New Speakers Added to Rapra Technology's International REACH Conference

SHROPSHIRE, UK (January 18, 2007) - Rapra Technology, a subsidiary of the US-based independent testing, consulting and contract research organisation, The Smithers Group, is organising a new international conference on REACH from 17-19 April 2007 at the Marriott Hotel in Brussels to address the key questions and misconceptions that surround REACH.

Rapra Technology is delighted to announce the addition two new speakers to the programme. Mr Otto Linher, Head of Sector, DG Enterprise & Industry at the European Commission, will open the conference with a keynote presentation in which he will introduce the REACH legislative text, focus on the European Commissions preparations and what the industry can do to prepare for one of the most complex texts in the history of the EU.

Paul Wilkes, Head of Regulatory Affairs at The Body Shop will also join the speaking panel. Paul will give a presentation entitled REACH and the Retailer in which he will describe some of The Body Shops efforts to comply with the EU REACH programme.

The EUs flagship chemicals policy will affect not only the chemical industry but all downstream sectors involved with manufacturing and trading products containing chemicals. Its impact promises to be widespread and all-consuming.

The conference boasts an expert speaker panel including organisations such as Lucite International, Degussa AG, Dow Corning Europe SA, Ciba Expert Services and Ineos Vinyls who will describe the technical and management structures they have implemented to ensure compliance.

Rapra Technology is running a day of post conference workshops on Thursday 19^th April to help companies deal with some of the more in depth areas in a more informal and interactive setting. Each of the four half day sessions will use a combination of presentations, group work, scenario planning and case studies to help develop the tools companies need to implement REACH cost effectively.

For further details about this conference please contact Sharon Garrington sgarrington@rapra.net or visit the website www.polymerconferences.com

Contacts for further information:

To request conference information please contact Sharon Garrington, Conference Organiser sgarrington@rapra.net and view forthcoming conferences at www.rapra.net/conferences

To purchase a copy of the conference proceedings please contact Claire Griffiths cgriffiths@rapra.net or see www.rapra.net/bookstore