilities
- Pharmaceutical vial filling locations
- Urethane or LDPE foam molders
And, of course, other topics and tour suggestions are always welcome! We're planning our first event, which will take place at a craft beer pub in Houston-more details to come.
If you'd like more information on this and other upcoming events or are interested in joining our board (open positions include secretary, education chairman, activities chairman, and others), please email me (sfreed040@gmail.com) or call (908) 240-4567.
I look forward to hearing from you!
------------------------------
Simon Freed CPP
Consultant
Round Rock, TX
(908) 240-4567
------------------------------