SPE Insight
SPE Webinar, "Thermal Analysis of Plastics," Now Available
No single thermal analysis technique is best suited universally, but together they provide essential data for the characterization of plastics materials. This webinar, presented by Jeffrey Jansen, Engineering Manager and Partner, The Madison Group, reviewed thermal analysis techniques and their application to plastic problem solving through case studies. Webinar registrants can access the webinar recording by clicking here. SPE members can access the recording by going here. Login required.
SPE Annual Report for the Year 2020 Now Available
Through the good works of so many individuals, SPE played an important part in helping to keep the plastics industry strong in 2020 while moving forward headstrong into 2021. We can all take pride in SPE's accomplishments during 2020.
SPE Joins Pworld Technology and Polymerupdate as Organizer for Recycling and Circular Economy Events
SPE, SPE’s India Section and SPE’s Recycling Division have been named collaborating organizers with Pworld Technology PVT LTD and Polymerupdate for an upcoming series of Recycling and Circular Economy (RACE) conferences. Three RACE conferences, each taking place virtually, have been announced for 2021 and early 2022: RACE Asia (July 15-16, 2021); RACE Americas (October 7-8, 2021); and RACE Europe (January 20-21, 2022). RACE conferences, which were launched in 2019, are focused on innovative ways to help the planet heal through recycling and shifting from a linear to a circular economy.
One of the Most Interesting Social Media Accounts in Plastics
SPE was nominated for one of the "Most Interesting Social Media Accounts in Plastics" by Plastics News. But don't take it from us (or Plastics News), see for yourself and give SPE a follow on any of our accounts and find out why!
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They Collected One Million Plastic Bottle Caps. Now What?
SPE Foundation and World Design Organization Team with Stamford, Connecticut Students to Pare Plastic Waste in the Environment.
ANTEC® 2021 To Now Take Place in May
SPE’s annual ANTEC® 2021 technical conference is entering its second year as a fully-virtual event but has moved the event dates from March to May. ANTEC® 2021 now starts on May 5th. The May 2021 edition will feature a powerful new online platform, selected to enhance the social and business connections between attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors.
SPE Announces Four-Year Contract Extension with SPE Foundation Chief Executive Eve Vitale
SPE recently announced a four-year extension of its employment contract with Eve Vitale, SPE Foundation’s Chief Executive. The new contract will run through December 31, 2024. Ms. Vitale joined SPE in 2016.
SPE Announces Four-Year Contract Extension with CEO Patrick Farrey
SPE’s Executive Board announced today a four-year extension of its employment contract with Patrick Farrey, SPE’s CEO. The new contract will run through December 31, 2024. Farrey joined SPE as CEO in June 2017.
SPE Announces HSM Award Recipients for 2021
SPE recently announced the 2021 recipients for its prestigious Honored Service Members (HSM) Award. The SPE HSM program started in 1992 with 347 members named Honored Service Members since the program was launched.
SPE Expands ANTEC® 2021 with Multiple Attendee Options, Enhanced Networking, International Focus
SPE recently announced a new direction for ANTEC® 2021. The 2021 program has been expanded to include three segments: ANTEC® Industry Insights, ANTEC® Classic and ANTEC® International. “Our goal is to deliver a productive and enjoyable experience for attendees while providing a global perspective” said Patrick Farrey, SPE’s CEO.
SPE Webinar, "Taking out the Trash, Plastics Design for the End-of-Life," Now Available
Great products might not last forever, but they usually last a long time. But no matter how great the product is, there will come a point in time where a thing no longer has any value. Then what? This webinar, presented by Eric Larson, Founder, Art of Mass Production™ (AMP), tells you how a product can be designed to account for its expected end of life.
It’s much more than a “Plastics Race”… it’s the SPE Plastics Winter Olympics!!!
Think you’ve got what it takes to win a Gold/Silver/Bronze-colored plastic medal? Compete against your SPE colleagues and test your plastics knowledge by answering a wide variety of questions in this 1st Annual Competition!
Support the SPE Foundation on Giving Tuesday!
