Happy Birthday SPE!

The July/August issue of Plastics Engineering (PE) celebrates SPE’s 80^th Anniversary. It’s rare for an organization to celebrate 80 years of continuous operation. SPE has done so in step with the post-World War II growth of the plastics industry. Both SPE and the industry have worked closely together since 1942, when SPE was founded, and will continue their harmonious relationship into the future.

For this special issue, PE focuses on the topics that will have an impact on much of the industry during the next decade. PE also takes a look at the people who made an indelible mark on SPE and the plastics industry over these past 80 years. In this edition of SPE News we're featuring a few stories from this commemorative edition of Plastics Engineering.

Plastics Engineering Highlights

Shaping Future Workers

Plastics will deal with recent concerns like supply chain disruptions and inflation, as well as persistent issues like sustainability in 2022.

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Achieve and Inspire

South Africa’s Sibongile Manthata looks to be a STEM role model for young women.

Assessing the Future of Design

How will society and technology impact the way products are created?

What's Happening Around SPE

Essentials of Management & Leadership in Plastics, powered by SPE

If you’re considering moving into a leadership role, either to manage people or projects, now may be the perfect time. But are you prepared to make the move? Making the shift from successful individual contributor to effective manager is a difficult transition — it may be the hardest shift for any leader to make. 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. The program is designed to prepare early to mid-level career professionals to become leaders at their companies and in the plastics industry. The program is facilitated by Dr. Sarah Skidmore, a leadership doctor and experience strategic consultant

Plastics Industry Association Hosts Virtual Plastics Recycling Open House

Join a group of collaborative colleagues from across the plastics and recycling industries for a discussion in an effort to review shared sustainability goals and best practices. This "Open House," taking place virtually August 30 from 1:00 – 3:30 pm EST, will bring the plastics industry together and facilitate a mutual understanding of the indispensable projects and programs of focus within each participating plastics organization. Conor Carlin (pictured left), SPE’s VP of Sustainability, will be speaking on behalf of SPE. Registration is free for SPE members.

SPE is Seeking Additional Volunteers to Join Its DEI Advisory Board

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are business imperatives for SPE, its members’ companies and academic institutions, and the overall plastics industry. SPE strives to create an environment in which everyone is respected and valued and has equal opportunities to develop, advance, and be heard. Building on over a year of successes and failures (learning as we go!), the SPE DEI Advisory Board continues to focus on expanding opportunities for people who are underrepresented in plastics and manufacturing. As we move forward, we are looking for additional volunteers to join us to support our continued success and new initiatives. To learn more, or to volunteer, complete this form to express your interest.

National Week of Rotational Molding – Trends, Techniques, and Technologies

Taking place virtually the week of August 8-12, this week-long event will explore rotational molding and its multiple uses. This event will focus on innovations that extend across many industries. Automotive, sporting goods, medical, and many other industries use rotomolding processes for durability and design flexibility. And products can be produced economically with little material waste. Learn how rotational molding is one of the best choices, whether you're a molder, supplier, OEM, or student. Hosted by the SPE Rotational Molding Division.

Nominations Open for 2023 Board of Directors

The SPE Nominating Committee is seeking candidates for four open board positions: President-Elect and three open seats for director. Members of the Board of Directors provide leadership for the Society as a whole and work together to serve the interests of its thousands of individual members. Board members frequently describe their volunteer leadership experience as having provided a significant and positive impact on their individual career growth. You may nominate yourself or you may nominate a colleague. Nomination submissions are being accepted now until August 31. This is an open nomination process. Only nominations received before August 31, 2022, will be considered.

Need to Know About Flame Retardants?

Taking place virtually the week of August 22-26, SPE’s National Week of Flame Retardants will take an in-depth look at emerging technologies in flame retardants. The week is divided into flame retardant innovations including non-halogenated flame retardants, developments in smoke suppressants and enhancing non-halogenated retardants. Hosted by the SPE Non-Halogen Flame Retardant Materials Technical Interest Group and Pinfa North America.

Additives & Color Middle East Virtual Event Taking Place September 1

Taking place virtually on September 1, SPE's Additives & Color Middle East Conference is focused on the latest innovations, technologies, and best practices used in the Middle East for improved performance, manufacturing productivity and quality. Regional speakers will bring expertise and insight when it comes to recycled PLA and its impact on the plastics industry, various pigments and their applications, waxes used for performance enhancement, UV stabilization, plastics recycling and stability, and other processes and applications of importance to this part of the world. Presented by the SPE Middle East Section.

It's CAD RETEC®’s Diamond Year!

The 60th Annual SPE Color and Appearance Division RETEC® will be held live September 12-14 at the Renaissance Hotel Sea World in Orlando FL. Make a SPLASH and discuss topics related to plastics coloration. Event includes preconference color seminar, two days of technical sessions, exhibitors showcasing products and services, opening and networking receptions, golf and more!

SPE Foundation

One Million Bottle Cap Challenge Cultivates Students’ Curiosity in Plastics Recycling

In Stamford, Connecticut, nonprofit organization SoundWaters has empowered students to lead the charge against plastic pollution by recycling bottle caps. Started in 2019 by SoundWaters, the One Million Bottle Cap Challenge engages with an ambitious goal of recycling 1 million bottle caps within a school year, involving mostly classes of sixth graders at Stamford schools. Bob Mazzone, vice president of development, SoundWaters, says an item this small, yet common, has made an indelible impact on students’ understanding of plastic pollution. Says Eve Vitale, Chief Executive, SPE Foundation, SPE plans to build on the success of the program since it already fits with the curriculum that the organization teaches across the country through PlastiVan®, the Foundation’s education outreach program.

New Podcast Episodes

SPE News Story Ideas?

Know a member who is doing outstanding things in plastics or in SPE? Have you heard about or are part of a chapter that is making an impact or a difference in the industry? Let us know if you have any story ideas for SPE News! Feel free to contact Chris Barry at cbarry@4spe.org.

Upcoming Events

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  SPE National Week of Rotational Molding

  August 8-12 | Virtual Event
  Register
• 

  SPE National Week of Flame Retardants

  August 22-26 | Virtual Event
  Register
• 

  SPE Additives and Color Middle East

  September 1 | Virtual Event
  Register

View full events calendar