SPE Product Design and Development DivisionBe sure to visit our events page to see everything that is coming up! From an Injection Molding Innovation Summit to NPE, the largest plastics show that comes around every 3 years!
Visit our Events Page: Events from October 12 – May 3, 2027 – SPE Product Design and Development Division
The Mold Technologies Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc has established three Permanently Endowed Scholarships for Degree Candidates in Plastics Engineering Technologies, Plastics Engineering Sciences, and Tooling/Manufacturing Engineering Technologies, especially Plastic Mold / Tooling Engineering.
The Scholarships “Mold Technologies Division Scholarship” are available to students at the following universities:
•Penn College of Technology – Williamsport, PA
•Western Carolina University – Cullowhee, NC
•Western Washington University – Bellingham, WA
Applications will be administered through the Scholarship Office at the respective universities.
The Division has set certain criteria for scholarship awards including:
•Bachelor of Science/Arts Degrees in related Plastics/Tooling Major Programs
•Journey Level Credentials in the Trades of Mold Making, Mold Design, and/or Mold Repair/Maintenance Technicians
Scholarship Awards shall be based on the following criteria, in order of importance:
•Students seeking to convert Journey Level Credentials to a Related Degree Program shall be given higher consideration in the application review process.
•Students employed in the Mold Making Industry in one of the three sub-sets while working towards a degree in a Related Degree Program shall be given higher consideration in the application review process.
•Students that have completed a tour of service in the United States Military and are working towards a degree in a Mold Making Industry Related Degree Program shall be given higher consideration in the application review process.
•Students working towards a degree in a Mold Making or Plastics Manufacturing Program shall be open for consideration in the awarding of scholarships from the endowed fund.
•Financial Need based on FAFSA Scoring and Family Contribution should be considered when making distribution of endowed funds.
Students should contact the Financial Aid Office at the respective universities for more information.
These scholarships are in keeping with the overarching mission of the division by:
•Providing a legacy of supporting higher education through the awarding of a scholarship
•Supporting the academic development of Tooling / Plastics Professionals through ongoing funding of academic pursuits in those areas of the manufacturing world.
For additional information on the purpose of the scholarships and other “Open” scholarship opportunities please contact Mold Technologies Division Education Chair: Michael “Mick” Guistino or Education Associate Chair: Christopher “Chris” MacDonald at MoldTechnologiesDiv@Outlook.com.
Microplastics are not a future concern—they’re under increasing regulatory scrutiny, public pressure, and scientific focus now. The question isn’t whether action is needed—it’s how fast the industry can respond with real, scalable solutions.
SPE is seeking experts to present at the Microplastics Forum (October 20–21, 2026, in Baltimore, MD) and put their work at the center of one of our most urgent and rapidly evolving issues.
Submit Your Abstract Here
We are seeking:
Key topics include:
As a speaker, you will help inform how industry, regulators, and researchers tackle microplastics in real terms and to elevate your work in front of stakeholders actively seeking actionable solutions.
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: June 26, 2026
Final Presentations Due: September 30, 2026
SPE’s ANTEC to Drive Technical Education at NPE2027 as Part of Integrated Expo+ Education Experience
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
Read the full article HERE
April 14, 15 & 17, 2026 | Online
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET (each day)
Learn More Here
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:
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:
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:
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.
Registration is now OPEN for UMass Lowell’s
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 |