Richard Eppler, a ceramics industry expert, has been recognized by ASTM International with the Frank W. Reinhart Award for his 50-year contribution to terminology standardization.

As chair of the C21 Committee's Editorial and Terminology subcommittee since 1998, Eppler has led efforts to update key standards, significantly impacting the quality and safety of ceramic materials worldwide.

TCNA staff joined ASTM International president Andy Kireta, ASTM VP of Technical Committee Operations Dan Smith, current C21 staff manager Melissa Marcinowski, and past C21 staff managers Molly Lynyak and Kate Chalfin at ASTM International Headquarters in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, recently to recognize Eppler.  

“Throughout his service to our industry, Dick has worked tirelessly toward the development and maintenance of terms and definitions that have impacted the quality, performance, and safety of ceramic materials and the ceramics industry,” noted Bill Griese, TCNA deputy executive director, current ASTM board chair, and past chair of Committee C21.

Thanks to Eppler's contributions to C21.01, the chemical makeup and properties of ceramic and glass bodies, coatings, and glazes are clearly defined. In many cases, these definitions are the basis for specifying tile, sanitaryware, tableware, enameled appliances, hobby, and giftware materials in the marketplace and acknowledging them worldwide by industry, commerce, and academia.