What's Happening Around SPE
Responsible Plastics 2025, taking place September 23-24, 2025, in Pittsburgh, PA, is designed for professionals committed to developing impactful solutions to environmental challenges while promoting innovation, sustainability, and responsible practices across the plastics value chain. This event includes two concurrent tracks focused on tackling the pressing challenges in the plastics industry: Per-and Polyflouralkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Plastics Industry and Solutions for the Microplastic Challenge. Details here.
As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and public concern over PFAS escalates, the plastics industry faces urgent and complex challenges. SPE's Responsible Plastics 2025 track, Per-and Polyflouralkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Plastics Industry, offers a timely platform to explore critical questions, exchange ideas, and develop actionable strategies. We’re seeking knowledgeable, solutions-focused speakers to address the technical, legal, regulatory, and strategic dimensions of PFAS—particularly in high-stakes applications where alternatives remain elusive. Abstract Deadline: May 30, 2025. Submit your abstract here.
The SPE Board of Directors has recently approved the establishment of a new Student Chapter, located at the University of Engineering and Technology in Lahore, Pakistan. Faculty advisor for the chapter is Dr. Asif Ali Qaiser. SPE Student Chapters are excellent for professional development, networking, resource access and more. Interested in establishing an SPE Student Chapter? Go here for details.
In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, staying current isn’t just a benefit, it’s a necessity. If you or your team are feeling overwhelmed by constant changes in plastics processing, or struggling to keep up with evolving technologies, SPE, in conjunction with Routsis Training, is offering the Scientific Molding Pocket Guide— a must-have resource for manufacturers. Whether you’re a Process Engineer, Mold or Part Designer, Production Manager, or Floor Technician, this pocket guide is designed to support smarter decisions and better performance at every level. Request your guide today!
Be a leader in plastics! SPE's Essentials of Management & Leadership in Plastics is focused on career development, open to early to mid-level career professionals (with varying titles and roles within specific organizations) who are looking to become leaders or strengthen their leadership skills at their companies and in the plastics industry. This six-month program is delivered in an online format. Learners engage in live facilitated group training, a one-to-one coaching session, and self-paced learning components each month. Those interested in building their leadership skills should apply now - the next session starts this September. More information here.
The SPE Color and Appearance Division (CAD) generously donated $35,000 to the SPE Foundation! This marks the 7th consecutive year of their incredible support for PlastiVan® and Positive Plastics Education™ programs. Their incredible partnership is helping shape the future of our industry and impacting thousands of students through plastics education. This past year, CAD's support sponsored PlastiVan visits in Connecticut, Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio, and Texas, hosted Girl Scouts at CAD RETEC®, and provided four days of professional development for PlastiVan Educators. Thank you, CAD! Want to make a difference through your SPE Chapter? Let's connect! Email us at foundation@4spe.org.
Next week, the first-ever high school team of SPE Jr. Researchers will compete in the RC Car Competition at the 2025 SPE Thermoforming Conference in Atlanta. Supported by Vantage Plastics and sponsors BASF, Celanese, Brückner Group, BMG, and the SPE Thermoforming Division, this event marks a significant milestone for young talent in the plastics industry. The SPE Foundation is grateful to the partners and sponsors who invest in our future workforce through engaging and meaningful experiences like this one! Read more.
Introduction to Plastic Decorating Technologies, hosted by the SPE Decorating and Coatings Division, is designed to introduce major decorating technologies, with a focus on current issues with recycling, regulation and innovations. Taking place online June 12-13, 2025, (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Eastern time), this workshop for plastics manufactures, manufacturing engineers, and product designers and enables them to make informed decisions and effective design choices. The content can also benefit purchasing, procurement, and marketing teams. More information here.
SPE News Story Ideas?
Know a member who is doing outstanding things in plastics or in SPE? Are you 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.
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