What's Happening Around SPE

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SPE's Failure in Plastics Workshop Starts Next Week

Do you depend on critical plastic components, and their failures disrupt your operations? Have you invested time and money in resolving plastic component issues, only to encounter repeated setbacks? If you're running into these issues (or others), then SPE's 4-part workshop, Failure in Plastics, presented by Jeffrey A. Jansen, Engineering Manager and Partner, The Madison Group, is made for you. Find out how conducting a failure investigation now will help eliminate failures in the future. This 4-part workshop takes place online starting NEXT WEEK on April 22, April 24, April 29, and May 2 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Eastern Time each day. Secure your spot now - seats limited to 25!

ANTEC® 2024 Rocked It Out!

ANTEC® 2024, SPE's Annual Technical Conference, focused on the latest advances in industrial, laboratory, academic, and international work focused on plastics. Just shy of 500 registered attendees made their way to St. Louis to learn about the latest developments in plastics and polymer science. Networking was strong, with a First-Timer Reception that kicked off the event, a rocking get together at the St. Louis National Blues Museum, and a reception that honored plastics industry legend, Glenn Beall. Don't forget to save the dates for ANTEC® 2025, taking place March 3-6, 2025, in Philadelphia, PA!

Unlock Your Leadership Potential

If you're aspiring to move into a leadership position, whether it involves managing teams or projects, SPE's Essentials of Management & Leadership in Plastics is ideal for you to refine your leadership skills. The fourth cohort of this online program starts on June 3, and runs through December 1, 2024, and is expertly guided by Dr. Sarah Skidmore, a seasoned leadership specialist and experienced strategic consultant. Enroll today.

SPE Foundation

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SPE Foundation Sets Record for Scholarship Applications

We’re celebrating a new record! More than 135 students have submitted an application to be considered for the 2024-2025 SPE Foundation Scholarships – a 30% increase from last year! Our future plastics leaders are eager for support and opportunities as higher education costs rise. Want to make a real difference? Consider sponsoring a scholarship through your SPE Chapter or personally. Reach out to us at foundation@4spe.org to learn more about how you can empower the next generation of innovators!

PlastiVan® at the Fourth Session of UN Environment Programme on Earth Day

An informal consortium of PET producers, converters, and recyclers has invited the PlastiVan® to present to a select group of policy makers in Ottawa the day before the Fourth Session to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. Eve Vitale, SPE Foundation Executive, will give the presentation focusing on the versatility of polymeric materials, especially PET, the most recycled plastic in the world. The PlastiVan® incorporates the recycling of PET in presentations to tens of thousands of people in the U.S. and Canada each year, helping students and teachers understand how easy recycling beverage bottles can be and why it’s important. Next Monday’s demonstration will focus on the benefits of the PET circular economy.

The Power of Volunteering

Eve Vitale, SPE Foundation Executive, was recently asked to contribute to an internal Braskem podcast on the power of volunteerism. She and Erica Finney, research chemist at the Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, were asked to share their experiences both as a recipient of volunteerism and as a volunteer. Vitale also talked about the transformational 8-year partnership with Braskem America. “Braskem has a commitment to the communities in which they operate, encouraging employee participation in social initiatives. PlastiVan® is just one avenue for the company to meet its ESG goals. We’re so grateful for their loyalty,” said Vitale. To support the PlastiVan® by volunteering or sponsoring a visit contact us at foundation@4spe.org.

Girl Scouts of Chicago and Northwest Indiana Earn SPE Girl Scout Patch!

On Saturday, April 6, PlastiVan® educators from Illinois, Michigan, and South Carolina, delivered the SPE Foundation's Color Your World with Polymer Science patch program to 160 Girl Scouts in Lemont, Illinois. Mercedes Landazuri gave an engaging keynote address about her projects in color involving NASA, toilet seats, and coffee creamer, giving girls a way to envision their own STEM-career paths. A big thank you to our volunteers from the SPE Chicago Section and our hosts, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

SPE Chapter News

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2024 SPE TPO Automotive Scholarship Application Now Available

Student candidates interested in applying for the TPO Automotive Scholarship should fill out an application form and submit a one-page description of the proposed work, expected results, and candidate’s credentials. All applicants must be in good standing with their colleges or universities at the time they apply for the scholarship. Submission information here.

SPE’s Automotive Division Announces First Keynote for ACCE 2024

Andrew N. Hrymak, Co-Director of the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Composites Research at Western University, and Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, will present “High Performance Composites: Trends and Impact on Automotive Lightweighting,” at ACCE 2024 (Sept. 4-6 in Novi, MI). The presentation will highlight some of the significant automotive high performance composite developments of the last decade as well as emerging composite technologies that will have a major impact in future vehicle architectures.

Industry News

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UMass Lowell Offers Multiple Plastics Engineering Degrees

The Department of Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) is an internationally recognized leader in plastics engineering education and research. The Department offers a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Plastics Engineering for students with a range of engineering and science degrees. These curricula provide a full study of plastics materials, properties, design, and manufacturing as well as sufficient flexibility for further specialization in areas of individual interest.

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SPE News Story Ideas?

Know a member who is doing outstanding things in plastics or in SPE? Have you heard about or are 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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Upcoming Events

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  SPE Workshop: Failure in Plastics

  Begins April 22 | Online
  Register
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  SPE Webinar: Introduction to Process and Thermal Stabilization in Polyolefins and Engineering Polymers

  May 1 | Online
  Register
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  SPE ONLINE COURSE: Introduction to Technical Entrepreneurship: Essential Tools for NPE and Other Industry Events

  May 3 | Online
  Register
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  SPE Webinar: The Coming PFAS Litigation Risk for Product Manufacturers

  May 10 | Online
  Register
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  SPE Workshop: Flexible Packaging Fundamentals: Design for Sustainability

  Begins May 13 | Online
  Register
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  Essentials of Management & Leadership in Plastics

  Begins June 3 | Online
  Register

View full events calendar