SPE Vinyltec® 2026: PVC-Enduring Materials, Responsible Progress • October 13–15, 2026 · Atlanta, Georgia | SPE, a division of PLASTICS
SPE Vinyltec® 2026: PVC-Enduring Materials, Responsible Progress • October 13–15, 2026 · Atlanta, Georgia | SPE, a division of PLASTICS

PVC - Enduring Materials, Responsible Progress

SPE Vinyltec® 2026

Program


Tuesday, October 13, 2026 — Tutorial

AM Sessions – (Moderator TBD)
8:15–8:25 AM
Keynote
Amanda Peak, Peak Analytics
8:25–9:00 AM
PVC Resin
Andy Bourgeois, Shintech
9:00–9:35 AM
Stabilizers
Bob Smith, PMC
9:35–10:05 AM
Lubricants
Rob Decker, NORAC
10:05–10:25 AM
AM Break
10:25–11:10 AM
Modifiers and Process Aids
Manoj Nerkar, Dow
11:25 AM–12:00 PM
General Purpose Plasticizers
Tom Markley, Eastman Chemical Company
12:00–12:30 PM
Specialty Plasticizers/Flame Retardants
Bill Arendt, Bill Arendt Consulting
12:30–1:30 PM
Lunch & Keynote Speaker — Lyndzie Nebel, Chairwoman, SPE
PM Sessions – (Moderator TBD)
1:35–2:10 PM
Fillers
Eric Ernst, Imerys
2:10–2:40 PM
Solid Flame Retardants
Cameron Day, William Blythe
2:40–3:10 PM
Formulating with DOE
Mark Lavach, Consultant
3:10–3:40 PM
Formulating for Processability
Randy Brown, Innovative Plastic Processing LLC
3:40–3:55 PM
PM Break
3:55–4:25 PM
Compounding
Peng Ye, Farrel
4:25–4:55 PM
UV Stabilizers & Antioxidants
Joseph Fay, BASF
4:55–5:20 PM
Introduction to Alloys
Beth Griffin, Piedmont Innovation LLC
5:20 PM
Open/Adjourn to Reception

Wednesday, October 14, 2026 — Conference

AM Session – Resin & Additives (Moderator TBD)
8:00–8:10 AM
Introduction
TBD
8:00–8:30 AM
Enhancing the Mechanical and Processing Performance of Poly(vinyl chloride) via Copolyester Modification
Gary Hawkins, Eastman
8:30–9:00 AM
Reducing TiO2 Dependence in Commercial Flexible and Rigid PVC Applications
Parker Reneau, US Silica
9:00–9:30 AM
ELATUR® CH — A Versatile Plasticizer Beyond Sensitive Applications
Dr. Michael Grass, Director Innovation / Application Technology & Product Development, Evonik
9:30–9:45 AM
AM Break
9:45–10:15 AM
Next Generation Diluent Plasticizer Technology
Emily Mayes, Lanxess
10:15–10:45 AM
Kane Ace® Processing Aids: Unlocking New Functionalities
Rafael Bortoluzzi, Kaneka
10:45–11:15 AM
Introducing a New Innovative Saponified Fischer-Tropsch Lubricant for PVC
Justyn Miller, Sasol
11:15–11:45 AM
Extrusion Capillary Rheometry for Resolving Melt Flow Instabilities and Process Windows for PVC and CPVC Pipe Extrusion
Shane Harton, Thermofisher
11:45 AM–1:00 PM
Lunch – Keynote Speaker — Dr. Perc Pineda, PLASTICS
PM Session – Sustainability & Circularity (Moderator TBD)
1:15–1:45 PM
Optimization of Profile Dies for Coextrusion of Recycled and Virgin PVC
Mahesh Gupta, Plastic Flow
1:45–2:15 PM
Recycling Solutions: Post-Consumer Rigid PVC Conversion to Flexible Compounds
Jacyr V. de Quadros Jr., Inoleics
2:15–2:45 PM
The Possibilities for PVC Recycling Are Enormous! What’s Holding It Back
Richard P. Krock, Principal, VyChlor Advisors, LLC
2:45–3:00 PM
PM Break
3:00–3:30 PM
Unique Advantages of Biobased Esters in PVC Formulations
Dr. Ehsan Moghbelli, Emery
3:30–4:00 PM
Synergistic Upcycling: Maximizing Recycled Content and Mechanical Integrity in PVC Formulations Using Amorphous PHA
Kushal Panchal, President & Co-Founder of Oligomaster, Advisory Speaker, CJ Biomaterials
4:00–4:30 PM
Designed Customer Solutions Using the Latest Innovating Ca-Based Stabilizer Technology – A Globally Proven and Cost-Effective Solution for North America
Dr. Timo Seibel, CTO, IKAvin Additives Inc.
4:30–5:00 PM
Low-Carbon Sustainability in Polyethylene Waxes
Marcello Villahoz, Specialty Polymers | Trecora
5:00–5:15 PM
PVC Under Heat: Industrial Hygiene Lessons from Smoldering Events
Amanda Peak, Technical Material Specialist, Peak Analytics
5:45–7:30 PM
Networking/Dinner