This year, the SPE Detroit Section generously donated $60,000 to help the SPE Foundation create PlastiVideo learning modules! PlastiVideos teach students about career opportunities in plastics and include such exciting topics as foam, manufacturing, sustainability, and marine debris. Your support makes it possible to create more content to engage students and help inspire future plastics professionals. In celebration of #GivingTuesday, SPE professional and young professional members can join or renew SPE on Tuesday, December 1 and $25 of their membership dues will be donated to the SPE Foundation's PlastiVideos Program in their honor.
Learn more - contact customerrelations@4spe.org.
Both SPE's CEO and VP, Sustainability, on Tap for Upcoming Engineering Event
An expansive educational lineup for Virtual Engineering Week, November 30 – December 4, will kick off each day with a fireside chat and keynote presentation, including Patrick Farrey, SPE's CEO, and Conor Carlin, SPE's VP Sustainability. Both will present at the event on Thursday, December 3rd.
SPE's Conor Carlin Interviewed by PlasticsToday Magazine
Conor Carlin, SPE's VP Sustainability, will deliver a keynote presentation on adapting plastics consumption habits to a circular economy during Virtual Engineering Week, which is taking place November 30-December 4. In a recent interview with PlasticsToday, he explains what needs to be done and by whom.
Dr. Jaime Gomez, SPE President, to Present at SPE A-NZ Annual Conference
The SPE A-NZ Section is proud to announce that Dr. Jaime Gomez, SPE President, will present a session on Friday, November 20th from 9:00-9:30 a.m. at the SPE A-NZ Annual Conference. Dr. Gomez will focus on the contributions SPE makes to the plastics Industry.
SPE's Webinar, "Navigating Plastic Material Selection," Now Available
This webinar, presented on November 12th by Jeffrey Jansen, Senior Managing Engineer and Partner, The Madison Group, addressed some of the considerations that need to be made when selecting a plastic resin, and outlined the challenges and benefits of selecting an appropriate material.
The National Inventors Hall of Fame is Accepting Nominations for Inductees Into Their Class of 2021.
A candidate for induction into NIHF is required to hold a United States patent that has contributed significantly to the nation’s welfare and the progress of science and useful arts. They are seeking candidates whose patented work is significant to their field, is commercialized and in widespread use, and is having a major impact on our daily lives. NIHF considers both living and deceased candidates. Nominations can be submitted at www.invent.org/inductees/nominate-inventor. There is no cost to make a nomination and the deadline is Feb 15, 2021. List of inductees by alphabetical order can be found here: www.invent.org/inductees/nominate-inventor.
SPE's Latest Webinar, "Understanding Wear of Plastics," Now Available
This webinar, presented by Jeff Jansen, Senior Managing Engineer and Partner, The Madison Group, addressed the mechanisms of wear in plastics.
Conor Carlin Pushes Sustainability Through SPE Position
Conor Carlin is managing director for Illig North America, and was recently named VP Sustainability of SPE. He spoke with Plastics Machinery Magazine editor Ron Shinn about his 20-year career in the plastics industry and how SPE is encouraging sustainable practices.
SPE's Webinar, "This is Not the Wild West: Sustainability Definitions," Now Available
With continued interest in and development of sustainable plastics, it is clear that not everyone is working with the same lexicon. Terms such as 'degradable', 'bio-degradable', 'recyclable', and 'compostable' are subject to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or outright fraudulent claims. SPE's latest webinar, "This is Not the Wild West: Sustainability Definitions, Standards, and Regulations" which took place on October 13th and was presented by Kelvin Okamoto, President, Green Bottom Line and Founder/CEO of Gen3Bio, addressed how ASTM standards are being used to create a common understanding based on science and testing. He also addressed the commonalities and differences among standards, certifications, and regulations.
Miss Any of SPE's Virtual Events?
Recordings from all SPE's Virtual Events are available for viewing 24/7. If you attended any of our virtual events, you can access session recordings by simply logging in. If you missed any, you can purchase virtual event recordings by going here and choosing which event(s) you would like.
