SPE and Plastics Industry Association FAQ
Membership Basics
1. Will I still be an SPE member after the merger?
Yes. The SPE name and brand continues. And individual membership continues. SPE’s long tradition of supporting the plastics professional remains central in the combined organization.
2. Will my dues change?
For now, no. Membership categories and dues remain unchanged. Over time, new packages may be introduced that expand benefits while maintaining current value.
3. Will I still have access to Plastics Engineering and SPE’s Journals?
Yes. Publications remain a core member benefit, with the added advantage of broader distribution and visibility.
4. Do I lose access to my SPE Division, Section, or Interest Group?
Divisions, Sections, and Interest Groups continue as key parts of the SPE experience.
Programs and Benefits
5. What new benefits can I expect?
Members will gain access to expanded training programs, larger industry events, and enhanced networking with professionals at PLASTICS member companies.
6. Will there be new professional development opportunities?
Yes. With PLASTICS’ corporate reach and SPE’s technical expertise, new certificate programs and continuing education opportunities will be created.
7. What about students and young professionals?
They’ll gain more exposure to corporate leaders, better career pathways, and opportunities to participate in programs like FLIP (Future Leaders in Plastics).
8. Will scholarship and Foundation programs still exist?
Yes, and they’ll have expanded funding opportunities through corporate sponsorships and donations.
9. Will my research and technical work still be recognized?
Yes. In fact, your technical contributions will have a larger stage, amplified through PLASTICS’ reach and programs.
10. How does this affect networking?
You’ll now connect not only with peers in technical communities, but also with professionals and decision-makers across the broader plastics industry.
Events and Conferences
11. What will happen to ANTEC©?
ANTEC continues, with opportunities to align selectively with PLASTICS’ flagship NPE event for greater visibility and reach.
12. Will Chapter and Division conferences still happen?
Yes. Local and technical events remain intact and may gain stronger promotion, sponsorship, and attendance support.
13. Does this mean SPE events will merge with PLASTICS events?
Some may align or co-locate where it makes sense, but SPE’s technical identity and events remain distinct.
14. Will I get access to NPE through my SPE membership?
Membership models may evolve to include cross-benefits, but SPE members will see new opportunities to connect with NPE and its attendees.
15. Will Divisions and Sections have a role in PLASTICS’ events?
Divisions and Sections may gain visibility for their technical programs at PLASTICS conferences and trade shows.
Voice and Advocacy
16. Will SPE’s voice still matter in the new organization?
Absolutely. The merger strengthens the plastics professional’s voice by combining SPE’s technical credibility with PLASTICS’ advocacy efforts.
17. What if my professional opinion doesn’t align with PLASTICS’ advocacy?
SPE remains committed to open scientific exchange. Members will retain opportunities to present independent, research-driven viewpoints.
18. How does this strengthen the voice of the industry?
With one unified platform, policymakers, educators, and the public will hear a message that is both technically credible and industry supported.
Chapters, Divisions, and Interest Groups
19. Will Chapters still exist?
Chapters remain an important part of SPE, and integration creates new pathways for sponsorship and growth.
20. Will Divisions still control their conferences and technical programs?
Divisions will continue to serve their technical areas, with additional promotional and sponsorship support from the combined organization.
21. What happens to Interest Groups?
They continue to exist, with opportunities to expand their visibility and collaboration across PLASTICS’ networks.
22. Will SPE Chapters have a role in governance?
SPE Chapters have always been a pathway to other leadership roles – in the Society and in industry. This will remain an important focus going forward.
23. Could Divisions be marginalized under PLASTICS’ corporate focus?
The plan explicitly recognizes Divisions and technical programming as unique strengths SPE brings to the merger—these are not being lost.
Financial and Organizational Impact
24. Why merge now?
Together, SPE and PLASTICS can reduce duplication, share resources, and invest more directly in programs that matter to members.
25. Will this improve the financial stability of SPE?
Yes. Shared infrastructure and corporate sponsorship access create a stronger foundation for long-term sustainability.
26. How will this impact the SPE Foundation’s funding?
It should strengthen it—corporate leaders reached through PLASTICS will now be more able to support SPE Foundation programs.
27. Will membership be easier for employees at PLASTICS member companies?
New corporate-supported membership models could allow more employees to join SPE, expanding our network and influence.
Future and Transition
28. When does the merger take effect?
The merger is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The integration process begins January 1, 2026, and will take up to 24 months.
29. Will there be interruptions to my current benefits during this time?
No. Membership benefits continue without disruption.
30. What is the long-term vision?
A single, unified organization that serves both companies and individuals, amplifies the industry’s voice, and expands opportunities for every plastics professional.
