Merger of Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and Society of Plastics Engineers is finalized 

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) have finalized their merger agreement as of Jan. 1. 

Both executive committees have voted to approve the final agreement, which was announced in September following the recommendation of a joint task group. The plan brings SPE employees onto the staff of PLASTICS, creates a collaborative governance framework and establishes a timeline to integrate operations over the next six months to achieve shared goals. 

“Today marks a significant milestone and an important step forward for the entire plastics industry,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “By formally aligning PLASTICS and SPE as a unified organization, we are combining deep technical expertise with strong industry leadership to better serve our members and strengthen the plastics value chain. This decision is the result of months of collaboration and underscores our shared commitment to innovation, workforce development and ensuring plastics continue to deliver meaningful solutions.” 

“SPE is excited and proud to announce our formal integration with the Plastics Industry Association,” added Patrick Farrey, executive VP of SPE and chief integration officer. “For SPE members, this marks a new chapter of opportunity. Our technical expertise and professional development programs will now reach a broader audience, strengthened by the resources, advocacy and global platform PLASTICS provides. We are ‘Better Together’ and are well-equipped to continue supporting plastics professionals while advancing the industry as a whole.” 

Farrey spoke in more depth about the merger for Plastics Machinery & Manufacturing's "In Other Words" feature; watch for it on our website and in your January print edition.

As a division of PLASTICS, SPE will be governed by an executive committee modeled after its current leadership structure. SPE members will retain membership status, benefits and professional identity within the new division. Divisions, sections and chapters will continue, as will technical conferences such as ANTEC. 

Additional information is available at plasticsindustry.org/bettertogether.