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Kiefel’s Engelmann Receives Prestigious SPE President’s Cup

Sven Engelmann, Vice President of Technology at Kiefel, has been honored with the SPE President’s Cup, awarded by SPE at ANTEC® 2025 in Philadelphia. The award, presented by 2024 SPE President Conor Carlin, recognizes Engelmann’s over 20 years of outstanding service to SPE, including leadership roles and his efforts to foster transatlantic collaboration in the thermoforming industry.

SPE Foundation Announces New Plastics Hall of Fame Scholarship

The SPE Foundation, in partnership with the Plastics Hall of Fame, has launched the Plastics Hall of Fame Scholarship, a prestigious new scholarship designed to support students pursuing careers in the plastics industry. Four outstanding students will receive $5,000 each in recognition of their academic excellence and dedication to the field. Read More.

SPE Announces 2025 Fellow of the Society Awards Recipients

In January, SPE announced the recipients of its 2025 Fellow of the Society Award. Established in 1984, this prestigious honor has been awarded to 368 distinguished SPE members who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in plastics engineering, science, technology, or management. Read more.

SPE Announces 2025 Honored Service Members

SPE is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of its prestigious Honored Service Members (HSM) Award.  Since the program was established in 1992, the HSM Award has recognized 364 individuals who have demonstrated long-term, outstanding service and support to SPE and its mission. Read more.

SPE Launches PlastChicks™ 101

The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) is pleased to announce the launch of PlastChicks™ 101, a groundbreaking educational initiative designed to provide comprehensive lessons focused on plastics. The goal of the series is to educate people on all the major plastics and plastics processes, creating an informed and effective generation of professionals, empowering them with the knowledge needed to succeed in an ever-evolving industry.

SPE and Routsis Training Collaborate to Provide Workforce Development Solutions

SPE recently announced a strategic collaboration with Routsis Training, a leading provider of advanced training solutions for plastics professionals. Through this collaboration, plastics processors will have the opportunity to participate in Routsis Training's comprehensive workforce development solutions enhancing troubleshooting skills, expanding knowledge, and implementing best practices to improve part quality and efficiency.

New Southern Europe Regional Interest Group Approved

SPE’s new Southern Europe Regional Interest Group (RIG) covers Albania, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and 17 other countries in the region. The group is holding a kick-off Zoom event, "Explore Trends in the Southern Europe Polymers/Plastics Market," on Thursday, January 23, 8:30–9:30 AM (EST). Discover market trends, upcoming initiatives, and meet the group’s leaders. Read more.

SPE Announces Newly Elected Board of Directors Members for 2025

SPE recently announced newly elected Board of Directors members, as well as a newly appointed President. Starting January 1, 2025, Scott Eastman, Senior Manager R&D – DeWal, Rogers Corporation, will assume the position of SPE President. Lynzie Nebel, Upstream Hardware Engineer, Cytiva, will serve as SPE’s President-Elect. New SPE Directors are Dan Falla, Senior Technical Service, Shell; Louis Somlai, Executive Director of Engineering, Eli Lilly; and Barry Curtis, President, Curtis Plastics.

SPE and UNEP - The Global Treaty on Plastics Waste

SPE was recently accredited into the United Nations Environment Assembly's UNEA’s “scientific and technological community.” Accreditation provides non-governmental organizations with observer status to the Assembly, which includes the opportunity to participate in the work of the UNEA and of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). As the global community convenes in Busan for the INC-5 treaty discussions on plastics pollution, the importance of international collaboration cannot be overstated. Governments, industries, and civil societies must work together to address this complex challenge, and SPE is committed to playing a pivotal role in this effort.

Celebrate Your Excellence in Injection Molding!

SPE and the SPE Injection Molding Division invite you to enter the IMPACT: Injection Molding Performance Awards, a prestigious program celebrating groundbreaking achievements in injection molding. This is your opportunity to showcase your innovative designs, manufacturing breakthroughs, and bar-raising applications. Submit your best injection molding project today!

