SPE now part of the Plastics Industry Association

The Washington-based Plastics Industry Association (Plastics) and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), Danbury, Connecticut, have finalized an agreement reached last September that involves SPE becoming a division of Plastics, creating what they say will be a unified organization representing the entire plastics supply chain.

Executive committees from both associations voted to approve a final agreement that endorses a recommendation developed by a joint task group charged with evaluating the combination of the two organizations.

The plan brings SPE employees onto the staff of Plastics to create a collaborative governance framework that establishes a six-month timeline to fully put in place a long-term structure for the merged entities.

A Plastics news release refers to 2026 as a period of integration for the two associations to align, work together and maximize value for their members.

“Today marks a significant milestone and an important step forward for the entire plastics industry,” Plastics President and CEO Matt Seaholm says. “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 will become a division of Plastics, governed by an executive committee modeled after SPE’s current leadership structure, and members of SPE will retain their membership status, benefits and professional identity within the new division.

“SPE is excited and proud to announce our formal integration with the Plastics Industry Association,” says Patrick Farrey, executive vice president of SPE and chief integration officer for the combination. “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.”

In terms of leadership, Farrey has joined Plastics as executive vice president of SPE and chief integration officer, leading the transition in a manner designed to ensure continuity for SPE programs, members and stakeholders.

A dedicated landing page with additional information about the merger and its effects is on the Plastics website.

Plastics consists of equipment suppliers, material suppliers, processors, recyclers and other companies that support the plastics supply chain that together employ more than 1 million people, while SPE promotes scientific and engineering knowledge in the plastics industry for its more than  85,000 stakeholders in 84 countries.