What's Happening Around SPE

FDA's Koh-Fallet Keynotes SPE's PFAS in Plastics 2024

SPE’s PFAS in the Plastics Industry 2024, taking place October 29-30 at the Sheraton Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, MD, will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle PFAS challenges head-on. The conference has a powerhouse agenda and will launch with a keynote address by Dr. Sharon Koh-Fallet, Branch Chief, Regulatory Review Branch, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, who will deliver a comprehensive examination of PFAS in food packaging. Register now!

SPE Stakeholders Invited to UNEA-Centric Webinar on Pollution Prevention

Because of SPE's recent accreditation with the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), SPE stakeholders have a unique opportunity to attend an upcoming webinar, Strengthening Scientists Engagement: Shaping the Future of Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution Prevention. The webinar is for all scientific communities relevant to chemicals, waste, and the prevention of pollution, from all disciplines, particularly targeting those that are not yet familiar with international science-policy work. The webinar will take place on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 14:00 to 15:30 CEST (8:00 AM to 9:30 AM Central Time). To register, access the event page and scroll down to “Register on Webex” button.

ANTEC® 2025 Registration Now Open!

Get ahead of the pack and register now for ANTEC® 2025, taking place March 3-6, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA. Early registration rates are available for SPE's annual technical conference, which presents the latest advances in industrial, laboratory, academic, and international work in plastics and polymer science. ANTEC® 2025 will also focus on scientific, technical, or industrial problems and their solutions. In addition to a comprehensive program, ANTEC® 2025 will include networking opportunities, SPE awards, and our exclusive ANTEC® All-Access VIP Experience.

ANTEC® 2025 Call for Speakers

Are you ready to present your innovative research and cutting-edge developments at ANTEC® 2025? This is your opportunity to present to an international audience of industry leaders, innovators, scientists, academics, and influential decision-makers in the field of plastics. Deadline for submissions is October 4, 2024. Submit your abstract today.

SPE’s Week of Injection Molding, taking place online NEXT WEEK, September 24-25, includes experts from the industry taking a look at some of the most popular trends, techniques, and technologies that make injection molding one of the most versatile options available whether you're a molder, supplier, OEM, or student.

Announcing SPE’s Upcoming Injection Molding Awards Program

SPE and the SPE Injection Molding Division (IMD) are excited to announce its upcoming Injection Molding Awards program! The SPE Injection Molding Awards will recognize excellence in injection molding, celebrating innovation and creativity within the field. This awards program showcases the latest advancements in design, manufacturing, and applications in the plastics industry, highlighting significant work in injection molding on a national and international level. Details coming soon!

Nominations Open for SPE's Fellow of the Society and Honored Service Member Awards

As part of our commitment to recognizing excellence in the field of plastics engineering, science, technology, and management, we invite you to nominate an eligible candidate for SPE’s Fellow of the Society. Fellow of the Society guidelines. SPE’s Honored Service Member (HSM) award celebrates individuals who have shown long-term, outstanding service to SPE and its mission to advance the growth and development of plastics professionals for the betterment of society and the planet. This honor recognizes those who have made a lasting impact on SPE and driven positive change in the industry. Application deadline for both awards is October 1. Nomination and guidelines for the HSM award.

ADDITIV Polymers World Returns in October

After a successful first edition, ADDITV Polymers World is back! The second edition of the free online event, offered by 3Dnatives, is taking place on October 10th, from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM ET. Attendees will have access to panel experts with professionals in different sectors as well as workshops designed to help you discover leading polymer additive manufacturing. Be sure to register for free to learn more about the use of plastics in 3D printing including large-scale polymer additive manufacturing, automotive applications and industrialization, and more.

SPE’s Middle East Additives & Color Conference Program Includes PFAS Symposium

SPE's Middle East Conference, Additives & Color Conference & PFAS Symposium, taking place October 16-17, is being held in the city of Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The conference is focused on the latest state-of-the-art developments, technologies and opportunities in plastics additives, pigments, dyes and masterbatches, as well as stabilizers for increased sustainable performance and productivity. New this year, a dedicated session focused on PFAS chemicals will address how efforts to reduce or eliminate their usage impacts the plastics industry worldwide.

PlastChicks Podcast Ranked #1 in the Industry

We’re excited to announce that PlastChicks – The Voices of Resin has been ranked the top plastics industry podcast by FeedSpot! Hosted by Lynzie Nebel and Mercedes Landazuri, PlastChicks dives into popular topics within the plastics world, featuring conversations with industry leaders who inspire innovation. Sponsored by SPE, PlastChicks releases new episodes on the first Friday of every month. Make sure to give it a listen!

SPE Foundation

SPE Foundation Sustainable Packaging Patch Makes Its Debut

The SPE Foundation Sustainable Packaging Patch had its debut with the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas in Dallas last weekend! In partnership with the Institute of Packaging Professionals and sponsored by PMMI, the Celanese Foundation, and the Niagara Cares Foundation, 150 Girl Scouts, along with their troop leaders and parents, dove into the world of sustainable packaging. From composting and upcycling to thermoplastics and bioplastics, Girl Scouts discovered how they can help shape a more sustainable future. Older girls also took part in a Q&A panel with women professionals, exploring career opportunities in the packaging industry. Discover more about the SPE Sustainable Packaging Patch here: SPE & Girl Scouts - Sustainable Packaging Patch.

It’s another record-breaking year for SPE Foundation Scholarships!

In 2024, we awarded $262,250 to 75 outstanding students across 39 universities and 4 countries, all eager to make their mark in the plastics industry. This achievement was made possible by the unwavering support of our incredible sponsors and donors, including 14 SPE Chapters, the Plastics Pioneers Association, Western Plastics Pioneers, PlastChicks, numerous corporate partners, and generous individuals. Ready to support the next generation of plastics professionals? Reach out to us at foundation@4spe.org to find out how you can get involved!

SPE Chapter News

SPE Golden Gate Chapter Spearheads Beach Clean-up in Half Moon Bay

Volunteers from SPE’s Golden Gate Chapter participated in Harbor Beach cleanups in Half Moon Bay, CA during the Labor Day weekend. Volunteers picked up plastic wrappers, cigarette butts, fishing gear and line, other debris and recycling. The group’s collective efforts resulted in an impressive haul: 120 pounds of trash, 52 pounds of recyclables, and a staggering 367 cigarette butts!

SPE’s Thermoforming Division Announces Thermoformer of the Year Nominations

The Thermoforming division is on the hunt for its next Thermoformer of the Year and accepting nominations until Oct. 18. The award is for an individual who has contributed significantly to the thermoforming industry in a technical, educational or managerial capacity. The division's board of directors will evaluate nominees and select its winner later this year. The award will be presented at the SPE Thermoforming Conference, set for May 19-21, 2025, in Atlanta.

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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  National Week of Injection Molding

  September 24-25 | Online
  Register
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  SPE WORKSHOP: Controlling Energy Use in Plastics Processing

  Begins October 7 | Online
  Register
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  SPE COURSE: Environmental Stress Cracking: The Plastics Killer

  October 10 | Online
  Register
• 

  SPE WEBINAR: Increasing Polymer Sustainability Using AI

  October 11 | Online
  Register
• 

  SPE WEBINAR: The Challenges of Plastics Testing

  October 17 | Online
  Register
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  SPE WORKSHOP: Unlocking the Secrets of Plastics with Dynamic Mechanical Analysis

  Begins October 22 | Online
  Register
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  SPE COURSE: Material Characterization in Polymer Manufacturing: Addressing the Impact and Challenges of Recycled Materials

  October 23 | Online
  Register

View full events calendar