Premium Membership Levels Up Your SPE Experience

Unlocking additional benefits provides you with more opportunities to advance your career-building education. Premium Membership includes all Professional Member benefits PLUS 10+ Select webinars, additional discounts, and more technical resources. Join now as a Premium Member OR upgrade your current membership and reap major membership rewards!

SPE Granted Accreditation by United Nations Environment Assembly

SPE recently announced its accreditation with the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). This noteworthy distinction establishes SPE as a primary constituent within UNEA’s esteemed scientific and technological community. SPE President Conor Carlin expressed his enthusiasm about this significant milestone, stating, “This accreditation marks a pivotal moment for SPE and its stakeholders." 

SPE Names Dr. Asami Nakai as New Editor for Polymer Composites

Dr. Asami Nakai has been appointed Editor of SPE's technical journal, Polymer Composites, effective July 1, 2024. Nakai brings a wealth of academic and research experience to her new role. She graduated from the Faculty of Textile Science at Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT) in 1994, earned a M. Eng. from KIT’s Department of Polymer Science and Engineering in 1996, and completed her D. Eng. at the University of Tokyo in 1999. She has published over 130 peer-reviewed articles and 19 book chapters and has chaired international conferences in polymer and composites science.

Girl Scouts Introduce SPE Foundation-Backed Sustainable Packaging Patch

The new Girl Scout Gold Award SPE Foundation Grant is now available for eligible Girl Scouts who wish to make a positive impact on community recycling, sustainability, or diversity in STEM, helping fund scout troops interested in participating.

SPE Now Offers Premium Membership

SPE’s NEW Premium Membership takes you to the next level of your SPE member experience. Unlocking additional benefits provides you with more opportunities to advance your career-building education. Premium Membership includes all Professional Member benefits PLUS 10+ Select webinars, additional discounts, and deeper technical resources. Join now as a Premium Member OR upgrade your current membership and reap major membership rewards!

SPE Foundation and Brightmark® Announce First-Of-Its-Kind Scholarship Fund for Georgia Tech Students

The SPE Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Brightmark Scholarship in Plastics Circularity endowment. In collaboration with the SPE Foundation, Brightmark, a circular innovation company with a mission to Reimagine Waste®, has created an enduring legacy by establishing an endowed scholarship intended for students attending the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Juliana Montoya Joins SPE as Plastics Engineering Content Director

SPE is excited to welcome Juliana Montoya as the new Content Director for Plastics Engineering (PE). With a background in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's degree in Materials Engineering, Montoya brings a wealth of expertise and a creative viewpoint to the publication.

Call for SPE Instructors

Are you a knowledgeable professional with a passion for sharing your expertise in an impactful manner? We invite you to join our team of instructors as we develop educational programs and workshops for our audience of plastics professionals seeking to enhance their work skills and abilities. Instructors will lead workshops that break the mold, offering unique perspectives and insights that resonate with our audience.

SPE Announces Newly Elected Board of Directors Members

SPE recently announced newly elected Board of Directors members as well as a newly appointed president. Conor Carlin will assume the position of SPE President starting on January 1st, 2024. The president’s term will run from January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024. Scott Eastman, Senior Manager R&D – DeWal, Rogers Corporation, will serve as SPE’s President-Elect from January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024, when he will start his term as SPE president starting on January 1, 2025. 

What’s in Store for the Future of Rotational Molding?

Get inside information about what the future holds for rotational molding at SPE’s must-attend event, “The Future of Rotomolding: Making Our Industry Innovative & Sustainable,” hosted by the SPE Rotational Molding Division and taking place online January 30-February 1, 2024. Connect with rotational molding leaders and learn about the trends that are shaping the industry moving forward.

Are You Ready to Rock? Don't Miss ANTEC® 2024 in St. Louis!

