Digital September Edition of Plastics Engineering Now Available
The
September issue of Plastics Engineering looks at how workplace diversity and inclusion can enrich business
returns. The issue also examines new and enhanced grades of colorants and additives for multiple
applications.
Plastics Engineering Highlights
Lead and Prosper
SPE forms a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Board to promote a broad outreach by industry
to underrepresented groups. It’s the right thing to do, and it makes good business sense. Studies find
that DEI programs significantly boost such metrics as product development, market share growth, cash flow
and above-average profitability.
Don't miss an issue of Plastics Engineering magazine!
Subscribe or renew your subscription today at 4spe.org/subscribe
Additives for All
Compounders and processors no longer need to scour the market for specialty additives. Suppliers are
developing grades that meet diverse needs in such areas as color control, odor elimination,
performance-enhanced recycling, and antimicrobial protection against colds, flu and COVID.
Smart Machines
Developments in large-part thermoforming controls and injection molding recycled flake give both
processes an edge in part development, sustainability, and economy. What more could anybody want? How
about smart controls on granulators and shredders that give these industrial outliers high-tech
capabilities that mesh with Industry 4.0? It could happen, and soon.
SPE Member Spotlight
Meet Lynzie Nebel
Meet SPE Member Lynzie Nebel. Lynzie is Upstream Product Quote
Engineer for Cytiva and is VP Member Engagement on SPE’s Executive Board. Lynzie is also a member of SPE’s DEI
Advisory Board and co-hosts the popular PlastChicks Podcast with Mercedes Landazuri. For Lynzie, SPE has been
valuable to both her professional and personal life. SPE has helped her to be more deeply involved in the
plastics industry through education and, through networking, she has developed many relationships that have
turned into lifelong friendships.
What's Happening Around SPE
SPE is proud to announce a series of four roundtable events based around diversity, equity, and inclusion in
manufacturing. Presentations will be an engaging mix of keynotes, panel discussions, “TED Talk” style sessions,
with audience interaction/Q&A.
SPE recently announced the formation of the Austria Regional Interest Group (RIG). The RIG was formed because of
Austria's strong academic and polymer industry communities. Several universities with high-level chemistry and
engineering programs, as well as many companies such as Engel, Battenfeld, Erema, and Greiner Packaging, are in
Austria. According to Stephan Laske, Austria RIG Lead Organizer, the goal of forming the RIG was to increase the
interaction of students and industry on an international level.
SPE Fellows are honored for their contributions in the fields of plastics engineering, science, or
technology, or in the management of such activities and Honored Service Members are recognized for their
long-term, outstanding service to, and support of, the Society and its objectives. Fellow and Honored
Service Member applications are due October 1, 2021.
Honored Service Member
Application
Fellow Application
RACE Americas, taking place virtually October 7-8, will feature cross value chain collaboration within the
recycling industry, talks and discussions from industry leaders within the waste and recycling management
space, as well as addressing barriers and roadblocks while overcoming challenges faced by the complexities of
the recycling industry. RACE Americas is organized by SPE, Polymerupdate, PWorld Technology PVT LTD, SPE India
and SPE Recycling Divisions.
The FOAMS® 2021 Conference, taking place in a virtual environment September 13-16, will address advances in
synthesis, characterization, and properties of polymer foams by leading foam researchers in industry and academia.
This conference is the premier forum for sharing ideas and learning about new developments in foaming
technologies.
The 59th Annual SPE Color and Appearance Division RETEC® will be held September 19-20, 2021, in Atlanta,
Georgia at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. This year’s theme is Color on My Mind. CAD RETEC® is the longest
running and largest technical conference in North America devoted to the coloring of plastics. It started as
a technical conference focused on the development, manufacturing, and research within the field of color
science, color measurement, and coloring plastics. CAD RETEC® has grown to be THE place to network with
others in the industry. Don’t miss it!
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
SPE Foams® Conference
September 13-16 | Virtual Event
Register
SPE Decorating and Coatings Division Topical Conference and IMDA
Symposium
Hosted by SPE Decorating and Coatings Division
September 16-17 | Minneapolis, MN
Register
SPE Color and Appearance Conference (CAD RETEC®)
Hosted by SPE Color and Appearance Division
September 19-21 | Atlanta, GA
Register
SPE Thermoforming Conference®
Hosted by SPE Thermoforming Division
September 20-22 | Grand Rapids, MI
Register
WEBINAR: Advanced Material Characterization Performing
Rheological Investigations And Dynamic Mechanical Analysis With A Multidrive System
Presented by Anton Paar
September 22 | Virtual Event
Register
New Episode of PlastChicks Podcast Available
On this episode of PlastChicks – The Voices of Resin – Lynzie Nebel and Mercedes Landazuri host Anastasia Kraft, CEO of Xena Workwear. They discuss her journey into engineering and manufacturing, and how her interest in developing workwear that allowed her to work professionally in the office and on the manufacturing work floor led her to launch her own business creating fashionable personal protective equipment for women.
Listen to the audio podcast
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
