SPE News - August 21, 2026

Sigmasoft® - Mold with confidence. Discover the solution.

  What's Happening Around SPE

ANTEC® is coming to NPE2027!

ANTEC® is coming to NPE2027!

Looking to showcase your technical research at the largest plastics trade show in the Americas? We are seeking presenters to speak at ANTEC®, which is now part of the technical education program at NPE2027, produced by the PLASTICS Industry Association. More than 51,000 professionals from across the plastics value chain are expected to attend NPE2027, giving ANTEC® speakers unprecedented opportunities to get their work in front of industry decision-makers. Submission info here.

Apply Now for SPE’s Essentials of Management & Leadership in Plastics

Apply Now for SPE’s Essentials of Management & Leadership in Plastics

SPE’s Essentials of Management & Leadership in Plastics is a six-month online program focused on early to mid-level career professionals who are looking to become leaders or strengthen their leadership skills at their companies and in the plastics industry. Participants will engage in strengths-based leadership, strategic planning, organizational culture, and more! Read more.

Presenting Your Technical Work at Industry Conferences like ANTEC®?

Presenting Your Technical Work at Industry Conferences like ANTEC®?

Become a great speaker! Strong communication helps technical expertise make a greater impact. SPE's webinar, How Great Communication Accelerates Decision-Making, Alignment, and Leadership in Plastics Engineering, presented by Neil Thompson, Founder of Teach the Geek, on August 26, shares practical strategies for presenting technical information effectively at industry conferences and events. More info here.

Be the Best in Injection Molding!

SPE and the SPE Injection Molding Division invite you to enter the IMPACT: Injection Molding Performance Awards, a prestigious program celebrating groundbreaking achievements in injection molding. This is your opportunity to showcase your innovative designs, manufacturing breakthroughs, and bar-raising applications. Don't wait! Submission deadline is January 31! Enter your best now.

Be the Best in Injection Molding!

SPE and the SPE Injection Molding Division invite you to enter the IMPACT: Injection Molding Performance Awards, a prestigious program celebrating groundbreaking achievements in injection molding. This is your opportunity to showcase your innovative designs, manufacturing breakthroughs, and bar-raising applications. Don't wait! Submission deadline is January 31! Enter your best now.

Unlock Your Potential with SPE Premium Membership!

Looking to stay ahead in the fast-evolving plastics industry? SPE Premium Membership is your key to exclusive benefits that deliver real value. Check out what Premium Membership gets you: FREE access to 10+ select courses packed with insights from top industry experts; special discounts on select SPE headquarters-sponsored workshops, conferences and events; a wealth of technical resources to sharpen your skills and elevate your expertise; and more! Whether you're advancing your career, SPE Premium puts powerful tools at your fingertips. Join SPE as a Premium Member! Or if you're already a member of SPE, upgrade to Premium level now

  Speaking Opportunities

SPE’s Plastics in Composites and Lightweighting Call for Speakers

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

Speakers Wanted for SPE’s Solutions for the Microplastic Challenge

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

Call for Speakers: SPE’s PFAS in the Plastics Industry 2025

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

  SPE Foundation

BMG Supports SPE Foundation’s SPE Jr. Researcher Program

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

Foundation Celebrates Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & NW Indiana

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.

Foundation Joins Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s STEMapalooza

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

  Chapter News

Plastic Decorating Workshop Focused on Innovation

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

  Upcoming Events

SPE Event

SPE WORKSHOP: Extruded Profile Part Design

Begins May 5 | Online
Register Now
SPE Event

SPE COURSE: Thermoset Recycling

May 6 | Online
Register Now
SPE Event

SPE COURSE: Advanced Thermal Packaging Using Phase Change Materials

May 12 | Online
Register Now
SPE Event

SPE WORKSHOP: Consider Recycling More in the Equation in Addressing Future Polymer Design Requirements and Optimization

Begins May 13 | Online
Register Now
SPE Event

SPE COURSE: UV Effects on Plastic Materials

May 14 | Online
Register Now
SPE Event

SPE COURSE: Failure of Plumbing Parts

May 19 | Online
Register Now
SPE Event

SPE WORKSHOP: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence in Polymer Processing: Fundamentals and Practical Applications with a Focus on Injection Molding

Begins May 27 | Online
Register Now



spe2018logov4.png
  Welcome Page