What's Happening Around SPE

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."

Plastics in Sustainability: Biopolymers and Biocomposites Call for Speakers

SPE is seeking speakers to present at the Plastics in Sustainability: Biopolymers and Biocomposites conference, taking place online November 4-6. This event offers a prime platform for you to showcase your advanced research and innovative solutions in the field of bioplastics and biocomposites. We are specifically interested in presentations that highlight how bioplastics are impacting the industry, offering sustainable alternatives and their use various applications. Submit your abstract today.

Nominations Now Open for SPE Board of Directors

Are you or a colleague looking for an opportunity to guide our Society, support our members, and collaborate with professionals in the plastics industry? SPE is now accepting nominations for three seats on the 2025 SPE Board of Directors. If you would like to be considered or would like to nominate a colleague this is your invitation to submit. Nominations close August 13, 2024. The three open positions are: President-Elect and Elected Director (2 Open Seats). To apply:

• Click Here to Nominate a Colleague
• Click Here to Nominate Yourself

SPE’s Week of Injection Molding Coming in September

SPE’s Week of Injection Molding, taking place online September 24-25, includes experts from the industry looking 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.

PFAS in the Plastics Industry 2024

Are you concerned about how current PFAS regulations may impact your business? As regulations transform the plastics industry, PFAS substances are at the center of the discussion. Manufacturers, consumer goods companies, packagers, and retailers are under intense scrutiny regarding the use of 'forever' chemicals and are urgently seeking alternatives. SPE’s PFAS in the Plastics Industry 2024, taking place October 29-30 in Baltimore, MD, will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle PFAS challenges head-on.

Nominations Are Now Open for SPE's 2025 Fellow of the Society

As part of our commitment to recognize excellence in plastics engineering, science, technology, and management, we invite you to nominate an eligible candidate for SPE’s Fellow of the Society. Application deadline is October 1. Go here for Fellow of the Society nomination guidelines.

SPE Honored Service Member Awards Now Accepting Nominations

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 is October 1. Nomination guidelines for the HSM award can be found here.

ANTEC® 2025 Call for Speakers

Are you ready to present your innovative research and cutting-edge developments at one of the most prominent technical conferences in the plastics industry? SPE invites you to submit a technical or problem-solving presentation abstract for ANTEC® 2025, taking place March 3-6, 2025, in Philadelphia, PA. 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. Submit now.

SPE Middle East Additives & Color Conference and PFAS Symposium

Returning for its second year, SPE’s Middle East Additives & Color Conference & PFAS Symposium will be held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 16-17 October 2024. We are currently looking for experts to speak at this premier event focused on exploring the latest advancements, technologies, and opportunities in plastics additives, pigments, dyes, and stabilizers. New this year! The event will also explore PFAS with a dedicated session focused on ‘forever chemicals’ and how efforts to reduce or eliminate their usage impacts the plastics industry worldwide. Submit your abstract today!

SPE Foundation

Girl Scouts to Participate in Sustainable Packaging Patch at Pack Expo

PMMI, in collaboration with the SPE Foundation and Institute of Packaging Professionals, is set to welcome 50 Girl Scouts from the Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Council to Pack Expo this year. The Girl Scouts will participate in the SPE Foundation Sustainable Packaging Patch on Sunday, November 3, followed by a Q&A session with a panel of young professionals on packaging careers. The day will conclude with a tour of the show floor. To participate in our Girl Scout Council projects, please contact us at foundation@4spe.org.

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 Workshop: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Polymer Informatics

  Begins September 2 | Online
  Register
• 

  SPE Workshop: Innovative Cost Management Approaches to Achieve Improved Profitability of Your Plastics Business

  Begins September 10 | Online
  Register
• 

  SPE Webinar: Polyketone: Understanding the Material and Properties

  September 18 | Online
  Register
• 

  National Week of Injection Molding

  September 24-25 | Online
  Register

View full events calendar