What's Happening Around SPE
We’re excited to introduce Polymer Insights, the plastics industry's first and only self-contained, AI-powered tool that transforms how you search, discover, and apply technical knowledge. Built on 15,000+ peer-reviewed papers, presentations, and transcripts from SPE’s trusted library, Polymer Insights gives you fast, expert answers to your toughest questions — instantly. Open Access Preview: Polymer Insights is open to all through Sunday, July 20th — no login required. But, starting July 21st, you will need to be a Premium Member of SPE to access the platform! Try it today at www.polymerinsights.ai.
SPE is proud to announce that SPE Polymers has been accepted for inclusion in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) within Clarivate’s Web of Science—marking a major milestone in the journal’s growth and impact. This recognition reflects the leadership and dedication of Dr. Brian Grady (Founding Editor), Dr. Guo-Hua Hu (Editor-in-Chief), and Dr. Sadhan Jana (Executive Editor), whose efforts have advanced the journal’s editorial excellence and global standing. Read more.
If your work involves PFAS or microplastics, Responsible Plastics 2025 is where you'll find solutions. Join us September 23–24 in Pittsburgh, PA, for this in-person event with two concurrent tracks focused on tackling the pressing challenges in the plastics industry: Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Plastics Industry and Solutions for the Microplastic Challenge. Details here.
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, 2025. Go to www.4spe.org/Fellows for nomination information.
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. Applications are now open for the HSM award. Deadline to apply is October 1, 2025. Nomination information for HSM can be found at www.4spe.org/HSM.
SPE is excited to announce that ANTEC® 2026 will take place March 9-12, 2026, at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown. The Wyndham Grand is located in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh—just steps from Acrisure Stadium, PPG Paints Arena, PNC Park, the Cultural District, and over 80 restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. ANTEC® 2026 will deliver even more hands-on learning, powerful networking, and the kind of professional community that keeps driving the industry forward. Read more.
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!
The Thermoplastic Elastomers Conference 2025, taking place online Oct. 27-28, 2025, and presented by the SPE Thermoplastics Elastomers Technical Interest Group, is focused on the latest advancements and trends in the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) industry. The conference agenda will cover ethylene-based elastomers, thermoplastic vulcanizates, styrenic block copolymers, polyesters and polyether block amides, and other topics essential for professionals involved in material innovation, applications, and sustainability. Find out more here.
The SPE Southern Europe Regional Interest Group invites researchers, industry experts, and stakeholders to submit papers for the Innovations in Polyolefins Conference, taking place October 2026 in Tarragona, Spain. Papers can be focused on innovations in polyelefin production methods, sustainability in polyolefins, regulatory challenges and strategies, microplastics and environmental impact, alternatives to conventional polyolefins, future trends, advanced characterization techniques, and more. Submit your paper today!
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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