WE Rome- Committee Round-up

October 29, 2015

One of the objectives of Watercoolers Europe is to develop the annual Conference, Fair and Gala Dinner into a “must not miss” major annual event.  In Rome, this was certainly achieved with record numbers of exhibitors and visitors.

For photos of the event visit: www.we2015.eu

But this isn’t the total story.  Watercoolers Europe also strives to raise standards and create a safe and profitable market and industry.  Committees meet twice a year, consisting of members who give their time voluntarily to achieve this goal.  Below are short reports from the meetings held in Rome.

Education & Audit Committee:  Chair, Valbona Malo - NSF International.
Each National Association will be asked to send a representative to join this Committee to help promote training and raise audit standards. This Committee is planning to arrange for central Bottling Plant Operators and hygiene training at WE events in 2016.

POU Committee: Chair:  Matthew Lee - Icon Technology Systems.
The WE POU Code of Practice, including installation guidelines, is currently being approved at European Commission level.  Once approved it will be incorporated into the WE Technical Manual.

Standards and Technical Committee:  Chair, Pierre-Antoine Ballot - Eden Springs. 

BPA – Latest:

  • Importing and marketing products containing BPA on the French market is still suspended
  • However companies may manufacture BPA products in France for export

WE continues to have an active participation in the experts group of FDE-FCMAT and will keep members informed.
 
Other topics discussed were:

  • New EU regulations which ban R134A refrigerant
  • Approval of bottle “overall dimensions” standard following the bottle neck standard created in 2010.  There was a decision to form a Taskforce to investigate the compatibility between the cooler probe/bottle/cap
  • Technical Manual:  Members are reminded that this best practice guide is available in the Members section of the website

Communications Committee:  Chair,  Craig Scott - Polymer Solutions.
The Committee continued to develop the WE website as a communication method and discussed future communication plans.

Supplier and Fair Committee:  Chair,  Derek Callaghan - SIP Technologies.
With registration in Rome increased by 10% more than Budapest, the event in 2016 at the Marriott Rive Gauche Paris was discussed.  The French Association AFIFAE is looking forward to working with the Committee to make this a very French experience.

It was agreed to introduce a Suppliers Audit, as currently used by the BWCA, for all International Suppliers who market water-contact products.

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