What's Happening Around SPE
Nominations are now open for the SPE Honored Service Member (HSM) Awards. HSM recognizes those SPE members whose volunteer service has made an exceptional impact on the Society, its members, and its objectives. Click here for details.
SPE is currently seeking nominations for its prestigious Fellow of the Society. The Fellow of the Society is one of SPE’s highest membership distinctions, recognizing members whose exceptional professional achievements have advanced plastics engineering, science, technology, or the management of those activities. Nomination details here.
SPE members and stakeholders with expertise in plastics machinery and safety are invited to participate in the PLASTICS Industry Association’s PLASTICS B151 technical committees that develop and update safety standards for plastics machinery. Your technical knowledge and industry experience can help ensure these standards are practical, current, and aligned with evolving technologies and industry practices. Interested in participating? Express your interest here.
SPE invites industry experts, researchers, and innovators to present at the Plastics in Composites and Lightweighting conference, taking place online, June 2-4, 2025. This event explores the latest advancements in materials, manufacturing processes, and applications of plastic composites across industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and healthcare. This is your opportunity to showcase groundbreaking research, novel solutions, and emerging trends to a global audience of industry leaders and peers. Abstract submission deadline: April 25. Submit your abstract today.
SPE invites industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to present at SPE's Solutions for the Microplastic Challenge conference (Sept. 23-24, Pittsburgh, PA) to explore forward-thinking strategies for addressing microplastic pollution from the perspective of the plastics industry. The program will cover the evolving regulatory landscape and industry standards, offering expert guidance on compliance strategies and global policy developments related to microplastics. In addition, sessions on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will examine the challenges and emerging solutions for integrating microplastics into product lifecycle evaluations, helping companies better understand and reduce their microplastic footprints. Abstract Deadline: May 30, 2025. Submit your abstract now.
As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and public concern over PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) escalates, the plastics industry faces urgent and complex challenges. SPE’s PFAS in the Plastics Industry 2025 conference (Sept. 25-26, Pittsburgh, PA) 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.
BMG, in their continuing efforts to assist with creating interest, education, and opportunities in the thermoforming industry, recently announced its support of the SPE Foundation’s SPE Jr. Researcher program, which is serving students at the William D. Ford Career and Technical Center Mechatronics Lab in Wayne, Michigan. Together with their partners, BMG concentrates their focus on furthering the awareness of the plastics industry and the engagement of students who are interested in educational and training opportunities in engineering and thermoforming. Read more.
On Saturday, April 5th, the SPE Foundation visited Valparaiso, Indiana, for an event with the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & Northwest Indiana. Girl Scouts in grades 4-12 explored polymers, thermoplastics, recycling, and careers in the plastics industry while earning their “Color Your World with Polymer Science” patch. Since last year, we have hosted four events with the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & Northwest Indiana, allowing us to share the exciting world of polymer science with hundreds of girls! Read more.
The SPE Foundation was excited to participate in the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s STEMapalooza event at Florida Polytechnic University on April 12th! With over 1,800 Girl Scouts in attendance, many engaged in the “Color Your World with Polymer Science” patch activities. We appreciate our collaboration with Girl Scout Councils in inspiring girls to explore the numerous opportunities available to them in STEM. 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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