SPE Announces ANTEC® 2021 Call for Technical Papers
SPE has announced its Call for Technical Papers for ANTEC® 2021. ANTEC® attracts over 3,000 plastics professionals from around the world with job functions encompassing managers, engineers, research and development, academia, operations, and consulting. Technical papers submitted for consideration for presentation at ANTEC® 2021 will focus on the latest in industrial, national laboratory and academic work.
Moldex3D Announced as SPE Preferred Partner
The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) has announced CoreTech System Co., Ltd. (Moldex3D) as an SPE Preferred Partner on October 1st. An SPE Preferred Partner is a converter, manufacturer, solutions provider or product distributor that has been recognized by SPE for demonstrated leadership and innovation in the plastics industry.
SPE Foundation 2020 Scholarship Award Recipients Announced
SPE announced the winners of the 2020 scholarships administered as part of the SPE Foundation. The SPE Foundation awarded 57 scholarships to 45 students totaling over $126,000. The SPE Foundation supports the development of plastics professionals by funding quality educational programs, grants and scholarships.
“Our scholarships are made possible through the generosity of individuals, SPE chapters and other organizations who believe in the value of supporting our future plastics workforce,” said Eve Vitale, SPE Foundation’s Chief Executive. “We are grateful for their contributions and impact on these students.”
ACCE Best Paper Award Winners Honored at the Virtual Event Sept. 9–11, 2020
The organizing committee for the SPE Automotive Composites Conference & Exhibition (ACCE) honored the Best Paper Award Winners for the group’s 20th annual Program at their Virtual Event, Sept. 9 – 11, 2020. The two authors who received the highest average ratings by conference peer reviewers out of a field of 40 contenders were honored for excellence in technical writing and will receive a plaque to commemorate their achievement.
Book Review Opportunities Available
SPE members, and others, continue to author many informative books about plastics and plastics technology. In upcoming issues of Plastics Engineering magazine, our Editorial Team will be offering their reviews of these books. If you would like to serve as a Book Review Editor, please provide your information by clicking here. Or, if you would like to submit your book for review, click here.
Participate in Global Litter Removal Challenge
It's Our World - Let's Help Clean It Up!
Extending its efforts to lessen the impact of litter on the environment, SPE members are invited to participate in the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (The Alliance) event, ALL_TOGETHER GLOBAL CLEANUP. In celebration of World Cleanup Day 2020, the goal of this global initiative is to help remove litter "one piece at a time" from local communities worldwide. Starting Saturday, September 19th and continuing through October 3rd, ALL_TOGETHER GLOBAL CLEANUP will unite thousands of volunteers from around the world to engage with their communities to discover, identify, collect and dispose of any litter they find. The Alliance has joined with technology and innovation partner Litterati to provide an app that uses geo-tagged photos of litter to measure and track participation. For SPE members to participate, simply download Litterati from the App Store or Google Play Store, open the Litterati app and ENTER the code: 4SPE2020. Volunteers can then head out into their local community and use the camera in the Litterati app to take photos of the litter collected. SPE's challenge is to collect 1,000 pieces of litter! One piece at a time, SPE members can show how individual impact is multiplied when we work ALL_TOGETHER.
Let’s go! #AllTogetherCleanup
Be safe - wear your mask!
12th European Thermoforming Conference in Geneva, Switzerland Postponed to 2021
In light of the current international situation due to COVID-19, this main event of the European thermoforming industry has been postponed. The new date will be March 3-5 2021 and the Starling Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland will be the event's location.
Winners of ACCE & Rehkopf Scholarships to be Honored at ACCE 2020
The organizing committee for the SPE Automotive Composites Conference & Exhibition (ACCE) today announced the winners of the group’s annual SPE ACCE scholarships and the Dr. Jackie Rehkopf scholarships from an endowed fund that has been set up to honor the long-time SPE ACCE committee member, SPE Automotive Division board member, and automotive composites researcher. SPE ACCE and Rehkopf scholarship winners will be honored at the SPE ACCE Virtual Event, Sept. 9 - 11, 2020. Both scholarships are administered as part of the SPE Foundation.
