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SPE’s ANTEC to Drive Technical Education at NPE2027 as Part of Integrated Expo+ Education Experience

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Washington, D.C.  — The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) today announced that the technical education program for NPE2027 will be powered by ANTEC®, the Society of Plastics Engineers’ (SPE) annual technical conference. The ANTEC® technical tracks, combined with other education sessions, will be presented as part of the Expo+ experience at the NPE2027 trade show.

This integration brings ANTEC®’s rigorously curated technical content directly into the broader NPE program for the first time. As part of the Expo+ experience, ANTEC® programming will be included with Expo+ registration, creating a unified platform that combines technical depth with large-scale industry engagement.

The collaboration reflects the combined capabilities of PLASTICS and SPE following their recent merger and is designed to strengthen the connection between technical knowledge and commercial applications across the plastics value chain.

“When we said these organizations are better together, this is exactly the kind of collaboration we had in mind,” said Matt Seaholm, President & CEO of PLASTICS. “By integrating ANTEC into NPE2027, we’re bringing the industry’s leading technical expertise directly onto its largest global stage—connecting research, innovation, and real-world application in one place. This is a natural culmination of these two organizations coming together and represents a meaningful step forward in how we serve the plastics community.”

For NPE attendees, the addition of ANTEC® provides access to in-depth technical content aligned with the innovations on display across the show floor. Topics will include areas such as AI-enabled processing, advanced recycling, sustainability, bioplastics, injection molding, additive manufacturing, polymer analysis, design, and materials performance—offering practical insight into current technologies and emerging developments.

For ANTEC® attendees and the SPE community, integration into NPE expands the reach and visibility of technical work by connecting researchers, engineers, and scientists with a broader, global audience that includes manufacturers, brand owners, and decision-makers.

Sarah Morgan, a natural talent from a trades family, excels in her third-year apprenticeship at R&D Leverage, mastering machining, project management and inspiring the next generation.

Scott Peters, Mold Technologies Division Chair with the Society of Plastics Engineers, presents Sarah Morgan of R&D Leverage with the 2026 Apprentice of the Year Award. Source: PTXPO

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April 14, 15 & 17, 2026 | Online
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET (each day)

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Do you struggle to identify the real root cause of molding defects? Are you tired of relying on guesswork, intuition, or tribal knowledge?

Do you want to reduce scrap, stabilize processes, shorten startups, and justify process settings with data instead of trial‑and‑error?

If you’re troubleshooting molding defects by trial-and-error, you’re losing time and margin. This three-day, practice-oriented workshop delivers a structured, repeatable approach to process optimization—built specifically for injection molding professionals.

This program is for you if you need to:

• Identify the true root causes of defects
• Reduce scrap and stabilize processes
• Shorten start-ups
• Replace guesswork with data
• Justify process settings with measurable ROI

Rather than theory-heavy lectures, this workshop focuses on machine-side Design of Experiments (DoE)—practical tools you can apply immediately. Across three focused 90-minute sessions, you will learn how to plan, execute, and interpret efficient experiments that deliver meaningful insight into part quality, process robustness, and optimization opportunities.

You’ll leave with a practical DoE toolkit that strengthens decision-making, improves consistency, and enhances competitiveness.

Are you being asked to distinguish science-based biodegradability from unsupported claims?

Learn More Here

Do you need to verify compostability against ASTM and ISO standards?

Can you confidently interpret biodegradation curves, estimate t₉₀, and assess performance beyond controlled lab conditions?

If you’re responsible for evaluating, specifying, or defending biodegradable and compostable plastics, you need more than marketing language—you need data.

SPE Online Workshop: The Science & Technology of Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics
April 7–9, 2026
11:00 AM–1:00 PM ET (each day)

This workshop provides a rigorous, standards-based examination of polymer biodegradation and compostability, grounded in measurable end-of-life outcomes.

