MAASTRICHT, Netherlands—UTECH Europe 2018 and its parent company, Crain Communications Inc., have launched a fundraising partnership with Water.org in advance of the polyurethanes conference and exhibition taking place May 29-31 in Maastricht.
The UTECH team kickstarted the campaign by making a $1,000 donation to the cause and is inviting all of the event's partners to contribute as well. The total amount raised will be announced at the event.
"UTECH organizes trade shows for the polyurethane industry around the world in Europe, Asia, North America and Central America," Debbie Hershfield, trade show director at Crain Communications, said in a statement. "We gather the best and brightest minds in the urethanes industry where we share ideas, technology and build our network.
"We believe our mission goes beyond business and profits, and so we are encouraging our community of business professionals and companies to join us in supporting Water.org to provide the basic human right of access to water."
According to UTECH, about 844 million people—or one in nine people—globally lack access to safe water. About 2.3 billion, or one in three, lack access to a toilet. Water.org is dedicated to changing this, and donations from the UTECH community will be used to empower families around the world.
Every $60 donated will help provide one family in need with life-changing access to safe water or sanitation, according to UTECH. Parties can donate online at give.water.org/f/utech.
Individuals and organizations are urged to spread the message via social media using the hashtag #UTECHWater.
Water.org is an international non-profit organization that provides access to safe water and sanitation globally. It pioneers market-driven financial solutions to ensure everyone has access to safe water and sanitation.
UTECH Europe is an international conference and exhibition for the polyurethanes industry. Sustainability, recycling and the use of renewable resources are a key focus for the 2018 edition of the conference, with no less than 15 papers devoted to the subject in the environment sessions.
The show is expected to attract over 8,000 attendees from more than 80 different countries worldwide, with a total of 208 exhibitors including machinery suppliers, systems houses, technical consultancies and test laboratories.
In addition to UTECH, Crain Communications publishes Rubber & Plastics News.