Plastics Industry Association, Society of Plastics Engineers announce merger

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) are joining forces, combining to form one organization representing the entire plastics supply chain.  

Under the slogan, “Better Together,” SPE will become a division of PLASTICS, with full integration expected to begin Jan. 1.  

The merger was announced Oct. 2 after the organizations’ boards approved it the previous week, according to a press release.  

The move comes less than two years ahead of PLASTICS’ biggest event — the triennial NPE show, which is already drawing healthy interest from companies interested in exhibiting in 2027, despite current economic turmoil.  

“This is a historic day for the plastics industry,” PLASTICS president and CEO Matt Seaholm said. “PLASTICS is leading the industry in many ways — sustainability, market insights, advocacy and, of course, NPE. SPE has built an incredible legacy of technical education, scientific research and professional development. By bringing our organizations together, we’re creating a stronger, more-connected platform to serve our members and advance the industry.”  

SPE CEO Patrick Farrey said the union brings greater opportunities.  

“SPE is excited to be joining forces with PLASTICS,” he said. “For SPE members, this is about opportunity. Our technical expertise and professional development programs will now reach more people, supported by the resources and global platform that PLASTICS brings. This combination ensures we continue to serve plastics professionals while advancing the entire industry.”  

As part of the agreement, an executive committee modeled after SPE’s current leadership structure will govern SPE. SPE members will retain their membership status, benefits and identity within the new division. Farrey will join PLASTICS as executive VP of SPE and chief integration officer, ensuring continuity for SPE’s programs and stakeholders. 

Also, with the merger, the organizations plan to create a foundation to support workforce efforts. 

In addition to being able to expand workforce development efforts, the combined organization anticipates a number of benefits that include:  

• Expanded access to resources, events and networks. 

• Stronger advocacy and technical programming. 

• Streamlined operations and reduced duplication. 

• Presenting a unified voice. 

The combined organization will seek to better coordinate events, reducing overlap and increasing participation. According to a website devoted to the news, at plasticsindustry.org/bettertogether, "Future events will likely blend technical depth with commercial relevance and remain mission-driven." 

“By aligning our complementary strengths, we’re building a powerful engine for workforce development, advocacy and global engagement. This is going to be a great thing for the members of both organizations,” said Jamie Clark, chairman of PLASTICS’ board.  

Scott Eastman, chairman of SPE’s board, also expressed optimism about the merger.  

“The decision to move forward was not made lightly. Our board considered the needs of students, early-career professionals, academics, researchers, and industry veterans alike,” Eastman said in an SPE press release. “What became clear is that SPE members will have more opportunities — more doors opened, more pathways to leadership, and more ways to make an impact because of this merger. We are convinced this positions SPE not just to survive, but to thrive in the decades to come.” 

SPE stated its individual memberships will continue with all current benefits, while new corporate-supported memberships will make it easier for employees of PLASTICS member companies to join SPE. Divisions, sections and chapters will continue their programs and activities. Additional benefits will roll out gradually. 

SPE’s technical conferences, including ANTEC, will gain exposure to broader audiences through PLASTICS’ reach, including to NPE attendees, according to SPE. 
 
SPE also anticipates expanding its educational and workforce efforts by leveraging PLASTICS’ reach for programs like PolymerInsights.ai, conferences, online courses, workshops and new certificate tracks, along with mentorship and employment opportunities for students and early-career professionals. New sponsorship channels will support scholarships, PlastiVan and NextGen programs with more stable, long-term funding. 

“SPE stakeholders’ expertise will now have a larger stage in industry discussions, public outreach, and policy conversations. Combining SPE’s scientific and technical credibility with PLASTICS’ advocacy platform means the industry will speak with one voice – balanced, credible, and inclusive of the professional perspective,” SPE said in its press release. “...The combined scale ensures long-term financial stability, enabling us to expand services, scholarships, and technical programming without sacrificing quality.” 

PLASTICS supports the entire plastics supply chain, including equipment suppliers, material suppliers, processors and recyclers. It was founded in 1937 as the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI), and rebranded in 2016 as the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), in part to avoid confusion with SPE. 

SPE promotes scientific and engineering knowledge in the plastics industry through professional development, educational resources, technical journals and global conferences. According to its website, it was founded in 1942 and has more than 85,000 stakeholders in 84 countries, and includes technical, geographic and student chapters.