Thursday, October 15, 2026 — Conference

AM – Macro Trends Shaping PVC (Moderator TBD)
8:00–8:30 AM
Cost-Effective Production of Oriented PVC-O Pressure Pipes: Advances in Manufacturing Technology from Rollepaal
Speaker TBD, Rollepal
8:30–9:00 AM
Elongational Viscosity and Shear Viscosity Characterization Using a Slot Capillary Die for Predicting PVC Melt Strength
Christoph Pielen, Anton Paar
9:00–9:15 AM
Break
9:15–9:45 AM
Highly Efficient Kemgard® FR Solutions for PVC Laminated Films and Fabrics: Meeting Today’s Most Demanding Standards
Matt Kamm, JM Huber
9:45–10:15 AM
Increasing Porosity Levels of Suspension PVC Resin in the Outer Ends of the Molecular Weight Spectrum; Opening Opportunities for PVC as a Resin Alternative, Modifier or for Downgauging
Alex Russell, LG Chem
10:15–10:45 AM
Effect of Free-Flowing Dispersion Resins on the Processing Characteristics and Physical Properties of Rigid PVC Formulations
Jillian Charon, Ineos
10:45–11:30 AM
Head of Americas Chemical Advisory Speaker
Dr. Kalfus
11:30 AM–12:45 PM
Lunch – Vinyl Division Business Meeting & Awards
12:45–1:15 PM
ENTEX and the Planetary Roller Extruder: The Future of PVC Compounding Technology
Ralf Quack, TRIAD Sales, LLC/Entex
1:15–1:45 PM
MIXACO Infinity Mizer
Ed Ford
1:45–2:15 PM
Formulating PVC with 1.5-Nanometer Titanate and Zirconate Catalysts/Coupling Agents
Salvatore J. Monte, President & Owner, Kenrich Petrochemicals, Inc.
PM – Compliance, Risk and Responsibility (Moderator TBD)
2:15–2:45 PM
There is much confusion about phthalates in the media, some NGOs and even amongst some regulators. This presentation provides succinct yet clear, science-based information that provides clarity over the safety, regulatory status, performance, and overall reliability of HMW orto phthalates vs. LMW orto phthalates and some non-phthalate plasticizers.
Andrés Vargas, Exxon
2:45–3:15 PM
Modern Vinyl: Responsible Sourcing in the PVC Industry
Jay Thomas, Vinyl Sustainability Council
3:15–3:45 PM
Low-ATO & ATO-free Opportunities for Flame Retardancy in PVC Compounds with Evolving Regulations
Kim Kern, ICL Group
3:45–4:00 PM
Closing Remarks

This educational program is provided as a service of SPE. The views and opinions expressed on this or any SPE educational program are those of the Speaker(s) and/or the persons appearing with the Speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc. (SPE) or its officials, employees or designees. To comment or to present an opposing or supporting opinion, please contact us at info@4SPE.org.

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Full refund 14 days prior to the event start date. Please contact customerrelations@4spe.org for assistance with registration.

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