Second Keynote Announced for ACCE 2020 Virtual Event: "Greener Materials for a Greener World"
The executive planning committee for the SPE® Automotive Composites Conference & Expo (ACCE) is announcing their second keynote speaker for their ACCE 2020 Virtual Event, September 9-11, 2020. Dr. Deborah Meilewski, Senior Technical Leader of Sustainable and Advanced Materials at Ford Motor Co. will present “GREENER MATERIALS FOR A GREENER WORLD.” The presentation will highlight the broad portfolio of greener materials available now and in the future that can reduce the carbon footprint of the automotive industry and other industries worldwide.
SPE and IoPP Launch Plastics in Food Packaging: The Virtual Edition
SPE and the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) recently announced they are joining together to launch Plastics in Food Packaging: The Virtual Edition. This virtual event will take place October 14-15 and will include insights on sustainability, how plastics can help ensure food safety, and plastics materials used in a range of styles from bottles and tubes to flexible packaging and more. Food packaging innovations expected in the coming years will also be addressed.
A “Live” to “Virtual” Pivot in 13 Days
In a recently published blog post for Meeting Professionals International (MPI), SPE CEO Patrick Farrey discusses the brave new world of virtual events and how ANTEC® quickly shifted from a live event to a virtual one in just 13 days.
SPE's Latest Webinar, "Improve Your Chromatography with Refractive Index," is Now Available
Presented by Tobias Husemann, Product Management Team Leader, Anton Paar, on August 27th, Improve Your Chromatography with Refractive Index focused on how you can minimize uncertainty — and expensive errors - with a fast, highly-precise refractive index measurement. Featured topics in this webinar included: GPC calibration process; the role played by dn/dc values; how a refractometer can improve the GPC calibration process; and requirements and the specifications your refractometer must meet.
Recorded Sessions for Plastics in Medical Manufacturing: The Virtual Edition Available For Viewing
Did you miss Plastics in Medical Manufacturing: The Virtual Edition? Not to worry - recorded presentations are now available. Gain insights on polymers used in medical equipment, mold making, medical material innovations, supply chain solutions, and more. Get access today!
Ampacet’s Gustavo Lidzki Appointed SPE VP at Large
Gustavo Lidzki, Vice President, Global Engineering & CI Systems, Ampacet Corporation, was recently named to SPE’s Executive Board as VP at Large. Current SPE President, Jaime Gómez, appointed Lidzki to this position. Lidzki’s position as VP at Large started on July 1 and will continue for a period of one year.
Annual Blow Molding Conference 2020 Canceled
The SPE Blow Molding Division's top priority is the health and safety of conference attendees, speakers and sponsors. After much consideration, the division has made the difficult decision to cancel ABC 2020, October 5-7 in Chicago, IL. The Blow Molding Division is looking forward to the future with the hope to gather again at ABC 2021, October 11-13 in Atlanta, GA.
Did you miss Plastics in Cannabis Packaging: The Virtual Edition?
Plastics in Cannabis Packaging: The Virtual Edition, which took place July 28 online, was filled with insights on sustainable materials, environmentally friendly designs and bio-based solutions. Other areas explored analyzed what innovations we can expect in the coming years with this product. If you missed the live event, you can register now for access to the recorded sessions!
Didn't Catch Clean Water in Plastics: The Virtual Edition?
Recorded presentations are now available to all attendees of Plastics in Clean Water: The Virtual Edition. But if you missed the event, you can register now to gain access to the event's recorded presentations! Or if you have multiple employees from your company wanting to view the recorded presentations, you can purchase a 10-Pack for team access!
SPE's 2019 Audit Report Now Available
The auditor's report for SPE's financial statements, which are comprised of financial position statements as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, are now available for viewing.
