By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator
Learn how to develop and launch the right products for the right customer—with the right methods! Be sure to attend some of the free executive-level educational sessions at the Innovation Theater. These programs will give you a fresh perspective as you walk the Show and will inspire, inform and improve your business.
The four days of the 2015 International Home + Housewares Show will be packed with events and educational sessions. To help you plan your valuable time at the Show, we preview the 21 presentations that will take place in the Innovation Theater in the Lakeside Center. Don’t miss the chance to meet the speakers in person and the opportunity to ask questions relevant to your work. All programs are audio-recorded and will be available on www.housewares.org after the Show.
A Sticky Situation? Whitford Helps Clear Up the Misinformation about Nonstick Coatings
Tuesday, March 10 9:30—10:20 a.m.
Innovation Theater, Lakeside Center, Room E350
We’re talking today with Whitford’s Tom Hmiel, global regulatory manager, and Mike Haley, business manager, Industrial Release Coatings. Whitford Corporation, founded in 1969 in West Chester, Pa., now makes the largest and most complete line of fluoropolymer coatings in the world. Whitford offers high-performance fluoropolymer and sol-gel “ceramic” coatings for countless applications, including food contact, high-temperature housewares products such as cookware, bakeware, and small electrics, as well as decorative , industrial, aerospace, automotive, and chemical processing needs.
Mike and Tom will explain the difference between PTFE and PFOA and the myths associated with these names. They will offer an overview of the 2015 PFOA Update and PFOA Stewardship Program well as an explanation of what these developments mean and why they are important for companies in the housewares industry. “Ceramics” continue to be a hot topic in the industry, and they will discuss how sol-gel “ceramic” technology differs from traditional PTFE. Mike and Tom will also outline the importance of government regulations and compliancy requirements.
Tom and Mike: What do you find the most exciting or rewarding in your work?
It is great to know that our work helps Whitford customers make products that are proven safe to consumers.
In the past few years, what has changed most in your business? How has your company met these challenges in the way you do your work?
Regulations are constantly changing and increasing in complexity and scope, particularly in Asia. Whitford has a global regulatory team to help support our business worldwide. Regulations are, and forever will be, critical to this industry. Explaining what these regulations mean to our customers is the first step in helping them understand the challenges they are up against.
Why did you choose to speak at the International Home + Housewares Show?
Speaking at the Show gives us an opportunity to share our knowledge and help educate the audience of users and makers of housewares products. We want to share our knowledge on the importance of regulations and helpful information about nonstick coatings and decorative. We have been deeply involved for many years in communications regarding these topics.
Tell us what you will be speaking about and how and this topic is important for Show audiences.
We will be going over some North American regulations and explaining their importance to this industry. It is important for the audience to understand that if you work with a reputable coating manufacturer, like Whitford, compliancy with the appropriate regulations is ensured. We will also provide an update on the regulatory status of PFOA, which is of interest to anyone who uses fluoropolymers, including non-stick coatings.
This is your first time presenting at our Theater. What are you looking forward to most from speaking at the Innovation Theater?
We are looking forward to the opportunity to help brand owners, retailers and others clear up misperceptions. It will be interesting to meet people that are following these topics.
What do you see as consumers’ biggest concerns regarding housewares products?
Safety. There is a tremendous amount of misinformation in the marketplace. The Internet has played a key role in spreading this misinformation. Many people believe what they read/hear. It is our job to explain the truth and dispel the myths.
What are some of today’s trends or issues that new product development professionals and/or retailers face in the housewares market?
Developing or manufacturing products that can be sold to markets in various countries, all of which have differing requirements for safety. In addition, finding effective ways to differentiate their products.
Thank you, Mike and Tom. We look forward to learning more about this important topic on Tuesday, March 10 at 9:30 a.m. We especially invite exhibitors and buyers in the cookware, bakeware and small electrics categories to attend your program about the latest coating technologies.
To contact Whitford for more information:
Mike Haley, Business Manager, Industrial Release Coatings
Tom Hmiel, Global Regulatory Manager
Whitford Corporation
47 Park Avenue
Elverson, PA 19520
610-286-3500