The stage is set for ANTEC® 2024! SPE's annual technical conference--taking place March 4-7 at the Marriott St. Louis Grand in St. Louis, MO --will showcase the latest advances in industrial, national, laboratory, and academic work focused on plastics and polymer science. For 2024, we're cranking up the excitement with a limited-time, limited-space All-Access VIP Experience that will have you living large! This is your chance to experience ANTEC® like never before!

ImplementAM Joins Forces with SPE and 3Dnatives to Elevate Additive Manufacturing Education

ImplementAM, the frontrunner in educational one-day workshops focused on 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies, has been acquired by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE). This is SPE’s second acquisition in additive manufacturing, following its purchase of 3Dnatives earlier this year. Together, the shared goal of the three businesses is to bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing-based businesses and the transformative world of additive manufacturing and 3D printing, offering innovative ways to enhance manufacturing processes.

SimForm Announced as SPE Preferred Partner

SPE recently announced SimForm as an SPE Preferred Partner. SimForm, a Maya HTT app, gives mold makers and molders the power to predict mold and part temperatures, while allowing the best mold design decisions, especially regarding cooling. Developed by engineering and industry software development experts, SimForm puts easy thermal simulation in the hands of mold designers.

SPE Foundation Expands Board and Strengthens Commitment to Plastics Education
SPE Foundation

The SPE Foundation is pleased to announce the election of four new Board members. Albert McGovern, Steve Zamprelli, Matt Urfali, and Greg Adams have been elected to serve on the Board for a three-year term.

SPE Joins “Molding Workforce Inclusion” Program as Partner
SPE General News

SPE recently announced its partnership with the groundbreaking initiative, "Molding Workforce Inclusion," funded by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF). This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize the plastics industry and foster disability inclusivity across the United States.

Gain Hands-On Experience - Check out SPE's Online Workshops!
SPE General News

SPE's online educational Technical Workshops are designed to help Plastics Professionals gain deeper understanding of plastics technologies and applications through participation and collaboration, focusing on in-depth processes. SPE is also presenting a series of online workshops presented in Spanish!

Celanese Foundation Provides Substantial Grant to SPE Foundation
SPE Foundation

The Celanese Foundation, part of Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE), (NYSE: CE), a global specialty materials and chemical company, recently granted $50,000 to fund the SPE Foundation’s work in Detroit and Dallas. The grant will be used to sponsor SPE After-School STEM Clubs, and  the PlastiVan® programming, which upholds the Foundation’s three-pronged approach to enrich and develop future workforce for the plastics industry.

DuPont™ Tedlar® Donates $20,000 to SPE Foundation
SPE Foundation

DuPont™ Tedlar®, the global leader in technology-based materials and solutions, recently donated $20,000 to the SPE Foundation to support the Foundation’s three-pronged approach to enrich and develop future workforce for the plastics industry. 

SPE Foundation's PlastiVan Brings Real-World STEM to McKinney, TX, Faubion Middle School
SPE Foundation

SPE Foundation PlastiVan Educator Evan Morton discusses the science behind plastics engineering with McKinney, TX, Faubion Middle School students on Wednesday, March 16.

FlexPackCon® 2023 Announces Call for Abstracts
SPE General News

FlexPackCon® 2023, taking place October 10-12 in Montreal, QC, is SPE's premier technical conference focused on flexible packaging. Presented by the SPE Flexible Packaging Division, FlexPackCon® 2023 is inviting material and equipment suppliers, processors, converters, packagers, brand owners, academia, and other industry influencers to submit abstracts for presentations focused on key trends and the latest technology advances in flexible packaging. 

SPE Acquires 3Dnatives, the Leading Global Media and Event Platform for Additive Manufacturing
SPE General News

SPE has acquired 3Dnatives, a French company that produces a media platform and international events for professionals in 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and their related market applications. Joining with 3Dnatives expands SPE’s expertise in the plastics and additive manufacturing industries and gives SPE members unprecedented access to the science and technologies they need to know.

SPE Supports Plastics Professionals During Financial Hardship
SPE General News

SPE is offering new and renewed memberships at no cost for one year, for those faced with sudden loss of income due to unemployment or other financial hardships.