You will gain:

• Clear understanding of biochemical and physicochemical mechanisms governing polymer biodegradation
• Direct insight into ASTM and ISO test methods, including the >90% carbon-to-CO₂ conversion requirement
• Practical tools to interpret biodegradation data and model t₉₀ values for soil and marine environments
• Evidence-based analysis of common misconceptions, including unsupported claims around oxo-additives and enzyme-modified polyolefins
• Quantified perspective on how certified compostable polymers contribute to organics diversion and greenhouse gas mitigation
• Exposure to emerging technologies, including instrumented bioreactor composting systems

If your organization is making sustainability claims, developing materials, advising customers, or evaluating regulatory compliance, this workshop equips you with defensible, technically sound answers.

Are you navigating increasing regulatory pressure around flame retardant (FR) use and chemical safety? Do you struggle to evaluate new FR technologies, alternatives, and additive packages with confidence? Are you looking for clearer guidance on testing requirements, compliance expectations, and material performance across industries?

If you’re responsible for evaluating FR technologies, selecting additives, or ensuring compliance across industries, then you need to be at SPE’s National Week of Flame Retardants 2026, taking place online March 23-25 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm ET each day.

This three-day program delivers a focused, technical overview of:

• Halogen-free flame retardant innovations and material performance tradeoffs
• The evolving regulatory landscape impacting FR use and chemical safety
• Current testing standards and compliance expectations across key industries

At SPE’s National Week of Flame Retardants, you’ll hear directly from flame retardant technical experts, regulatory specialists, and major suppliers—and gain practical insights that you can apply to your processes immediately.

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Registration is now OPEN for UMass Lowell’s

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Plastics Engineering Seminars!

Whether you are in engineering, sales and marketing, or research and development, join us for a seminar on various topics.

Register soon to secure your spot! Click the date to learn more and enroll.

PROCESSING

Robust Processing Development and Scientific Molding

Suhas Kulkarni | Offered June 3-5

Injection Molding

Dr. Stephen Johnston | Offered June 8-12 and July 13-17

Liquid Silicone Rubber Injection Molding

Dr. Matthew Bont | Offered July 8-9

Extrusion

Drs. Carol Barry & Anne Soucy | Offered July 20-22

Plastics Twin-Screw Extrusion and Compounding NEW!

Dr. Meg Sobkowicz Kline | Offered July 23-24

DESIGN

Plastic Part Design for Injection Molding

Dr. Stephen Johnston | Offered June 1-4 and July 7-10

MATERIALS

Plastics in Medical Devices

Drs. Meg Sobkowicz Kline & Amy Peterson | Offered June 29-July 1

Plastics Materials

Dr. Akshay Kokil | Offered June 15-18 and August 24-27

Thermoplastic Elastomers NEW! Drs. Joey Mead & Jinde Zhang | Offered June 1-2

Soon, you’ll receive a “Call for Nominations” for open positions on the SPE Board of Directors. This is not just a general request. It’s a sincere invitation for you to consider serving as an SPE Director. SPE needs thoughtful, diverse, passionate, engaged plastics professionals to help us chart the course for the Society’s continued contributions to industry. Whether you have five or fifty years of experience doesn’t matter. What matters is that you’re willing to contribute your time, ideas, and energy to the success of SPE and its members. But, you might ask, what’s in it for you? Serving on the board of directors for a professional society offers numerous benefits and opportunities. Here are several: Professional Development: Being part of a board allows you to enhance your leadership and management skills. You’ll gain valuable experience in strategic planning, decision-making, financial oversight, and governance, which can be beneficial for your career advancement. Networking: Serving on a board provides exceptional networking opportunities. You’ll have the chance to connect and collaborate with other professionals who share your interests and goals. These connections can lead to valuable partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and career advancements. Industry Influence: By serving on a professional society’s board, you can actively contribute to shaping the direction and policies of your industry or field. Your insights and expertise can influence decision-making, advocacy efforts, and the development of best practices. This allows you to have a direct impact on the profession you care about. Knowledge Sharing: Serving on a board enables you to contribute to the sharing of knowledge and expertise within your professional community. You can participate in organizing conferences, workshops, and educational programs that promote learning and professional development. It’s an opportunity to contribute to the growth and advancement of your field. Personal Fulfillment: Volunteering your time and expertise to serve on a board can be personally rewarding. It gives you a sense of fulfillment knowing that you’re making a meaningful contribution to your professional community. It also allows you to give back to the profession that has shaped your career. Professional Visibility: Board membership provides increased visibility within your industry or field. It positions you as a leader and expert, which can open doors to speaking engagements, publishing opportunities, and invitations to prestigious events. This increased visibility can raise your professional profile and enhance your reputation. Access to Resources: As a board member, you’ll gain access to resources, information, and tools that may not be readily available to others. This can include industry reports, research findings, funding opportunities, and other valuable resources that can benefit your professional development. Personal Growth and Learning: Serving on a board challenges you to learn and grow beyond your comfort zone. You’ll encounter new perspectives, engage in critical discussions, and expand your understanding of complex issues facing your profession. It’s an opportunity for personal growth and continuous learning.Ultimately, serving on the board of directors for a professional society allows you to contribute to your profession, develop as a leader, build a strong network, and make a positive impact. I would be happy to help you on your journey to serve! If you’d like to learn more about how to join the SPE Board of Directors, drop me an email. Whether you’re considering serving now or sometime in the future, I will gladly share my insights and suggestions for how to best achieve your goals.Best wishes,

