What's Happening Around SPE
There's an urgent need for proactive measures to prevent further PFAS contamination and to protect public health and the environment. We are looking for speakers with expertise to present on the following topics: Advances in PFAS Regulations; PFAS Challenges in Your Industrial Sector; PFAS-Free Alternatives; Advancing Technological Solutions. Abstract submission deadline TODAY! Submit your abstract now.
Are you or a colleague looking for an opportunity to guide our Society, support our members, and collaborate with professionals in the plastics industry? SPE is now accepting nominations for three seats on the 2025 SPE Board of Directors. If you would like to be considered or would like to nominate a colleague this is your invitation to submit. Nominations close August 13, 2024. The three open positions are: President-Elect and Elected Director (2 Open Seats). To apply:
Dr. Asami Nakai has been appointed Editor of SPE's technical journal, Polymer Composites, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Nakai brings a wealth of academic and research experience to her new role. She graduated from the Faculty of Textile Science at Kyoto Institute of Technology (KIT) in 1994, earned a M. Eng. from KIT’s Department of Polymer Science and Engineering in 1996, and completed her D. Eng. at the University of Tokyo in 1999. She has published over 130 peer-reviewed articles and 19 book chapters and has chaired international conferences in polymer and composites science.
Unlocking additional benefits provides you with more opportunities to advance your career-building education. Premium Membership includes all Professional Member benefits PLUS 10+ Select webinars, additional discounts, and more technical resources. Join now as a Premium Member OR upgrade your current membership and reap major membership rewards!
This month, SPE’s Problem Solved tackles how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to boost plastics material usage, processes, and more. Tap into our network of experts for all the details you need when it comes to AI use in plastics.
SPE’s Week of Injection Molding, taking place online September 24-25, includes experts from the industry taking a look at some of the most popular trends, techniques, and technologies that make injection molding one of the most versatile molding options available whether you're a molder, supplier, OEM, or student. Registration and sponsorships for the event are now available!
PlastChicks Lynzie Nebel and Mercedes Landazuri host Wendy Hoenig, CEO at H & H Business Development, 2024 inductee into the Plastics Hall of Fame, and 2018 Women Breaking the Mold award winner. They discuss her work at Dow, product incubation, emerging trends in the plastics industry, giving back to the next generation of plastics professionals, providing technology and business assessments of start-ups, advice for people transitioning to an entrepreneurial role or start-up from a corporate role, and keeping students interested and engaged in science. You can listen to the PlastChicks® podcast at 4spe.org/podcasts or on YouTube!
SPE Foundation
Exciting news! This spring, the SPE Foundation donated a 3D printer to North Central Jr/Sr High’s advanced manufacturing program in Farmersburg, IN. Students designed devices to help those with reduced hand strength open soda bottles. The winners enjoyed their success with a refreshing drink! They can't wait for their first PlastiVan visit next year. Support more student projects and donate today at give.4spe.org/2024.
We're halfway through the year and STEM Education for a Sustainable Future is thriving! The SPE Foundation PlastiVan team has reached nearly 10,000 students since January, and in April, more than 160 Girl Scouts of Chicago and Northwest Indiana earned our Color Your World with Polymer Science patch. This summer, we’re hosting camps on sustainable packaging in McKinney, TX and STEM programs at Detroit Public Libraries. Want to help us make an even bigger impact this fall? Let’s connect at foundation@4spe.org!
SPE Chapter News
SPE’s Cleveland Chapter invites you to attend Additive Manufacturing – Printing the Plan for the Future, taking place October 17 in Warrensville Heights, OH. This 1-day technical conference and exhibition showcases innovative developments in materials, processing and equipment for the additive manufacturing industry. Hear technical presentations on the newest advances in additive manufacturing related to design, materials development, processing equipment and enabling technologies, new applications and more.
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.
Upcoming Events
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SPE Workshop: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Polymer Informatics
Begins September 2 | Online
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SPE Workshop: Innovative Cost Management Approaches to Achieve Improved Profitability of Your Plastics Business
Begins September 10 | Online
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SPE Webinar: Polyketone: Understanding the Material and Properties
September 18 | Online
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National Week of Injection Molding
September 24-25 | Online
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View full events calendar