SPE 2023 Fellow of Society Awards Recipients Announced
SPE General News

In early January, SPE announced the 2023 recipients of its Fellow of Society Award. The Fellow of the Society program was established in 1984 and 359 SPE members have been awarded with the Fellow title since its inception. The Fellow of Society program honors SPE members for their outstanding contributions in the field of plastics engineering, science/technology, or in the management of such activities.

SPE Announces HSM Award Recipients for 2023
SPE General News

SPE recently announced the 2023 recipients for its prestigious Honored Service Members (HSM) Award. The SPE HSM program started in 1992 with 354 members named Honored Service Members since the program was launched. To be elected an Honored Service Member, a candidate shall have demonstrated long-term, outstanding service to, and support of, SPE and its objectives.

SPE President Bruce Mulholland Appoints Four to Board of Directors
SPE General News

SPE President Bruce Mulholland appointed four new directors to the SPE Board of Directors for the year 2023. Each of the following will serve a one-year appointment: Jeremy Dworshak, Molding Research Specialist, 3M; Diane Marret, Research & Development Project Manager, Berry Global; Margaret Sobkowicz Kline, Ph.D. Professor of Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell; Gustavo Nechar, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Ascend Performance Materials.

ANTEC® 2023 Program Announced

Taking place March 27-30, at the Hilton Denver City Center in Denver, CO, ANTEC® 2023 features a technical program focused on four themes: Advances in Materials and Characterization, Sustainability, Polymer Processing and Equipment, and Digitalization and Additive Manufacturing. Program includes 18 tracks with over 115 sessions as well as three plenary presentations - all focused on the latest advances in industrial, national laboratory, and academic work. Are you looking to build your plastics knowledge and take that information back to your projects and processes? Then this year's ANTEC® technical program is for you!

Brabender® Announced As SPE Preferred Partner
Industry News

SPE recently announced Brabender® as an SPE Preferred Partner. Since 1923, Brabender® has been a leading manufacturer of instruments and equipment for testing material quality and physical characteristics in all fields of research, development, and industrial production in the chemical and food industries around the world.

Pre-ANTEC® Workshops Take a Deep Look at Plastics Technologies

On Monday, March 27th, the day before ANTEC® 2023 kicks off, SPE will host seven three-hour workshops. These Pre-ANTEC® workshops are a “deep dive” into topics of interest to ANTEC® attendees, offering additional learning opportunities while at the event. Workshops will be held at the Hilton Denver City Center, the ANTEC® host hotel.

SPE Announces Newly Elected Board of Directors Members

SPE recently announced newly elected Board of Directors members as well as a newly appointed president. Bruce Mulholland will assume the position of SPE President starting on January 1st, 2023. The president’s term will run from January 1, 2023, until December 31, 2023. Conor Carlin, Managing Director, Illig North America, will serve as SPE’s President-Elect from January 1, 2023, until December 31, 2023. Additionally, three SPE Directors have been elected to the Board of Directors: Todd Bier, Account Manager, Palmer Holland, Inc.; Praveen Boopalachandran, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Dow; and Lynzie Nebel, Upstream Quote Engineer, Cytivia. 

SPE Foundation Scholarship Applications Are Now Open
SPE Foundation

The SPE Foundation offers numerous scholarships to students who have demonstrated or expressed an interest in the plastics industry. They must be majoring in or taking courses that would be beneficial to a career in the plastics industry. This would include, but is not limited to, plastics engineering, polymer science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, journalism or communications. All applicants must be in good standing with their colleges. Applications for our 2023-2024 SPE Foundation Scholarships are open until April 1, 2023.

SPE Flexible Packaging Division Announces FlexPackCon® 2023

SPE’s Flexible Packaging Division recently announced FlexPackCon® 2023, taking place October 10-12, 2023, in Montreal, QC, Canada. From materials and equipment suppliers to processors, converters, packagers, and brand owners, the event spans the supply chain.  Engineers, researchers, marketers, and other flexible packaging professionals come together to learn about new developments in materials, trends, challenges, and opportunities in this double-digit growth market.

