Plastics Industry Association and Society of Plastics Engineers to join forces

The Plastics Industry Association (Plastics), Washington, and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), Danbury, Connecticut, have announced a merger to represent the plastics supply chain.  

Both companies voted on the recommendation for a potential merger last week, which the companies say was presented under the banner of “Better Together," outlining how the industry and organization members could benefit from the collaboration.  

“This is a historic day for the plastics industry,” Plastics President and CEO Matt Seaholm says. “By bringing our organizations together we’re creating a stronger, more connected platform to serve our members and advance the industry.”  

The organizations say the merger will be finalized by the end of 2025. SPE will then become a division of Plastics, governed by an executive committee modeled after SPE’s current leadership structure, with full operational integration expected to begin Jan. 1, 2026.  

Plastics says SPE members will retain their membership status, benefits and identity within the new division.  

“SPE is excited to be joining forces with Plastics,” SPE CEO Patrick Farrey says. “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.” 

Farrey will join Plastics as its executive vice president and chief integration officer to lead the transition. 

A dedicated landing page for the merger is now available with more information.