The Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorated Products (formerly known as the Society of Glass Decorators and the Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorators) celebrated 50 years at the recent Deco meeting in Pittsburgh. Nearly 175 industry professionals attended the meeting, which was held at the Sheraton Station Square hotel.

Keeping Traditions

The society was founded in Pittsburgh in 1964. While no charter members were in attendance, several of the society’s past presidents attended the awards celebration luncheon, where the Frank S. Child and Founder’s Awards were presented. Former Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Commissioner Anne Northup served as keynote speaker for the awards luncheon. Northup discussed the important role manufacturing plays in sustaining a strong middle class.

Named for the society’s first general secretary, the Frank S. Child Award is presented annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to the industry. This year’s award was presented to Richard (Dick) Stowe of Heraeus Noblelight Fusion UV. Dick holds several patents in UV processes and has been instrumental in bringing UV technology to the glass and ceramic decorating industries.

Nancy Klinefelter was presented the Founder’s Award. This award is given to an individual who has contributed greatly to the success of the society. Klinefelter was president of the society during 2005-2006.

Learning Opportunities

The technical program kicked off with a revamped Basics of Decorating session on Saturday. The Basics session (previously known as First Step) was last held during Deco ’08 in Orlando. More than 70 registrants attended the session. This year’s topic, “The Materials,” focused on frits, colors, mediums and organic decorating options. The session was coordinated by SGCDpro Treasurer David Stanton of Fusion Ceramics.

Sunday featured the annual “Ask the Experts” legislative session. SGCDpro Washington Liaison Walt Sanders presented an update of proposed federal legislation and rulemaking, including the proposed new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) silica exposure rule, conflict minerals, the Affordable Care Act, and proposed changes to product safety law. One significant change to CPSC rules would make manufacturers liable for certifying product safety of imported products prior to their release from the port of entry.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration retiree Richard Jacobs and SGCDpro Executive Director Myra Warne presented updates to the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) proposed test method for glass containers and proposed changes to the California Proposition 65 labeling regulations. Significant changes to Proposition 65 are being recommended, with a final ruling expected this month and implementation proposed for June 2015.

Monday’s technical sessions featured strategy presentations on disaster management and job costing. New technologies were presented by several supplier companies, including Heraeus Precious Metals, Marabu North America, KBA-Kammann and Ferro Corp.

Other Highlights

The exhibition was held Sunday afternoon with 27 companies participating. The networking lunch and exhibitor reception were incorporated into the exhibition, which featured several new and returning companies. Deco ’15 will be held March 21-23 at the Hilton Easton in Columbus, Ohio.

 Any views or opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not represent those of Ceramic Industry, its staff, Editorial Advisory Board or BNP Media.