New for 2023! ANTEC® VIP Experience

Registration for ANTEC® 2023, taking place March 27-30, 2023 at the Hilton Denver City Center in Denver, CO, is now open! We're offering a limited-time/limited-space opportunity to get in on our exciting new ANTEC® VIP Experience! The ANTEC® VIP Experience is a complimentary upgrade to your registration that gives you fantastic perks and benefits to enhance your overall ANTEC® experience.

SPE Foundation and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Announce Polymer Science Patch
SPE Foundation

In collaboration with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, the SPE Foundation has created its first SPE Color Your World with Polymer Science Girl Scout patch. The newly released patch was introduced during Color Your World with Science, a science and engineering event, which took place at the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas STEM Center of Excellence in Dallas, TX. More than 200 Girl Scouts earned their patch and saw first-hand how polymer scientists and engineers are improving our world by developing new materials to make items like shoes, bike helmets, car parts, and more.

Call for ANTEC® 2023 Student Posters

SPE is accepting Student Posters for ANTEC® 2023, taking place March 27-30 at the Hilton Denver City Center in Denver, CO. We're asking for posters focused on findings in plastics technologies, polymer research, new materials, and processes. Do you have something that is totally unique or a general but relevant topic that can reach everyone? If so, submit your poster today!

Is Your Work Ready for Plastics Prime Time?

SPE is looking for Speakers for ANTEC® 2023, taking place March 27-30 at the Hilton Denver City Center in Denver, CO. ANTEC® is the perfect event to share your research or your company’s latest developments on plastics and polymer technologies.

ANTEC® 2023 Slated for March in Denver

SPE is hosting ANTEC® 2023 at the Hilton Denver City Center, Denver, CO from March 27–30, 2023. ANTEC® 2023 will showcase the latest advances in industrial, national laboratory, and academic work. At ANTEC® 2023, there will be multiple opportunities to spend time with colleagues at SPE-hosted meetings, receptions, luncheons, and SPE Chapter networking events. Registration details coming soon but put it on your calendar today!

COVIA Announced as SPE Preferred Partner

SPE recently announced Covia as an SPE Preferred Partner. Covia is a leading provider of mineral-based solutions for industrial markets. The company specializes in production of ultrafine, micronized mineral fillers and additives that are applied in variety of plastic applications.

Dr. Iván López Named SPE Director of Technical Programs

Dr. Iván D. López has been appointed as new Director of Technical Programs at SPE. In this role, Dr. López will create new virtual and in-person education events, identifying subject matter experts and growing SPE’s portfolio of technical programs. “Dr. López’s established experience of working in polymer sciences will be key to developing innovative programs and educational opportunities for our members and for those in the plastics industry,” said Patrick Farrey, CEO of SPE.

Maximize Your Leadership Potential

If you’re considering moving into a leadership role, either to manage people or projects, now is the perfect time. But are you prepared to make the move? SPE can help maximize your leadership potential through its newly launched Essentials of Management & Leadership in Plastics program. Essentials of Management & Leadership in Plastics is a six-month, cohort-based, virtual program, with the inaugural session running from October 2022 through March 2023. No other Leadership Certificate program exists that is specifically designed for those in the plastics industry. 

Plastics Engineering Wins Folio Awards

SPE’s Plastics Engineering (PE) magazine was recently awarded two EDDIEs from Folio magazine. The first was awarded for Robert Grace’s June 2021 feature, "Overcoming Gender Bias in Design." The article was recognized in the category “Single Article/Association, Non-profit, Professional, Membership Association.” The second EDDIE was an Honorable Mention in the category “Range of Work by a Single Author, Association, Non-profit.” The work submitted featured six articles by Grace that emphasized the importance of educating technically sophisticated engineers and others about the importance of design in product development, as well as in market trends and emerging material and process developments.