Document v61ZzaQNQnLoxEXe7B305vXpE

TELEPHONE NATIONAL -U Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc (FOUNDED 1872) 1625 Eyb Street, n. W. 6, CWashington D. Minutes of Meeting Plastics Committee January lit, 1950 Manhattan Club, Naur York City PRESENT! Mr, C. B, Branch (Chairman), Dow Chemical Company Mr. R. K. Mueller (Vice Chairman), Monsanto Chemical Co, Mr, S, L, Brous, General Electric Company Dr, L. Eckler, Celanese Corporation of America Mr. R, A, Hoekelman, American Cyanamid Company Mr, T, J. Kinsella, Barrett Division Mr, G. C. Miller, Bakelite Corporation Mr. M. G, Mllllken, Hercules Ponder Company Dr, E. D. Ries, E. I, du Pont de Nemours & Co, Dr. D, S. Frederick, Rohm St Haas Company Mr. F. H, Carman, Manufacturing Chemists' Association Plastics in Building Costs of the building conference held in October, 195U, which are to be paid by the two sponsors total $2500,00 and a statement for $1250,00 has been received by MCA and cleared for payment from the Plastics Financial Package, This was agreed to by the committee in a meeting on September 30, 190U, Generally, the conference profits accruing to the BRI will be used to finance the Institute's program on research in building. Correlated comments from the material manufacturers have been supplied to the San Francisco authorities handling the revision of their building code. Article 29, No further word has been received from the officials, Messrs, Frederick and Hoekelman have consulted with the Executive Vice President of the SPI on the industry programs concerning building codes. The attitude of the material manufacturers end the need for overall industry cooperation was stressed. From this contact it was evident that the SPI proposes to eet up an overall policy code committee on which the material people will have adequate representation. Because of the many group activities within the SPI several large committees covering such items as fenestration, pipe, lighting, etc., will probably be necessary to represent specific interests. It was concluded that activities of the SPI should be followed carefully with the view of cooperating to the greatest extent with their committee when set up, but in the meantime that MCA continue its activities until overall industry representation has been achieved. Dr, Frederick has been delegated to continue liaison on this subject since he is a member of the SPI board, A Building Committee member conversant with code programs of the Building Officials' Conference of America (BOCA) had called attention to a forthcoming meeting of their bode committee in Cincinnati on February 5 and 6 and the Importance of this CMA 078196 Plastics Committee January lit, 1955 Page 2 to the plastic materials manufacturers since they are covering materials for interior finish. He urged that MCA participate with an official representative for the committee* The registration for Association representation is to $80 as the BOCA finances their meetings in this manner. The Committee voted this expenditure from the Financial Package and it was suggested that Mr. Howard Adams, Chairman of the Committee, act as the representative if convenient. The BRI has had some proposals for a committee on plastics to assist them in taking care of questions as may be proposed by the building industry. A discussion with the BRI staff disclosed that they have ideas for publication of a brochure on plastics in building and promotions along other lines. However, it is apparent that thes proposals are very much in the nebulous stage with no clear objective and program formed as yet. Following discussion it was concluded that this activity should be tabled for the present to see what problems on plastics in building may come up In the near future. Tariff Classification General progress of the SOCMA and MCA in review of chemical paragraphs was reported. The first report from the SOCMA task group reviewing plastic materials had just been made available and was distributed to members present. This report will also be referred to the MCA Liaison Committee for comments. In discussion of imports of materials affecting the plastics industry, several members reported the contacts from hardwood-plywood producers to assist in their efforts to obtain some aid in combatting foreign competitionj 25% of the hardwoodplywood is now believed to be of foreign origin* Plastics in Packaging Proposals of the Food Protection Committee of the NRC for formation of a subcommittee on food technology had been circulated to the Committee. Following discussion by interested members it was concluded that the present committee already had well-qualified member representatives from the material manufacturers and should be capable of handling this problem. The MCA is to make further contacts with the Food Protection Committee on this subject and if it develops that they require additional members from MCA the matter will be considered at that time. Industry Programs Chairman C. B. Branch commented briefly on the morning meeting of a special task committee to consider various industry programs which the members felt should be given some attention at the time of the last group meeting. Continued implementation of statement of principles acceptance will be considered by the Committee in a forthcoming meeting as well as a general review on other plastic group programs for the best interests of the industry. Flamable Legislation Members were alerted on proposed legislation in Congress to prohibit the introduction or movement in interstate commerce of toys and other manufactured articles which contain nitrocellulose or are otherwise found to be dangerously inflammable. Copies of the Bill H.R. 552 have been distributed to the Committee and to all other members known to be manufacturing nitrocellulose plastic. The CMA 078197 Plastics Committee January lii, 19$$ Page 3 l^fePI has also been alerted. It was the sense of the group that any representations ^aade at this time should be on an individual basis. Also, it is understood that the Bill should be studied as it may be that the controls as proposed will cover all plastics in that flammability standards may be set up by the Department of Comnerce. Similar legislation has also been introduced in the Massachusetts Legislature in the form of Bill H 1700. Interested members in that area and the SPT have been alerted on this Bill. (Since the meeting, it has been learned that hearings have been set for February 3 before a Joint Committee.) At this time no representation on behalf of industry is planned. Miscellaneous the proposals for publication of a series of booklets on specific sections of the chemical industry such as chemicals from coal, chemicals from agricultural products, etc., for distribution during CW were reported. Recommendation of the Public Relations Advisory Committee concerning the Haynes book proposal were reported. The next meeting of the Committee is tentatively scheduled for March 17 in New York City, beginning with luncheon at 12;00 Noon. Respectfully submitted, F. H. Carman FHCimma January 18, 19$$ CMA 078198