Patrick Farrey CEO SPE – Inspiring Plastics Professionals Main: +1 203 740 5400 Direct: +1 203 740 5471 pfarrey@4spe.org www.4spe.org www.linkedin.com/in/farrey

Glenn Beall, a revered figure in the plastics industry and lifelong champion of innovation, mentorship, and education, passed away on July 24. His remarkable career spanned more than six decades, shaping the landscape of plastic part design with vision and integrity.

Beginning his journey at General Electric in 1957 after graduating from Bradley University, Beall’s pioneering work later transformed medical devices at Abbott Laboratories. He earned 35 patents, including 12 during his decade at Abbott, and became a cornerstone of modern product design through his own ventures—Glenn Beall/Engineering Inc. and Glenn Beall Plastics Ltd.

Beyond technical accomplishments, Beall’s legacy lies in his passion for sharing knowledge. He led hundreds of seminars for nearly 30,000 professionals, making design and processing accessible to generations of engineers. His contributions were recognized through his induction into the Plastics Hall of Fame and honors at the Antec 2024 symposium.

Glenn shared his life and work with his beloved wife Patsy, a fellow industry leader and co-founder, until her passing in 2014. Together, they served as a dynamic force in shaping the future of plastics.

Beall leaves behind an enduring legacy as an engineer, inventor, and mentor whose influence will resonate for years to come.

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/plastics-hall-of-fame_remembering-glenn-beall-19332025-glenn-activity-7355611540638633987-kg76/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAAetUUBNsxx7LCB0TQiUKJ8oz3S7YEdZX8

Plastics Engineering honors Glenn Beall’s remarkable journey, highlighting his deep impact on design, education, and industry collaboration.

The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) respectfully acknowledges the passing of Mr. Glenn Beall on July 25. His remarkable legacy—marked by innovation, mentorship, and unwavering technical excellence—profoundly shaped generations of plastics professionals. For more than six decades, Mr. Beall championed the advancement of the industry and helped shape SPE into a global community for education, collaboration, and innovation. His impact will continue to inspire for years to come.

A Career Forged in Innovation

Glenn Beall launched his plastics career after earning a Bachelor of Science from Bradley University in 1957 and joining Abbott Laboratories. There, he contributed to the development of disposable drug delivery systems, which earned him 12 patents and demonstrated his inventive approach. This early success encouraged him to establish Glenn Beall Engineering, Inc., and later Glenn Beall Plastics, Ltd., expanding his design leadership. Through these ventures, he advanced critical innovations, and over his lifetime, he earned 35 patents in plastics design and manufacturing processes. Consequently, Mr. Beall helped define modern engineering standards for plastic components, leaving a technical legacy that continues to influence today’s practices.

Educating Thousands Through Clear Communication

Although Mr. Beall was an inventor, he was equally known for his commitment to educating others across the plastics industry. He delivered more than 650 technical seminars, reaching nearly 30,000 professionals and bridging the gap between theory and practical application. Because of his teaching style, he empowered engineers, designers, and students to understand complex processes in accessible, actionable ways. His impact as an educator ensured his teachings would ripple through future generations of plastics professionals and product innovators.

