SPE News - Nov. 5, 2021


Digital October Edition of Plastics Engineering Now Available
The October issue of Plastics Engineering focused on medical applications. Below are highlights from the issue.

Plastics Engineering Highlights


 

Shifting Trade Wind

Projected job creation in the US from reshoring and foreign direct investment is poised to exceed 220,000 this year, a record increase of 38% from 2020.

Don't miss an issue of Plastics Engineering magazine!

Subscribe or renew your subscription today at 4spe.org/subscribe.

Judge Voids Greenpeace Suit

A Greenpeace lawsuit claimed that US consumers of Walmart’s single-serve plastics have no access to collection or recycling services, and that claims the products can be recycled are deceptive.

SPE Foundation Awards Almost $200,000 in Scholarships

The SPE Foundation Scholarship program reports that it has awarded 83 scholarships to 50 future plastics professionals totaling $192,850 this year.

Sneak Peek - November/December Issue Coming Soon!

The upcoming issue of Plastics Engineering will trace the evolution of polymer-based musical instruments and their contributions to music making. And November/December will address polyolefin performance that meets the needs of electric vehicles, autonomous operation, sustainability, lighter-weight components, and processability. The issue will also take a look at the International Design Excellence Awards and the innovative products that are possible with plastics. Stay tuned!

Plastics Engineering to Commemorate SPE’s 80th Anniversary in 2022

As part of SPE’s 80th Anniversary, one of the many activities planned throughout 2022 is a special commemorative issue of Plastics Engineering (PE) magazine, which will be published in July/August. This keepsake issue will act as a major reference for plastics industry history and outlook. For those who want to be part of this special issue that will be read, referenced, and reviewed for years to come, please take a few minutes to provide your ideas by going to 4spe.org/Celebrate80.

What's Happening Around SPE


After-school SPE STEM Clubs Launched Sky High
The SPE Foundation has launched a new program aimed at creating buzz around after-school STEM education focused on polymer science and plastics engineering. Originally targeting eight middle and high schools in Detroit, MI and Lake Wales, FL, the program coordinators were overwhelmed by the response. With more than 25 schools requesting positive plastics education for their students, the Foundation’s allocated resources for the project are being taxed. The weekly program is serving 1,000 students who clamored for the chance to learn more about our industry. If you or your company would like to sponsor a club, email foundation@4spe.org for more information. The SPE Automotive Division will match the first $5,000 in donations we receive so you can double your impact. Donate here. Show plastics the love it deserves today!

SPE’s First Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Manufacturing Event Taking Place in December
SPE’s series of four DEI events kicks off with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Manufacturing taking place during Advanced Manufacturing East from December 6-7, 2021 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. Co-located with Informa Markets–Engineering advanced manufacturing regional trade shows and hosted by the SPE Foundation and the SPE DEI Advisory Board, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Manufacturing will be an engaging mix of keynotes, panel discussions, “TED Talk” style sessions, with audience interaction and Q&A. As of now, confirmed speakers include:

  • Mark Vergnano, Chariman of the Board of Directors, The Chemours Company
  • Lisa Lanzkowsky, Chief Development Officer, The American Institute of Chemical Engineers Foundation (AIChE)
  • Christine Barnhart, Senior Director of Industry and Solution Strategy, Infor
  • Wendy Garcia, Chief Diversity Officer, Office of New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer
  • Mandy McCain, Vice President of Healthcare North America, Berry Global
  • Eve A. Riskin, Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Washington
  • Nancy P. Walsh, President of North America, Informa Markets

SPE DEI Advisory Board Looking for Volunteer Support

The SPE DEI Advisory Board has several initiatives underway, which need additional support. Those include the launch of four in-person roundtable events, a new DEI podcast, development of education programs, communications activities and more. If you're interested in knowing more about our work, and potentially volunteering if the fit is right, please take a few minutes to fill out and submit our DEI Volunteer questionnaire.

2022 Health Coverage Enrollment is Underway for SPE Members

The Open Enrollment Period for 2022 health coverage options is here! As a member of SPE, you have exclusive access to health coverage solutions for you, your family, and your business/employees from our partner, LIG Solutions. LIG offers individual and family health plans that are tailored to your unique health and financial needs. Important Dates to Remember: Individuals Over 65: Medicare Enrollment began October 15th and ends on December 7th, 2021. Individuals/Families Under 65: General Open Enrollment started November 1st and ends on January 15th, 2022. To review your current health coverage options, please call the LIG team at 833-863-6551 or visit www.LIGmembers.com/SPE.

Don’t Miss Out! Showcase Your Work at ANTEC® 2022

You’re invited to submit a technical paper for ANTEC® 2022. Highlight the latest advances in industrial, national laboratory and academic work. Papers will share findings in polymer research and/or new and improved products and technologies. The November 15th paper submission deadline is coming up fast – don’t miss out!

SPE Automotive Division Gears Up For Annual Automotive Innovation Awards Gala

Category and grand award winners selected by the Blue Ribbon judging round Oct. 1 will be announced during the gala on Nov. 10, 2021. This annual event typically draws over 700 OEM engineers, automotive and plastics industry executives, and media. Funds raised from this event are used to support SPE educational efforts and technical seminars, which help educate and secure the role of plastics in the advancement of the automobile.

Miss an Event?

Not to worry! SPE conferences are video captured and available on-demand. If you missed an event and you want relevant information to build your knowledge or help you in your job, you can purchase access to conference content. Visit 4spe.org/OnDemand for conference access!


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.

New Episode of PlastChicks Podcast


On this episode of PlastChicks – The Voices of Resin – Lynzie and Mercedes host Mitch Hecht, Founder and Chairman, International Recycling Group (IRG) and Chris Dow, IRG's CEO. They discuss the challenges of recycling plastics and IRG's work in developing processes for the recycling industry to take in all plastics and rapidly sort them in an automated way for use by recyclers.

Listen to the latest episode at 4spe.org/podcasts or on YouTube!

Upcoming Events


  • WEBINAR: Acrylic Processing Aids for PVC Foam
    November 9 | Virtual Event
    Register
  • 50th Annual SPE Automotive Division Innovation Awards Gala
    November 10 | Livonia, MI
    Register
  • WEBINAR: Plastic Datasheets: What They Do and Don't Tell Us

    November 11 | Virtual Event

    Register
  • ArabPlast 2021

    November 15 | DWTC, Dubai, UAE

    Register
  • WEBINAR: The Benefits of Additive Manufactured Tooling

    November 16 | Virtual Event

    Register

View full events calendar




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