Keynote Announced for SPE's Plastics In Clean Water: The Virtual Edition
Plastics in Clean Water: The Virtual Edition, taking place online July 16, will provide a deep dive into how polymers are used in water filtration and new technology surrounding this as well as engineering that can go into products ahead of time to minimize microplastics in the waterways. Keynote presenter Lola Olabode, Research Program Manager for The Water Research Foundation, will provide insights into microplastics in the water cycle and its effect on human health and ecosystems.
SPE President’s Cup Award Recipient Announced
SPE is pleased to announce Dr. Brian Grady as recipient of the Society’s President’s Cup award for 2020. The award was presented to Dr. Grady during SPE’s Honors and Awards Ceremony, which was presented virtually this year on June 30. Dr. Brian Landes, SPE’s outgoing President, presented the award to Dr. Grady during the ceremony.
Annual SPE Honors and Awards Ceremony Acknowledges Dedicated Volunteers
SPE’s annual Honors and Awards Ceremony, which was presented virtually on June 30th, announced the President’s Cup recipient, acknowledged the recipients of both the 2020 Honored Service Members (HSM) Award and the Fellow of Society Award, and introduced SPE's new Executive Board. The event is available for viewing on SPE's YouTube Channel.
SPE Automotive Composites Conference & Exhibition Announces Transition to a Virtual Event
The organizing committee for the SPE Automotive Composites Conference & Exhibition (ACCE) today announced the transition from an in-person event to a virtual platform for its 20th anniversary event. The virtual ACCE will be held Sept. 9 – 11, 2020 (the dates it was originally planned for) and will include keynotes, panel discussions, technical sessions, sponsorship and exhibit options, and online networking opportunities.
SPE and the Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment Focus on Removing Barriers to Inclusion
Through partnering with more than fifty-three other leading societies to form the Societies Consortium on Sexual Harassment in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine), SPE's involvement in the Consortium will address sexual and gender-based issues to ensure that all individuals may work in STEMM industries in a safe and welcoming environment.
SPE and ICIPC to Launch Plastics Forum 2020: Nuevas Tecnologías y Sostenibilidad
SPE and the ICIPC - Instituto de Capacitacion e Investigacion del Plastico y del Caucho –announced they are joining together to launch the first Plastics Forum as a virtual event. Plastics Forum 2020: Nuevas Tecnologías y Sostenibilidad, taking place online September 17-18, will be SPE’s first all-Spanish language conference and will be the society’s first collaboration with ICIPC, Acoplásticos and other Colombian institutions.
SPE Announces New Chair for Council Committee of the Whole
SPE is pleased to announce Barry Morris, Ph.D., as Chair for the Council Committee of the Whole (CCOW). The CCOW consists of all current SPE Councilors and the properly authorized proxies. The CCOW exists solely as an open forum to explore ideas, projects and concerns of the membership; and to discuss and debate issues of interest to the Council. The CCOW Chair position’s term begins on July 1 and will run for one year.
SPE Automotive Division Postpones 50th Annual Automotive Innovation Awards Competition & Gala
The Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers is announcing the postponement of its 50th annual Automotive Innovation Awards Gala, the oldest and largest recognition event in the automotive and plastics industries. Originally planned for Nov. 19, 2020, the event commemorating “50 Years of Plastics Innovation,” is rescheduled to Nov. 10, 2021 and will be held at the Burton Manor in Livonia, Michigan, where it has been held for many years.
SPE's Latest Webinar, "iMFLUX's Novel Low, Constant Pressure Molding Technology" Now Available
SPE's latest webinar, "iMFLUX's Novel Low, Constant Pressure Molding Technology Overcomes Traditional Barriers to Achieving A Truly Sustainable, Circular Operation," presented by Gene Altonen, Chief Technology Officer, iMFLUX, discusses one of the biggest challenges facing the plastics industry today -- the need for technology solutions that enable a Circular Economy. This is especially true for injection molded parts, where operational tradeoffs are often encountered when running many sustainable materials.
SPE Announces Newly Elected Executive Board Members
SPE is pleased to announce recently elected Executive Board members as well as a newly appointed President. Additional board positions announced include VP Business & Finance, VP Sustainability and President-Elect.
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