A Lifelong SPE Leader and Advocate

Mr. Beall joined SPE in 1960 and played a vital leadership role, serving as president of the Chicago Chapter by 1967. He helped establish multiple SPE divisions, always striving to strengthen the society’s technical scope and support professional development. SPE named him a Fellow in 1985 and Distinguished Member in 1990, recognizing his lasting contributions to plastics education and service. In 2024, SPE hosted the Glenn Beall Symposium at ANTEC®, honoring his impact across molding, thermoforming, design, and additive manufacturing.

Championing Plastics History and Design

Mr. Beall also contributed extensively to technical publishing as an editor and author for key journals and handbooks in the field. He served as a strong voice for rotational molding, collaborating with the Association of Rotational Molders to advance the technology’s reach. He was deeply involved with the Plastics Pioneers Association, where he helped preserve industry heritage through Syracuse University’s Plastics Collection. Because of his efforts, generations to come can trace the roots of innovation through carefully preserved archives and thoughtful documentation.

A Lasting Legacy of Leadership

In 1997, Glenn Beall was inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame, honoring a lifetime of invention, education, and industry service. His passing closes an extraordinary chapter, but his teachings and leadership continue to inspire the global plastics community today. The Society of Plastics Engineers honors Mr. Beall for his lifelong service, unmatched curiosity, and unwavering dedication to the profession he loved.

By Juliana Montoya | July 28, 2025

https://www.plasticsengineering.org/2025/07/glenn-beall-a-legacy-of-innovation-education-and-leadership-in-plastics-009513

Glenn Beall, one of the plastics industry’s most influential pioneers whose contributions have shaped generations of plastics professionals, passed away on Thursday, July 24th.

An engineer, inventor, entrepreneur, educator, editor, and historian, Mr. Beall has spent over six decades elevating the practice and understanding of plastic product design and manufacturing.

After earning his Bachelor of Science from Bradley University in 1957, Mr. Beall began his career at Abbott Laboratories, where he helped design innovative disposable drug delivery systems. His work resulted in 12 patents and laid the foundation for a lifelong exploration into plastics processing. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led to the founding of Glenn Beall Engineering, Inc., and later Glenn Beall Plastics, Ltd., where he continued to influence the field through groundbreaking design and another 23 patents.

Mr. Beall’s dedication to knowledge-sharing is perhaps his most enduring legacy. Through more than 650 technical seminars, reaching nearly 30,000 professionals, he made complex concepts in design and processing accessible, practical, and widely adopted. His seminars not only advanced the field—they cultivated a generation of problem solvers.

A lifelong and highly engaged member of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) since 1960, Mr. Beall has held numerous leadership roles, including president of the Chicago Chapter in 1967. He was instrumental in founding key divisions and played an active role in guiding SPE’s mission to help plastics professionals succeed through strengthening their skills through networking, events, training, and knowledge sharing. In recognition of his achievements, he was named an SPE Fellow in 1985 and a Distinguished Member in 1990. In 1993, he received SPE’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Plastics Education.

In 2024, Mr. Beall was honored with the Glenn Beall Symposium at ANTEC®, SPE’s annual technical conference. Mr. Beall was featured as keynote speaker at the symposium, which also included speakers focused on various areas of his expertise, such as rotational molding, injection molding, design, additive manufacturing, thermoforming, and more.

Mr. Beall’s influence extended beyond SPE to the broader plastics community. He was an editorial force in publications such as Plastics Design Forum and Injection Molding. He also contributed his expertise to many handbooks and technical papers. He played a pivotal role in promoting rotational molding and was deeply involved with the Association of Rotational Molders.

His passion for preserving the industry’s history was evident in his work with the Plastics Pioneers Association, where he helped safeguard the Plastics Collection at Syracuse University, ensuring future generations can learn from the field’s evolution.

Inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 1997, Glenn Beall’s name is synonymous with excellence, mentorship, and the advancement of plastic part design. His work will continue to inspire and guide professionals across the globe—and his impact will be felt for generations to come.

https://www.4spe.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=9650